Access Now is hiring an
About Access Now
Access Now is an international human rights organization dedicated to defending and extending the digital rights of people and communities at risk around the world. By combining direct technical support, strategic advocacy, grassroots grantmaking, and convenings such as RightsCon, the organization fights for human rights in the digital age.
Since its founding in 2009, Access Now has grown into a team of more than 130 experts working to advance our mission in centers of political power, technical innovation, and civic action around the world, including across Africa, Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA), the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East/North Africa (MENA), and the United States. It has matured into one of the world's leading NGOs in the digital rights sector.
Every day, Access Now sees the emergence of new technologies and digital tools with the potential to disrupt human rights. To mitigate the threats as they emerge, the organization has its eyes on both today’s developments and the horizon, reacting to what we see and anticipating what lies ahead. With the indispensable support of partners, donors, and allies, Access Now fights to defend inclusive and pluralist democracies; preserve spaces for civil society to flourish; and empower individuals to control their own information, privacy, and identities in data-driven societies.
About the Role
The Executive Director will take the reins of an established organization with a proven track record for achieving results and in its second year of its current five year plan (2022-2027). They will have ultimate responsibility for the delivery of the organizational mission (“to defend and extend the digital rights of people and communities at risk around the world”) and for the success of an ambitious grassroots-to-global program that aims to shift the way that human rights are experienced in the digital age. Additionally, the Executive Director will oversee the growth of the organization, ensure its financial viability through uncertain economic times, and serve as a global leader and ambassador for its diverse team of experts, activists, and technologists.
We are looking for a highly capable, intuitive leader who has a lived experience and/or extensive knowledge of the issues to which Access Now is committed to, as well as a significant track record in the field of digital rights and/or a deep understanding of the human rights framework. They must have the ability to navigate grassroots activist spaces as easily as global multilateral fora.
Given the breadth of topics that Access Now addresses, as well as our grassroots-to-global model, the ideal candidate should have a solid understanding of global political and digital trends and frameworks, as well as a strong appreciation and respect for regional and local nuance. They must moreover have a demonstrated belief in an open, secure, and rights-respecting digital sphere, be able to spot relevant technology developments, and know how to triage and prioritize.
Importantly, they should be able to inspire and lead a team that spans the globe and is on the frontlines of the fight for human rights in the digital age. They should have the ability to motivate the team, delegate effectively, celebrate diversity, manage performance, and attract and recruit top talent. They should be a strong and generous advocate of the professional careers of others and support the growth and development of the team wholeheartedly.
The successful candidate should have experience in fundraising and raising the resources needed to sustain an organization. They should know how to pitch a potential donor, liaise with existing donors, and report back to those entities that grant money to Access Now. They should be comfortable engaging with the philanthropic sector, but never at the expense of the organization’s independence, programmatic autonomy, or reputation.
As the chief executive of Access Now, the Executive Director is the primary leader interfacing with the Board of Directors and its subcommittees, including the Finance Subcommittee. The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors, and supervises the following direct reports: Chief Operating Officer; Executive Assistant; and the Directors of Development; Legal; Campaigns & Rapid Response; Policy & International Programs; Communications & Engagement; Helpline; and RightsCon. The Executive Director is also responsible for leading the senior management team at Access Now and for building strong and genuine working relationships with relevant regional and programmatic staff.
Applicants should have a high degree of integrity and forethought in their approach to decision making; act with transparency and accountability; be capable of adapting to and leading others through complex situations; and always take into account what is best for the organization. Above all, the Executive Director should be self-reflective and aware of their own limitations; lead by example; and drive the organization to continuously improve by being open to feedback about the organization’s practices and ways of working.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
This is an unrivaled opportunity to take the reins of an established and unique global organization at the intersection of technology and human rights around the world. As the chief executive of Access Now, the Executive Director is ultimately responsible for the organization’s mission, program, strategy, and values; its fundraising, finances, and operations; its partnerships and communications; the management of its team; and its governance.
Mission, Vision, Strategy, and Values
Fundraising, Finances, and Operations
Partnerships, Program, and Communications
Team Management and Organizational Culture
Board Governance
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics
Location
This is a full-time position with a strong preference for the successful candidate to ultimately be based in (or relocate to) a location where Access Now has an established presence and staff (San José, Costa Rica; New York, USA; Brussels, Belgium; or Berlin, Germany). Candidates from all regions are encouraged to apply. Relocation support is available for the right candidate. At this time most Access Now team members are working through hybrid office arrangements, combining remote at-home work with intermittent use of offices and/or co-working spaces. Regular travel will be required.
Remuneration
Access Now offers competitive compensation and benefits packages that align competitively with locations and regions around the world. Salary for this role varies depending on location and experience, and begins at:
How To Apply
Please submit the following documents no later than March 31, 2024:
Résumé/CV (removing all personally identifying information such as age, gender, marital status, address, and photo); and
Thoughtful cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, with particular attention to your experience with the core functions.
Please note that our Strategic Vision will be shared with applicants during the interview process.