What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Director, Democracy position at Heinrich Böll Stiftung Washington, DC?
The Heinrich Böll Foundation, Washington, DC is welcoming applications for the position of Program Director for its Democracy Program. The Democracy Program explores the challenges and changes in US and European democracies. It focuses on the radicalization of the Right and attacks on liberal democracy in the US, Canada, and parts of Europe; sheds light on new social movements and justice protests seeking to create more inclusive and pluralistic democracies; and works to understand how the consequences of the climate crisis and the necessary transformation of our economies, infrastructure and way of life are changing our democracies.
The Democracy Program supports people, movements, and ideas that strive to modernize and defend the principles of pluralistic, liberal democracy. Through events, publications and study tours, we bring together policymakers, civil society organizations, experts and activists from the US, Canada, Germany and across the EU who are engaged in countering the anti-democratic forces of our time and are building more resilient and inclusive democracies on both sides of the Atlantic.
The anticipated start date for this position is May 2025.
Responsibilities
The Program Director will be responsible for all program-related activities. Specifically, she/he/they will
- design the strategic vision for the program’s goals and activities, in close coordination with the executive director
- organize, coordinate and implement the program’s activities including conferences, workshops, study tours and visitor programs
- provide expert analysis to key partners and to the interested public
- undertake relevant policy research and writing, including for external publication
- identify and build partnerships in the US and Europe with relevant hbs offices, US and European institutions, and international organizations
- represent the program to the media
- manage the program’s website publications, including regular updates, preparation of reports, and other information
- manage program funds in close cooperation with the Finance Manager, including budget planning and expense monitoring
- conduct monitoring and evaluation for program activities
Required Qualifications
- Oral and written fluency in English
- Relevant graduate degree
- Relevant work and/or academic experience
- Strong grasp of the political developments impacting the health and resilience of democracies in the US, Canada and Europe
- Strong critical/strategic thinking and excellent writing skills
- Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail
- Diplomatic, collaborative, and experienced in building and managing partnerships
- Creative, self-directed, and responsible work attitude
- Appreciation for working in international and culturally diverse team settings
- Sensitivity for issues of gender equality, racial justice, and intersectionality
- Genuine interest in the values and mission of the green movement and the Heinrich Böll Foundation
Preferred Qualifications
Having the qualifications below will strengthen an application. However, candidates without these qualifications are still welcome to apply.
- Oral and written fluency in German
- Strong public speaking skills and experience moderating/speaking on panels, in media interviews, and other public fora
- An understanding of German and/or European green movements and parties, and a network of relevant connections
- Relevant connections to progressive social movements and activists
- Proven research, writing, and editing skills, for example through publications
- Experience in managing a program budget
Note on work experience: program directors come with different levels of job experience. Successful candidates tend to have a minimum of 5 years of work experience. However, we welcome applications from candidates with more and less experience and adjust salaries accordingly.
We offer:
- A family-friendly office culture
- A bike- and metro-accessible downtown office, with a flexible/hybrid work schedule
- A dynamic, welcoming, and non-hierarchical team environment
- An office environment that encourages creativity and collaboration
- Opportunities for domestic and international travel
- A strong progressive values orientation
- Excellent benefits: 401(k) with a 6% employer match; health insurance, including vision and dental, and a 50% employer contribution to premiums; parental leave in line with the District of Columbia's Paid Family Leave regulations, as well as six weeks of paid prenatal leave; four months of unpaid parental leave; 20 vacation days plus federal holidays; 10 sick days; pre-tax commuter benefits
- An annual salary in the range of $87,000 - $97,000. For equity and transparency, salaries are calculated based on level of education and prior experience and are not negotiable.
The job location is Washington, DC. Occasional international and domestic program-related travel is required. This is a full-time position (40 hours/week).
Our Diversity Commitment: The Heinrich Böll Foundation, Washington, DC is committed to offering a diverse and inclusive workplace and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We welcome applications from candidates with a demonstrated commitment to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, and strongly encourage candidates from historically marginalized communities to apply.
Our Code of Conduct: A strong commitment to gender equality and a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment set the normative framework for our work within the foundation and in our programming. We consider respect for and the application of our core principles a shared responsibility and common task of all staff members and affiliated partner organizations and individuals.
Application Instructions
- Please apply with a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample of 1-5 pages via BambooHR.
- Please make sure to indicate whether you are a US citizen/permanent resident or otherwise currently hold a US work permit.
- Deadline to apply: please apply by Friday, March 7, 2025. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
About the Heinrich Böll Foundation, Washington, DC
The Heinrich Böll Foundation is an international organization that is part of the global green movement. The foundation is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, and has a network of more than 30 offices around the world. It advances political and socioeconomic transformations through civic engagement and political dialogue.
The Washington, DC office is an independent 501(c)(3) organization that runs programs focused on democracy, foreign & security policy, climate & environmental policy, digital policy, global development policy, and international climate finance & policy. Through our programmatic work, we aim to strengthen civil liberties, human rights, and democratic institutions; we promote gender equality, social justice, and equity; and we strive to preserve a habitable planet for current and future generations. As part of a global network, we are deeply engaged in global and transatlantic dialogue. We work to shape multilateral processes and the norms that govern them, and to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Europe. We foster these goals through a diversity of projects, such as public seminars, fellowships, study tours, and publications.
For more information, please refer to our website https://us.boell.org/en. For questions regarding the application process, please contact Carla Adams at carla.adams@us.boell.org.
Salary : $87,000 - $97,000