Vice President, Center for Civil Rights and 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.

About the Role:

We seek a Vice President, Center for Civil Rights and Technology (the “Center”). The ideal candidate will have experience relevant to helping establish and lead the organization’s newly formed Center. The Center will serve as a hub for the civil rights community and other civil society organizations, academics, researchers, technologists, and the private sector. The Center is a convenor, collaborator, and communicator on policy issues, ideas, and potential innovations that can protect and advance equity in society. It will be a space to share information, consider research and collaboration that can help produce regulatory frameworks, civil rights and consumer protections, and ensure safety for marginalized communities and people. The Center will produce white papers and reports and support public education, advocacy, and accountability related to AI systems. This senior leader is expected to work with the President and CEO to establish and grow the Center, develop a programmatic strategy with its staff, and develop and leverage engagement strategies with and for The Leadership Conference membership, civil society, the private sector, technologists, and others. It will not only advance equity and civil rights for marginalized communities but will also develop policies and practices that can protect the safety and mitigate harms of AI/media/telecommunications/technology and create proposals to mitigate the dislocation of labor and advance opportunities for community innovation and economic growth.

This position will report to the President and CEO and is not part of the collective bargaining unit.

 What You Will Do:

• Work with the President and CEO to form the Center, fully integrating the existing Media & Technology Program, and formulate the strategic framework, objectives, and work plan to meet external impact goals.
• Provide strategic vision for the organization and its coalition to grow its influence in artificial intelligence, media, telecommunications, and technology issues and to maximize research, communications, and outreach use.
• Convene civil rights leaders, including labor unions, with academics and other experts in the algorithmic rights, media, telecommunications, and technology sectors to identify innovation opportunities and best practices for risk mitigation and civil rights protection in the economic and labor markets.
• Support the development of strategies to ensure that new technologies further, not hinder, equity, economic opportunity, quality education, and protect civil rights, safety, and privacy.
• Oversee the creation of public education materials and tools to engage the public, focusing on the communities typically not engaged in these discussions, including communities of color and the disability rights community.
• Develop public-facing events in partnership with others to better engage thought partners and the public on these topics.
• Work with the Communications Department to ensure the creation of a website landing page for ready access for policymakers, press, and partners alike on produced materials for public education and discussion.
• Manage the creation, including editing, of policy proposals for Congress and the Executive branch on regulation and other policy actions that advance both the AI Bill of Rights principles in real-world ways and builds a future that solves problems rather than exacerbates existing ones.
• Write and/or edit position papers, public comments, coalition advocacy letters, and other documents related to coalition priorities.
• Represent the Center, along with the President & CEO, and communicate about the program to the broader community of interested organizations, individuals, the media, and other stakeholders.
• Work with the organizations’ leadership and development department to meet resource needs and ensure compliance with all funder requirements.
• Manage the Center’s program budget and staff.
• Other duties as necessary and related.

What You Will Bring:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in public policy advocacy, management, and development and implementation of strategic goals and impacts.
• Advocacy background and subject matter expertise in AI/media/telecommunications/technology and demonstrated knowledge of the field.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, including the capacity to build support and momentum across a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to serve as an external face of The Leadership Conference, representing and advocating as the coalition’s leader throughout The Leadership Conference, building coordinated support and action for policy gains.
• Diplomacy, relationship-building, and communications skills required to collaborate with leaders and activists across a diverse coalition to build support and momentum.
• Commitment to centering equity at every level – in individual workstyle, supervision, and with The Leadership Conference partners.
• Deep and principled commitment to civil rights and understanding how to apply a civil rights lens to proposed legislation and existing systems.
• Budgeting and financial experience.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, including the ability to produce finished work products.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including drafting and analyzing legislative language.
• A demonstrated ability to think critically and strategically.
• The ability to manage a complex workload and work under tight deadlines.
• 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 – $195,215– $216,906, 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.