Associate Director Position Available at Mental Disability Rights International
Mental Disability Rights International (MDRI) is an advocacy organization dedicated to the international recognition and enforcement of the rights of people with mental disabilities. MDRI documents human rights abuses, supports the development of mental disability advocacy abroad, assists advocates seeking legal and service system reforms, and promotes international oversight of the rights of people with mental disabilities.
MDRI is hiring an Associate Director responsible for both advocacy and organizational development. We seek an individual with exceptional leadership, vision, and organizational skills to help build MDRI as a leading international human rights organization. The Associate Director must be a superb writer with a demonstrated ability to write and publish reports, articles and grant proposals on deadline. The Associate Director will:
Advocacy
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Write human rights reports, policy papers, and press statements;
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Develop advocacy and communications strategies to bring international media and public attention to the rights of people with mental disabilities;
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Plan, coordinate, and conduct investigations of human rights abuses against people with mental disabilities, including site visits to psychiatric facilities, social care homes, orphanages, prisons, and jails;
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Work collaboratively with MDRIs regional program directors to implement training and support programs for activists, professionals, and policy-makers;
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Develop a regional specialization within current areas of MDRI activity (Central and Eastern Europe or Latin America) or in another part of the world. MDRI is particularly interested in developing new programs in Asia or the former Soviet republics.
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Work with international development organizations, United Nations agencies, and human rights groups to promote inclusion of mental disability rights in their work.
Organizational Development
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Work with the Executive Director to identify new sources of financial support for the organization and secure ongoing support from current funders;
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Assist in strategic planning for organizational development;
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Write fundraising proposals and letters to foundations, corporations, individuals and international development organizations;
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Prepare regular reports and financial statements to funders about the work of MDRI;
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Provide oversight to accountant and bookkeeper to ensure sound fiscal management of projects;
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Assist in organizing MDRI special events and fundraisers.
The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:
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Outstanding writing skills and an ability write on deadline; evidence of publication in a related field is very helpful;
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At least six years experience in mental disability rights or a related field of advocacy;
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Experience with fundraising and organizational development;
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Demonstrated skill in "growing" and building organizational capacity;
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Evidence of strong organizational abilities;
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Excellent oral communication skills and comfort with public presentations;
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Experience working in an international environment; the advocacy component of the job will require international travel in developing countries;
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A relevant graduate degree or related professional experience; a law degree or mental health background is particularly helpful;
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High degree of personal initiative and responsibility; ability to work with minimal supervision;
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Proficiency in a foreign language.
The position will be based in Washington, DC. If we hire a person with expertise in Central or Eastern Europe, we may be able to place that person in MDRIs Budapest office after one year. MDRI is an equal opportunity employer. We particularly encourage people with disabilities to apply.
Start Date: As soon as possible. We will accept applications until the position is filled.
Status of position will be posted on the web at www.MDRI.org.
Salary: Commensurate with experience. Applications must provide recent salary history or salary expectation in the cover letter.
Submissions: Cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references. A short (less than three page) writing sample or copy of a recent publication could be helpful.
Mail to:
Attn: Associate Director Application
Mental Disability Rights International
1156 15th St. NW, Suite 1001
Washington, DC 20005
E-mail: MDRI@mdri.org
Fax: 202-728-3053
NOTE: Please send copies of all applications by mail. If you contact us by e-mail or fax please send a hard copy of your application by regular mail as well.
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