Deputy Director in charge of Advocacy (RSF USA)


Deputy Director in charge of Advocacy

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:

The Deputy Director will support the implementation of  RSF USA’s  strategy and will lead advocacy-focused initiatives linked to press freedom and the freedom of expression in the U.S., Canada, and English-speaking Caribbean nations. This work will take place under the supervision of RSF USA’s Executive Director and in close coordination with RSF’s Paris-based headquarters.

 

This highly skilled, passionate, and collaborative leader, with an international profile, will be responsible for amplifying RSF’s international work.As a Deputy Director, they/she/he will also work on cross-cutting activities in support of the Executive Director. 

 

Working in close coordination with RSF’s International Advocacy team in Paris, the Washington D.C.-based Deputy Director in charge of Advocacy 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.

They/She/He should be able to develop and nurture professional relationships with their counterparts at NGOs, think tanks, academic institutions, and within the U.S. government. In close coordination with colleagues in D.C., Paris, and around the world, they will also develop speaking points, 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. 

Qualifications:

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

  • A Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Journalism, Communications, or a related field. (Candidates with equivalent work experience will be considered.)
  • Experience working for  a civil society organization (such as a non-profit or think tank) or public sector institution (such as the State Department or Congress) 
  • Proven track record in partner engagement, mobilizing initiatives, and fundraising 
  • Experience 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  
  • High level of media competency and experience engaging with and serving as a spokesperson
  • 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:

  • Some domestic and overseas travel should be expected (public health and safety conditions permitting)
  • Fluency in English and French is required  
  • Other languages are a plus but not required. 

Please submit a cover letter and your resume in PDF format to: [email protected] and [email protected] with the subject line “Deputy Director in charge of Advocacy Application” by the 15th of October, 2021. 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: $80,000 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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