Senior Director Foreign Policy, Global Human Rights and Democracy

84908BR

Off-Campus: Washington, D. C.

Sr Dir McCain Institute

Job Description

The McCain Institute at Arizona State University is a non-partisan organization that fights to secure democracy, defend human rights, protect the vulnerable and advance character-driven leadership in all communities around the world.

We seek a full-time Senior Director to carry on the legacy of Senator John McCain’s commitment to U.S. leadership on global foreign policy, defending international human rights, promoting democracy, and building global strategic alliances. The senior director will lead our multifaceted work on these issues and be responsible for the overall development, strategy, and direction of the Institute’s work in these areas. The senior director will also lead on building partnerships and donor relationships.

The Senior Director will serve as an external and internal subject-matter expert on issues related to the fields of foreign policy, transatlantic cooperation, global human rights, international alliance building and democracy. She/he will lead a small team and direct and promote the portfolio by building new and creative initiatives to carry on the legacy of Senator McCain and build programs that reflect the global shifts caused by authoritarian regimes. The senior director will carry on and modify several established initiatives:

Working Group Series where we convene changemakers to confront human rights issues on a global scale and propose solutions.

Human Rights Defenders Program where we support activists fleeing and fighting dangerous situations in their countries providing transitional support so they can continue to fight for their mission

Building Enduring Global Alliances where we promote U.S. leadership in the transatlantic alliance and other global strategic alliances that strengthen America’s global position.

Women, Peace and Security where we promote more women in senior foreign policy, security sector, and peacebuilding positions to solve the most pressing global issues.   

Defending American Democracy event series that examines the biggest issues facing America’s democracy and aims to find common ground between voters and elected officials on both sides of the aisle

We Hold These Truths an educational digital initiative on issues of misinformation to build a community of engaged activists who advocate for human rights.  

Reporting to the Executive Director, this position is based in Washington, DC and eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Job Family

Business Operations

Department Name

McCain Inst Intl Leadership

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

VP Code

KNOWLEDGE ENTERPRISE DEV

Grant Funded Position

This is a grant funded position. Continuation is contingent on future grant funding.

Salary Range

Depends on experience

Close Date

21-October-2022

Essential Duties

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to the foreign policy, global human rights & democracy portfolio in addition to relevant Institute events or activities, ensuring clear and consistent goals and messaging;
• Develop strategic goals and objectives for the Institute’s foreign policy, global human rights & democracy programming;
• Manage and mentor the staff of the foreign policy, global human rights & democracy program;
• Serve as an external representative of the McCain Institute and subject-matter expert in the media, and conferences, publications and/or events;
• Build and manage relationships with new and existing donors, in addition to overseeing and managing compliance for all grants and gifts;
• Proactively identify new funding sources and revenue streams to support the portfolio;
• Conduct high-level outreach and engagement with congressional leaders, subject-matter experts, journalists and funders and other partners to support the portfolio and McCain Institute more broadly;
• Regularly write compelling, relevant opinion pieces, policy papers, and other substantive documents to advance the objectives of the portfolio and profile

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and five (5) years of related experience which includes three (3) years of management/supervisory experience OR any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved.

Desired Qualifications

• Evidence of a Master’s degree in foreign policy, political science, human rights, international law, public policy, or related field.
• Fifteen to twenty years of substantive experience in the field.
• Expert knowledge of foreign policy, as it relates to global alliance building, democracy promotion, human rights, transnational repression, authoritarianism, and digital repression.
• Ability to conceptualize, design, and execute programming that advance a clearly articulated goal and realistic objectives.
• Knowledge of strategic planning principles and practices.
• Skill in effectively managing, supervising, and evaluating assigned staff.
• Skill in problem problem-solving and decision-making.   
• Writing and editing skills and experience drafting concise, impactful, and media-friendly communications, including reports and opinion pieces, and a publication record demonstrating authority and expertise in the field.
• Evidence of effective verbal and written communication skills
• Experience speaking to and interacting with a diverse set of external stakeholders and the media.
• Experience fundraising and managing donor relationships.
• Ability to innovate and motivate colleagues towards achieving a shared objective and a positive, collegial approach to work.
• Ability to use good judgement 
• Ability to navigate policy differences in a nonpartisan fashion.

Working Environment

• This position is based in Washington, DC. Eligible for a hybrid work schedule.
• Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse.
• Required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work.
• Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds.
• Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities, which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts.
• May be required to perform tasks in the field within and/or across University campuses.
• Ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions.

Department Statement

Inspired by the legacy of Senator John McCain and his family, the McCain Institute is non-partisan and fights to advance freedom, prosperity, security and human dignity for the benefit of all Americans and the world. Our work is anchored by three core beliefs: securing democracy and alliances, promoting human rights and protecting the vulnerable, and advancing character-driven leadership in our own communities and around the world.

For the seventh year in a row, ASU has been named the most innovative school in the nation, recognizing the university's culture of groundbreaking research and partnerships, as well as its commitment to helping students thrive in college and beyond. U.S. News and World Report has named ASU as the most innovative university all five years the category has existed.

ASU Knowledge Enterprise advances research, innovation, strategic partnerships, entrepreneurship, and international development. Our success arises from solutions-focused, interdisciplinary research; an entrepreneurial approach that is embedded in every school and department; and a commitment to transform society in a positive way. http://research.asu.edu/

The McCain Institute at Arizona State University is a non-partisan organization that fights to secure democracy, defend human rights, protect the vulnerable and advance character-driven leadership in all communities around the world.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At McCain Institute, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. We value your unique background and perspective, and you may be just the right candidate for this position or other roles on our team.

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/relocation-services .

Employment Verification Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.