Program Manager

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.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Program Manager provides advanced oversight and management of designated projects from start to finish, and management of the program team. Working closely with headquarters staff in Washington D.C. and field leadership of the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Program, this position is responsible for setting strategic project goals, designing new projects, overseeing all aspects of project implementation, and supervising staff.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND EXPECTATIONS:

Strategy and Analysis

• Support the LAC Management Team in developing and periodically updating a comprehensive regional program strategy based on key socio-political developments related to democratic governance and human rights in the region. In coordination with Field Directors and portfolio teams, create and periodically update a comprehensive country strategy and annual work plan in assigned country(ies). Conceptualize, design, and initiate new program/project activities according to Freedom House’s strategic plan.
• Support cross-cutting initiatives to promote collaboration among research, advocacy, and programming in support of democracy and human rights in the LAC region.

Project Implementation

• Supervise and coordinate all implementation aspects of designated projects, including work planning and timely implementation, monitoring and evaluation, budget monitoring and forecasting, reporting, full compliance with Freedom House and donor rules and regulations, and collaboration with partners, donors and other stakeholders.
• Independently address concerns and challenges as they arise, or flag them to supervisor as needed. Working with Field Director(s), streamline communication and collaboration between headquarters staff and the field office to ensure effective project implementation.
• Provide guidance during preparation of documentation for subawards and subcontracts (scopes of work, proposal narratives, budgets, other) and serve as final reviewer at the portfolio level.
• Oversee the production of donor materials (e.g., project timelines, work plans, MEL submissions, quarterlies, final reports, and other ad-hoc reports), integrate leadership feedback, and ensure quality control and timely delivery to donor.

Fundraising and Business Development

• Lead new business development process integrating inputs and feedback from LAC Leadership and the Business and Development Team in the different stages of the process and ensure final product delivery. Lead program design conversations and log frame development, review and refine proposal narratives and annexes, budgets and budget narratives, and other components for donor submission.
• In partnership with Field Director(s), generate new program ideas for proposals that align with regional fundraising strategy, and identify opportunities for new project activities and additional funding for existing projects.

Staff Management

• Lead inclusive hiring process for open positions in country portfolio(s). Supervise and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting performance objectives, providing regular and timely performance feedback, and leading onboarding efforts and periodic performance reviews for supervisees. In partnership with Field Directors, support the creation of a cohesive and effective portfolio team that enables good project implementation.
• Coach, motivate, and promote professional growth and development of direct-report staff. Provide direct-report staff with information, tools and resources to improve performance and reach objectives.
• Contribute to fostering a cohesive and effective LAC regional team.
• Manage culturally diverse staff and ensure the holistic implementation of organization’s Diversity, Equity Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) strategy.

Operations

• Provide inputs into the creation of systems and materials for grant management and financial operations that improve program staff’s administrative capabilities related to project implementation.
• In coordination with the field, lead the organization of international events with external parties in compliance with Freedom House policies and donor regulations, ensuring logistical arrangements and adherence to activity targets. Develop high-level meeting materials (talking points, briefings, PowerPoint slide content, etc.).
• In coordination with Field Director(s) and LAC Management Team, oversee trip planning and lead outreach and meeting coordination. Provide approval on travel arrangements (flights, hotels, transportation, etc.) and finalize trip itineraries.
• Identify security issues and propose solutions, in coordination with Global Security Team, field staff, and LAC Management Team. Maintain, update, and ensure adherence to established protocols across the LAC program.

External Relations

• Build strong external relationships and collaborative approaches with donors, government officials, and diplomatic representatives, partners, grantees, peer organizations and think tanks. Identify opportunities to collaborate with external partners in new business, advocacy initiatives and events, and policy roundtables.
• Represent Freedom House publicly; speak about Freedom House’s mission and programming, as necessary. Share key insights from meetings and events with portfolio/regional team as appropriate.
• Identify opportunities for LAC staff to participate in public engagements, including international conferences, congressional briefings and policy discussions.
• Support LAC Management Team in the creation of content for LAC public communications, including social media posts, factsheets, articles, reports, etc. provide sign off on social media content for assigned portfolio.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelors’ degree in international affairs, public management, political science, or a related field. Master’s degree in international affairs, public management, political science, or a related field preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 8 years demonstrated project management experience required, including 2 years of implementation of pro-democracy and/or human rights projects in the LAC region. Project implementation in closed environments is highly desired.
• Minimum 3 years grant-making and fundraising experience is required. Experience providing awards to low-capacity organizations is a plus.
• Experience managing grant/cooperative agreements, including USG funding is strongly preferred.
• Minimum 2 years demonstrated experience managing staff to achieve programmatic results, including ability to coach and mentor team members, and provide leadership to collaborative teams. Supervisory experience is required.

Technical Skills and Abilities:

• Strong ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish, both verbally and in writing is required.
• Experience living, volunteering, working, or studying in the LAC Region is highly desired.
• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and exhibit unquestionable integrity, honesty, and forthrightness.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to respond promptly to inquiries in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to successfully work collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, external partners, and funders.

Personal Attributes and Characteristics:

• Strong work ethic and desire for personal and professional development. Demonstrable desire for personal excellence. Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.
• Deeply committed to nonpartisanship, exhibiting a strong and sustained commitment to the mission of Freedom House.
• Committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all feel that they belong.
• Works as an effective team member, successfully balancing individual and team responsibilities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diverse backgrounds relevant to the countries in which we have programming are a welcome asset.
• Freedom House provides a competitive benefits package, including a 403(b) retirement account with generous matching, commuter benefits, flexible hours, floating holidays, high employer contributions to medical, dental, and vision programs, basic and voluntary life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, flexible spending account, and more.
• Applicants are required to complete our online application form and to submit a resume and a cover letter that outlines interests and qualifications for this position.
• Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. Salary range is between $85,000 – $90,000/year, depending on experience.
• 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.
• Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States independent from Freedom House sponsorship.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

General Working Conditions:

• General working office environment or telework.
• May require long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or remote work. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Freedom House is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.