Freemuse is launching the search for an interim Executive Director to manage the organisation through a transition to a new ED and a new Executive Committee
Contract: Full-time, approximately 6 months
Salary: Competitive at app. DKK 70,000 depending on location and conditions
Location: Copenhagen and/or Europe
Application’s close: 00.00 CEST, 8 August 2021
Freemuse (www.freemuse.org) is an international human rights organisation defending artistic freedom. Freemuse has UN ECOSOC consultative status and is generally regarded by the UN, international organisations, and partners as the world’s leading NGO in the field of freedom of artistic expression and creativity. Freemuse monitors and documents violations of artistic freedom and exposes laws and policies that enable and sustain these violations. We leverage evidence-based advocacy for systemic structural changes at the international, regional, and national levels working with partners, artists, and activists in the global south and north.
Freemuse is a strong organisation with highly skilled staff prepared to work with a new leader, with much pride and excitement about the importance of this work. Freemuse is launching the search for an interim Executive Director (ED) to manage the organisation through a transition to a new ED and a new Executive Committee (EC), after the position became vacant after the previous ED’s stepping down. The three-year term of the current EC is ending, and a new EC will be elected at a General Assembly in November/December 2021. Freemuse is preparing for and will manage this leadership transition with the Interim ED through an inclusive and transparent process. The Interim ED will work closely with the Management Team and the EC to overseeing day-to-day operations, facilitate direction setting and maintaining a positive work environment during the transition process. The Interim ED is expected to ensure continuity and to support the EC in the search for the permanent ED.
Roles and responsibilities of the Interim ED
We anticipate that the Interim ED will be in place by the middle of September 2021. The ideal candidate will serve in that capacity for a minimum of six months and until the new ED is in place. Determination of location will be made in discussion with the candidate, but the successful candidate is expected to ensure regular presence at Freemuse Secretariate in Copenhagen (at least 50% of the time).
The Interim ED must be a skilled leader and manager in an international organisational setting and have experience managing through organisational changes. Reporting to the Executive Committee (EC), the Interim ED will have overall responsibility for the planning, implementation, administration, and management of all Freemuse programmes, people, and systems. The ideal candidate will serve as an advisor to the EC on all organisational matters and will work collaboratively with the EC during the transition. With the management team, the Interim ED will be accountable for the fiscal health of the organisation. The Interim ED will oversee Freemuse’s operating and capital budgets and maintain fiscal control over expenditures while leading on donor partnerships and engagements. The Interim ED will also be the chief spokesperson for Freemuse.
Critical tasks
- Delivering on the transition work plan with key deliverables agreed with the EC.
- Supporting a smooth transition to the new ED and new EC.
- Creating a good work environment for staff and nurturing positive relationships and partnerships with key donors, strategic partners, and rights holders.
Main Tasks
- Leading on the implementation of Freemuse’s strategy in close collaboration with partners, and networks of right holders in accordance with the agreements made with the donors.
- Representing Freemuse and its work on artistic freedom in external fora including in the media, and at key events and processes.
- Ensuring financial stability and sound fiscal and project management.
- Taking overall responsibility for consolidating Freemuse’s progress, including by promoting shared responsibilities, trust and employee development, support, and retention
- To develop and implement a 360-degree performance appraisal system for all staff.
Qualifications, skills & personal competencies
Demonstrated commitment, skills, and experience in working for human rights and social justice. Must have a value set consistent with an organisational culture based upon respect, collaboration, high ethical standards, and a passion to make a difference.
Essential
- Senior leadership skills including working with boards and managing managers.
- Non-profit management experience in strategic as well as operational environments.
- A successful track record in effective organisational management, in particular managing change.
- Solid experience working with human rights.
- Inclusive, trustworthy, and practising a non-hierarchical style of leadership.
- Experience with working in international partnerships.
- Solid communication and public representation skills including excellent written and verbal English.
- Ability to inspire and mobilise dedicated staff.
- Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure.
- Enthusiastic, flexible, and collaborative.
- Willingness to travel for work, and to do work outside of office hours during work peaks.
Desirable
- Good understanding of issues related to freedom of expression, arts, and culture.
- Familiar with donor and funding landscapes
- Knowledge of Arabic, French or Spanish is an asset
What we offer:
- Full-time competitive salary. Additional benefits depending on the contract type and location (e.g. pension scheme, extra vacation days, health insurance).
- Opportunity to work with an extremely motivated, international, friendly, and supportive team with ties to the artistic community in Europe and globally.
- You will interact with decision-makers within the community, EU institutions and the UN and will contribute to the advancement of the right to freedom of artistic expression and creation.
Application & process
Freemuse is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity is a core value of our organisation. We welcome applications regardless of nationality, ethnicity, social background, religion or philosophy, age, sexual orientation, and identity. All candidates will be evaluated on a merit basis, and ‘blind hiring’ will be used during the screening stage. Compensation is negotiable, depending on qualifications, experience and location and will reflect that Freemuse is an international NGO and the interim nature of the position.
Resume, list of reference persons, and a cover letter detailing how the qualifications are met should be submitted to this email: jobs@freemuse.org
Deadline for application: 8 August 2021 midnight CEST
1st interview will take place on 16 or 17 August 2021
Start date: As soon as possible and not later than 1 October 2021.
Questions regarding this position may be directed to Human Resources or the Executive Committee of Freemuse via this e-mail: jobinquiries@freemuse.org
