ABOUT FREEDOM HOUSE

Established more than 80 years ago on the core conviction that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people, Freedom House is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to defend and expand freedom globally to help secure a world where all are free. Around the world, repressive regimes are preventing billions of people from exercising their fundamental rights. We identify and analyze threats to freedom, mobilize decision makers to respond to those threats and seize opportunities for progress, and support activists and organizations working to defend and expand freedom. We are dedicated to ensuring that the United States serves as a positive model of democratic practice at home and a consistent champion of freedom globally. By gathering authoritative data and leveraging our global networks, Freedom House is an unwavering beacon in protecting human rights and promoting democratic governance.

All Freedom House employees possess a deep and unwavering commitment to nonpartisanship, with a sustained dedication to the mission of Freedom House. We have a strong work ethic and a keen desire for both personal and professional development. The team is also dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Assistant for Freedom House’s International Programs Division provides administrative, logistical, and communications support to the Vice President for International Programs (VP, IP), as well as cross division and larger organizational support and coordination, to meet division, program, and organizational goals and objectives.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative Support for the VP, IP:

• Management of the VP, IP’s entire calendar, including scheduling internal and external meetings, and managing all travel logistics.
• Complete travel security authorizations, travel authorizations, travel accommodations bookings and management, full expense report management and reconciliations, and credit card reconciliation reports promptly.
• Act as a liaison between the VP, IP and internal and external stakeholders, including all levels of staff, donors, partners, and government officials,
• In consultation with the VP, IP, handle inquiries, requests, and sensitive issues in a professional manner; prepare routine, complex, and confidential memoranda, correspondence, reports, and other material.
• Provide accurate, and concise summaries of pertinent information following division, team, executive, and/or external meetings and events, and circulate and follow-up on action items.
• Create, maintain, and update information, reports, and other documents, systems, and processes as required, at the full range of levels of discretion (public, internal, confidential)
• Division Support and Coordination:
• Prepare a variety of public and private correspondence, reports, talking points and social media content relating to the VP, IP’s engagements and activities, as well as for other IPD leaders.
• Lead the planning and execution of meetings, workshops, and IPD and other cross- divisional events of all sizes by preparing and managing agendas, panel questions, participant/guest communications, content, logistics, event set-up and break-down, follow-up, and when needed, catering.
• Draft public communication and social media content on various platforms for the VP, IP’s personal accounts; work closely with the Communications Department to ensure content advances the mission of the organization.
• Research information and summarize findings related to new and special IPD initiatives, as requested. May be asked to present findings to internal audiences.
• Consolidate data and gather preliminary evidence for the VP, IP’s publishing and/or speaking opportunities; provide drafting and editing support in the review stage of supporting materials.
• Support proposal and bid processes, as requested, which may include documentation management, cross-divisional coordination of information and timelines, and limited drafting of documentation.
• Support regional and thematic programs within IPD, Operations, Finance, Communications, and other departments, with various tasks and projects as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, social sciences, human rights or related field preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 1 year of administrative support, project management, and written communications experience as an assistant to a department leader or senior executive.
• Experience or interest in democracy, advocacy, and promotion of human rights, particularly in the NGO sector.

Technical Skills and Abilities:

• Fluent verbal communication skills in English and Spanish language preferred. Relevant skills in other languages a plus.
• Ability to write and edit error-free professional communications, presentations, social media, reports, and other materials in English and Spanish.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively interact with people with a wide range of political and social views, from varied backgrounds and experiences, and in varied positions internal and external to Freedom House.
• Skilled in establishing trusted, cross-organizational partnerships; maintaining and managing highly confidential information; using expert judgment when dealing with internal and external constituents.
• Superb attention to detail, balanced against consistent production of timely, error-free work.
• Strong ability to plan, organize, and prioritize under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to conduct basic internet research, including qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• Demonstrated skills in developing documents and manipulating data in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel. Experience with SharePoint management helpful.
• Strong willingness and capability to take on additional tasks when required, work independently without supervision to problem-solve, [SR1] [GB2] and to coordinate the efforts of other professionals to effectively meet objectives in a timely manner.
• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and exhibit unquestionable integrity, honesty, and forthrightness.
• Ability to respond promptly to inquiries courteously and professionally.
• Ability to successfully work collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, external partners, and funders.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Freedom House established core values are belonging, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and respect. Through these values we prioritize creating a supportive and inclusive environment, emphasize collective efforts for success, are dedicated to high-quality impactful work, uphold trust through courage and honesty, and treat everyone with dignity while appreciating their unique contributions.
• Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diverse experiences and perspectives connected to the various jurisdictions in which Freedom House has programming are a welcome asset.
• Applicants should complete our online application form and submit a resume and a cover letter outlining interests and qualifications for this position.
• Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States independent from Freedom House sponsorship.

COMPENSATION & REWARDS:

• Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. The salary range for this role is $48,000 to $53,000 annualized, depending upon experience.
• We are consistently working to retain and attract top talent to contribute to our continual growth. We are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:
• Multiple medical plans, dental, and vision insurance available on the first date of hire
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to a 10% employer match
• $1,500 yearly professional development reimbursement for work-related trainings courses or memberships directly related to employee’s position.
• Generous Leave Programs
  • Annual paid time off that grows with your employment: 15 days for 0-2 years, 20 days for 3-5 years, 25 days for 6+ years. Director level and above start at 25 days.
  • Sick Leave: 10 days per year, unlimited roll over year to year
  • 14 paid holidays with the ability to float the day later within the same calendar year
  • Parental leave: 20 days paid
  • Bereavement: 3 days paid
  • Jury duty: 30 days paid
• Flexible, hybrid work culture with slow down weeks and “no meeting Fridays”
• Supply annual allocation benefit: $210 for the purchase of home office equipment
• Mental health and well-being services through KonTerra Group
• Free gym at the DC office
• Flexible spending accounts
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Supplemental/Voluntary life insurance
• Employee assistance program

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a hybrid work arrangement considered.
• May require long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks.
• Travel to some countries, for business or in some cases personal reasons, while a Freedom House employee, may not be advisable or even possible due to high security risks.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.