Position Announcement Executive Director THE ELECTRONIC FRONTIER FOUNDATION Summary: The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) is seeking an inventive, entrepreneurial, public service-oriented chief executive with a strong background in operations. The Executive Director will expand the scope of the Foundation's activities by developing diverse projects, and will build organizational capacity by implementing sound management, fundraising and membership programs. The new Executive Director will work collaboratively with EFF's current Executive Director, who is moving over to become the Director of Policy in order to provide full time leadership to EFF's intensive and expanding public policy activities. EFF was started in 1990 by Mitchell Kapor, founder of Lotus Development Corporation, and John Perry Barlow, an author and lecturer interested in digital technology and society. Both founders remain active in the organization. EFF identifies significant issues related to information and communication technologies, and creates activities that seek to understand how they will affect society, and change the way that people think, work and interact. Current EFF activities focus on public policy, civil liberties, and public awareness. The new Executive Director will develop EFF projects which integrate the current array of policy initiatives, and will be designed to study and add value to the discourse around particular problems or ideas by bringing together information, resources and individuals outside of EFF who are already working in key areas. Other activities will be intended to promote strategic dialogue and education about specific issues, to encourage the development of new tools and paradigms, or to promote action for social, political, or economic change that expands EFF's current work related to: - information infrastructure; - the development and application of law; - evolution of new technology; and - protection of civil liberties. In addition, new projects will may address topics such as: - changes in social fabric and the meaning of community; - opportunities and effects on commerce/economics; and - international issues. Activities may include conducting research, creating forums to encourage discourse, inventing technical solutions, framing and reframing issues, convening working groups, promoting education and public awareness, persuading, organizing, lobbying and advocating, coalition building, dissemination and publications. About the Electronic Frontier Foundation: Programs EFF's current programs are designed to explore how civil liberties and the practices of democracy are affected in the unique domain created when individuals use electronic media to communicate. EFF has been involved in public interest litigation, providing on-line legal information for computer users, electronic conferencing and broad public education through print and electronic publications and communications activities. EFF has led the public debate on communications privacy, and supports efforts to force broad access to government information. As advancements in technology have stimulated investment in a national information and communications infrastructure, EFF has devised and promoted policy proposals, formed public interest/private sector coalitions, encouraged legislative reform, and organized grass roots support to ensure that the emerging national network is affordable, democratic and widely accessible. EFF also has explored issues related to privatization of the Internet, and information privacy. Management and Administration EFF presently has 8 full time professional staff, and a ten member Board of Directors who meet quarterly. Board members at EFF are committed, active and visible. EFF is a membership organization with a current enrollment of several thousand. The membership program has potential for involving thousands of technology users who are concerned about the future of communications networks, and want to participate in influencing the evolution of the networked world. Membership will be an increasingly important component of EFF's funding and advocacy base in coming years. In 1994, will have an annual budget of $1.6 million. Funds come from corporations, individual donors, grants, and membership. An important goal for the next few years will be to diversify EFF's funding base through a variety of fundraising methods, including major donor programs, membership, foundation grants, and earned income. Responsibilities of the Executive Director: o Management and Administration: The Executive Director sets the tone for a vital and positive organizational culture at EFF, orchestrates the activities of the staff, and ensures that EFF's strategic and operational planning, fiscal practices, and daily administration run smoothly and efficiently. o Resource Development: EFF is in the process of developing and expanding a comprehensive fundraising program Over the short term, the Executive Director will directly identify and secure funding from a variety of sources, including individuals, corporations and foundations. Over the longer term, the Executive Director will be responsible for planning and overseeing the implementation of a fundraising strategy that supports current activities and lays the groundwork for expansion into project areas defined by the Board and staff. o Membership Development and Member Relations: The Executive Director will develop and oversee the implementation of an expansion plan to increase EFF membership that integrates EFF's goals for fundraising, public awareness, and programs, and will work with staff to define and maintain a roster of member services and opportunities for activism. o Project Development and Management: The Executive Director will work with EFF's Board and staff to define, fund, and launch projects, then will oversee their smooth operations. o Board Development and Relations: The Executive Director serves as an ex officio member of the Board of Directors, and is responsible for leveraging the resources represented by the Board and other advisors to benefit the organization. o External Relations and Public Awareness The Executive Director will be in charge of planning and delegating responsibility for a cohesive program for external communications and public awareness that advances EFF through media placement, speaking engagements, and publications. Qualifications: The Executive Director must be skilled at organization building, program development and staff management, with at least ten years of proven experience in a responsible senior executive position. Candidates should enjoy seeing through a range of projects from initial vision through planning to implementation, and attending to the details of staffing, funding, project oversight and evaluation. Qualifications must include a track record of successful, creative fundraising and revenue development. This position is suitable for someone who enjoys engaging in lively exchange of ideas, but who also leans towards the pragmatic application of ideas to problem solving. Applicants will be asked to demonstrate an interest in EFF's work in law and public policy, civil liberties, computer and communications technology, opportunities for commercial development, and social evolution. Candidates must be able to represent the organization in public, so excellent communication skills--including the ability to write and speak persuasively to a range of audiences--are essential. This position requires a flexible and organized individual with advanced interpersonal skills, high energy level, problem solving approach, and the ability to generate and sustain multiple activities. Applicants should enjoy and be effective at negotiating collaborations and partnerships with other organizations and individuals. Diplomacy, political sensibility, and a sense of humor would come in handy. Candidates may come from a variety of backgrounds, including, but not limited to business management, academia, a research or policy institute, a senior fundraising position, public interest leadership, philanthropy, a think tank, or a research and development setting. We encourage individuals with eclectic backgrounds combined with a track record of accomplishments to apply. Experience managing a nonprofit organization is high capital, particularly if it includes development of effective fundraising programs, partnerships, and broad-based membership. Experience with budgeting and financial accountability is required. Because much of EFF's work is conducted electronically, candidates must have direct experience using electronic networks (should have a current email address), and should be aggressive in learning about and using computers and other forms of electronic communication. Compensation: Salary in the low six figures, commensurate with experience. Full benefits include health, disability and life insurance, pension, and vacation. How to apply: This position is located in Washington, DC. Deadline for applications is 31 March 1994. No phone calls please. To apply, send complete vitae, a brief writing sample and a compelling cover letter including salary history, to our executive recruiter: Lisa A. Breit & Associates 54 Rich Valley Road Wayland, Massachusetts 01778 Fax: 508-358-9110 You are encouraged to apply by email (ASCII only please). Address to: search@eff.org The Electronic Frontier Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.