Manager, Civic Space

Job Summary 

The Manager, Civic Space, (“Manager”) has a leadership role in the Programs and Research unit. Programs are ongoing bodies of work on human rights issues staffed by experts who create and implement strategies to win human rights victories and make long-term human rights impacts. Programs help build the foundation for successful campaigns, which are shorter-term, highly focused, time-bound, and winnable projects that advance long-term programmatic work.  

The Manager will provide leadership in strengthening and safeguarding civic space in the United States, creating and executing strategies to protect the rule of law and against authoritarian practices that seek to limit freedom of expression, assembly, journalistic freedom, the work of human rights defenders in upholding international human rights law, and the undermining of democratic and legal institutions.   

The Manager will help lead AIUSA’s human rights work, in partnership with human rights defenders to protect civic space through advocacy, coalition building, supporting grassroots activism, and other effective tactics. 

This role is a union position and covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Communication Workers of America (CWA), Local 1180. 

Essential Responsibilities  

Strategic Program Leadership 

• Develops and implements strategy and execution to protect civic space, including freedom of expression, peaceful protest, assembly, and press freedom in the US 
• Serve as primary contact on all civic space issues, tracking policy changes, legislative trends, and risks at national, state, and global levels 
• Drive advocacy, coalition engagement, activism support, and media strategies to reinforce civic space protections 
• Oversee the creation and dissemination of public education, research products, and campaign materials on civic space issues 

Stakeholder Engagement & Public Representation 

• Represent AIUSA in media, public forums, coalitions, and policy circles on civic space topics 
• Develop and maintain relationships with government officials, policymakers, NGOs, academic and community leaders, and civil society organizations 
• Advise on and implement tactics for advocacy, coalition-building, media and social media outreach, and grassroots mobilization 
• Coordinate with researchers on high-impact casework and advocacy for at-risk individuals, communities, or organizations 

Partnerships & Development 

• Recruit, train, and mobilize members, fellows, and activists to advance civic space goals 
• Manage or support planning, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation of program and campaign progress 
• Collaborate with other AIUSA staff, the International Secretariat, and relevant international and domestic partners 
• Support broader programmatic initiatives and fundraising related to civic space and AIUSA priorities 
• Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications & Success Profile 

To succeed in this role, candidates must bring both the technical expertise to execute the work and the interpersonal and behavioral competencies that align with AIUSA's mission-driven, collaborative culture. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities 

• Demonstrated interest and understanding of human rights legal frameworks and systems 
• Experience in human rights policy advocacy, including drafting and analyzing legislation, writing Congressional testimony, and leading coalitions 
• Demonstrated ability to translate policy analysis into clear, actionable campaign strategies and advocacy tactics 
• Strong public speaking experience, including Congressional hearings, Hill briefings, press conferences, academic conferences 
• Superb writing and research skills, with ability to produce high-quality writing in fast-paced environment 
• Ability to produce high-volume, accurate work in rapidly changing environment, with attention to detail 
• Ability to work in highly collaborative and consultative environment 
• Excellent communicator with strong written, verbal, and presentation skills 
• Excellent team and project management skills 
• Ability to embed inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) best practices into both strategy and operations 

 Functional Competencies: These competencies reflect the technical practices required for this role. 

• Develops programmatic innovations and comprehensive strategies that measurably enhance engagement and advance specific human rights objectives.  
• Creates evaluation frameworks demonstrating effectiveness and identifying strategic improvements.  
• Successfully manages resources to optimize impact across multiple initiatives and adapts implementation plans based on insights. 

Education and Experience 

• BA/BS and at least 7 years relevant experience or MA/MS and 5 years relevant experience and/or sufficient relevant work experience 
• Knowledge of international relations, human rights, law, or another relevant/related field 
• Public speaking experience, including Congressional hearings, Hill briefings, press conferences, academic conferences preferred 
• Ability to produce high-volume, accurate work in rapidly changing environment, with attention to detail 
• Proven track record of success in advocating for policy changes, building coalitions, and engaging with diverse stakeholders  
• Ability to work in highly collaborative and consultative environment 
• Experience serving as a subject matter expert with media (print, TV, social media) 
• Experience working in a grassroots and/or member-based organization with shared leadership principles    

Physical Requirements 

• Prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing at a desk and working on a computer 

Travel Requirements, Weeknight or Weekend Work 

• Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally if required, e.g., staff retreats, member trainings/convenings, annual and regional AIUSA conference 
• Some weeknights or weekends are required, as needed