Senior Program Director, Center for Civil Rights & Technology

Who We Are:

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a 501(c)(4) organization, is the premier coalition of more than 240 organizations that promotes and protects civil and human rights in America. The Leadership Conference has coordinated national lobbying efforts on behalf of every major civil rights law since 1957. To learn more about The Leadership Conference, please visit www.civilrights.org.

The Leadership Conference Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization, builds public will for federal policies that promote and protect civil and human rights in the US. Founded in 1969 as the education and research arm of The Leadership Conference, the Education Fund’s campaigns empower advocates to push for progressive change in the US. To learn more about the Education Fund, please visit www.leadershipconferenceedfund.org.

Background:

In September 2023, the Center for Civil Rights and Technology (Center) was launched as a joint project of The Leadership Conference. The unprecedented initiative aims to create a fair, just, opportunity-rich, and rights-advancing future for all in the face of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technological advancements. The Center will serve as a convener, collaborator, and communicator on strategic policy development and public education on issues, ideas, and potential innovations that can advance, as well as protect, equity in society.

About the Role:

The Senior Program Director, Center for Civil Rights & Technology will help lead the Center in advancing, protecting, and defending civil and human rights, advocating for a pro-civil rights agenda and pro-equity innovations in the technology space.  This effort includes technology regulation and development, social media, telecommunications, and related areas, all aimed at producing better societal outcomes, particularly for traditionally marginalized communities served by The Leadership Conference.

The ideal candidate will combine significant program management experience with strategic thinking, communications, coalition-building, and advocacy. The Senior Program Director will also support the Center’s staff in closely coordinating with other programmatic staff on other issue areas and will take an intersectional approach to its work. This position will report to the VP, Center for Civil Rights and Technology, and will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Center’s team.

What You Will Do:

Administration

• Co-lead strategic planning, implementation, and daily management of the Center for Civil Rights and Technology ensuring the Center’s goals and objectives are met.
• Provide strategic support, guidance, and direct resources to the Center and other programmatic initiatives of The Leadership Conference relevant to technology policy and impacts.
• Ensure that the Center is being managed in accordance with best practices; submit written updates and other reports as requested.
• Work with the organizations’ leadership and development department to ensure resource needs are met, as well as ensure compliance with all funder requirements and other administrative, fiscal, and legal responsibilities.
• Work with the Center’s VP to oversee legal and policy research, writing, and advocacy.

Program and Coordination Management

• Manage and coordinate with a diverse coalition of partners, including Media and Technology Task Force members; Civil Rights, Privacy and Technology Table members; and Big Tent AI Collective members, to advance the Center’s goals and objectives in strategic jurisdictions.
• Drive and coordinate advocacy actions to further the Center’s goals.
• Seek and develop new engagement opportunities as appropriate.

Community Engagement and Public Relations

• Represent the Center and communicate about the program to the broader community of interested organizations, agencies, individuals, the media, other stakeholders, and the general public.
• Effectively liaise with partners and other relevant organizations and institutions.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Will Bring:

• A minimum of nine (9) years of experience in work related to public policy impacting media, technology, and telecommunications issues; staff leadership; and implementation of advocacy campaigns and/or programs.
• Advocacy expertise in media, technology, and telecommunications and demonstrated knowledge of the field.
• Demonstrated experience working in or with coalitions.
• Excellent oral presentation and writing skills.
• Strong interpersonal, planning, coordinating, budgeting, and managerial skills to lead a strong and large team.
• A demonstrated ability to think critically and strategically.
• A commitment to civil and human rights and understanding how to apply a civil rights lens to proposed legislation and existing systems.
• A desire and ability to work with diverse groups of people and a range of national, state, and local stakeholders in the media, technology, and telecommunications space.
• The ability to manage a complex workload and work under tight deadlines.
• The ability to work independently, as part of teams, and to organize time efficiently.
• A high level of dependability and commitment.
• Experience working collaboratively with coalition members of The Leadership Conference for Civil and Human Rights is preferred.
• An advanced degree in policy, law, or a related field is preferred.

What We Offer:

The Leadership Conference offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, and generous personal leave and vacation time. Staff can also take advantage of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and a retirement savings account.

Salary Range – $141,359 – $165,528, dependent on years of related experience.

To apply, please visit our Career Center and submit your resume and cover letter. Cover letters are required and should be attached.

Office Re-opening Statement

Currently, staff has the option to work from the office or home while we determine our long-term policy on remote and hybrid work. Please note this position is not permanently remote and over time the person filling this role may be required to work on occasion or regularly from the Washington, DC-based office.

Our Commitment to an Inclusive Workplace

The Leadership Conference and The Education Fund are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.