Advocacy Manager at RSF USA

Advocacy Manager at RSF USA

RSF USA’s mission and mandate:

Reporters Without Borders, known internationally as Reporters sans frontieres (RSF), is the leading global organization promoting freedom, pluralism and independence of journalism, in particular by coming to the defense of those who embody these ideals. With an international headquarters in Paris, France, RSF is made up of a vast international network of 13 offices around the world (incl. Berlin, Brussels, Dakar, London, Rio, Taipei, Tunis, and Washington D.C.) plus correspondents and local partners in 130 countries. RSF is a truly international nonprofit with a unique, global perspective on press freedom issues in the digital era. Based in Washington D.C., RSF USA implements all types of RSF activities in the U.S. It responds to global information chaos, press freedom violations, and increasing threats to democracy through a five-point strategic approach:

A naming and shaming strategy that encompasses impactful, public advocacy tools

Direct engagement and dialogue with high level officials, including repressive regimes

Strategic litigation at both the international and national levels

Empowerment, capacity-building, and support to local partners

Multilateral and multi-stakeholder solutions, including normative initiatives

 

About the role:

Working in close coordination with RSF’s International Advocacy Desk in Paris, the Washington D.C.-based Advocacy Manager has a unique opportunity to help develop and promote RSF’s international and domestic agendas, as well as facilitate connections with some of the world's top influencers and mobilize the support of like-minded, prominent NGO groups around RSF initiatives.

The Advocacy Manager’s role includes creating compelling advocacy strategies and establishing working relationships with key influencers. They/She/He should be able to develop and nurture professional relationships with their counterparts at NGOs, think tanks, academic institutions, and on Capitol Hill. In close coordination with colleagues in D.C., Paris, and around the world, they will also develop speaking points, newsletter content, opinion articles, and reactive messaging on issues of concern and areas where RSF USA seeks to shape the public debate. Notably, they/she/he will support advocacy around flagship digital projects, such as the

Information and Democracy Initiative and the Journalism Trust Initiative. This is a growth-focused role for an extremely motivated individual possessing at least three to five years of professional experience, ideally in an advocacy or outreach position, who is ready to roll up their sleeves and join a small but deeply motivated team in D.C. that is working to address some of the most pressing issues of our time.

Responsibilities:

Advocacy programs and campaigns

These activities include but are not limited to: solidarity campaigns, advocacy on behalf of journalists killed, detained, or held hostage abroad, and advising on press freedom initiatives, policies, and legislation.

The Advocacy Manager will be responsible for:

- maintaining and expanding RSF’s partner contacts, including within the US government (ex. State Department and Capitol Hill), multilateral entities, academic institutions, and U.S.-based NGOs, especially those that also work on issues related to press freedom.

- representing RSF USA at panels and round table discussions, for example at the State Department, think tanks, and academic institutions, as well as contributing to briefings, for instance for Congressional staff, on thematic priorities, regional, and county-specific issues, and the cases of individual journalists.

- liaising with other press freedom organizations on joint advocacy projects - from drafting legislation to organizing panels and workshops.

- adapting and implementing RSF’s international campaigns for target audiences in the U.S., Canada, and contexts in the Caribbean where English is spoken. Monitoring, reporting, and analysis Research, report, and write analyses, public awareness materials, speeches and statements, and policy briefs.

- Contribute to RSF’s annual World Press Freedom Index (RSF’s flagship publication and a key advocacy tool) including its regional and country analyses.

- Prepare talking points and Q&A documents on specific issues, such as how to address information chaos or the role of social media platforms in the digital news ecosystem.

- As the subject matter expert, the Advocacy Manager may occasionally be called upon to provide quotes for press releases, draft opinion pieces, or speak directly to members of the media.

Thought leadership Stay abreast of important and cutting edge developments in the journalistic space, including changes to U.S. policy, internet regulation, draft legislation, and other existing and emerging challenges. Contribute to positioning RSF at the forefront of advanced thinking on issues related to media and democracy, as well as provide thought leadership to senior staff. They/He/She will be asked to contribute to internal and external briefings on a range of issues, as well as support initiatives designed to inform current and prospective donors.

Management

Help recruit and coordinate the work of RSF USA’s local correspondents in Canada and the Caribbean.

 

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have three to five years of professional experience and a combination of the following:

● Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

● Experience working for a public sector institution (such as the State Department or Congress) or with a civil society organization (such as a non-profit or think tank)

● Experience in developing and implementing advocacy strategies

● Experience planning and managing advocacy campaigns, initiatives, and events

● Experience studying or working in a multicultural or international setting The ideal candidate will have the following skills and knowledge:

● Strong project management skills

● Knowledge of press freedom issues and challenges (strongly preferred)

● Exceptional communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills

● Adept at networking and cultivating professional relationships outside of the organization

● Ability to innovate, adapt, and problem solve

● Knowledge of issues related to the First Amendment, social media platforms, new technologies, and combating disinformation in the digital era would be a big plus. Travel, languages, and work permit:

● Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States

● Some domestic and overseas travel should be expected (public health and safety

conditions permitting)

● Fluency in English is required

● RSF’s HQ is based in France and the majority of meetings with HQ counterparts take place in French. A high proportion of internal written exchanges are also in French. As such, candidates who are fluent in French (or can comfortably read, understand, and speak French in a professional setting) will be strongly considered for the role

● Other languages are a plus but not required.

Please submit a cover letter and your resume in PDF format to: [email protected] with the subject line “Advocacy Manager Application”. Applicants are welcome to submit their documents in English or French.

 

Location: Some regular telework is an option for this position, however, the successful candidate will be able to attend internal and external meetings in-person in Washington D.C. and spend 2 to 3 days per week in RSF USA’s D.C. office.

 

Salary: $60,000 per year

 

Benefits: RSF USA offers a strong benefits package, which includes five weeks of paid vacation per year plus public holidays and additional paid sick leave, as well as employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision insurance, and an optional 401(K).

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