Position description
The Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA (GHRC) is a non-profit, grassroots, solidarity organization dedicated to promoting human rights in Guatemala and supporting communities and activists who face threats and violence. GHRC documents and denounces abuses, educates the international community, and advocates for policies that foster peace and justice.
Our work
GHRC analyzes the structural causes of human rights violations and the impact those abuses have on the population, with a particular focus on women and vulnerable communities. We provide reports and educational materials to the international community related to human rights in Guatemala and offer ways in which allies can affect positive change. We advocate for government policies in Guatemala and the United States that promote human rights, protect those Guatemalans striving to uphold those rights, and contribute to positive, systemic change. And we provide direct support to human rights defenders threatened or attacked for their work.
Our current areas of focus include: militarization; women’s rights; truth, justice and historic memory; criminalization and impunity; and access to land and natural resources.
GHRC is based in Washington, DC and has an office in Guatemala City. The Development and Advocacy Coordinator will work from the DC office. We currently have 5 full-time staff members, 3 based in DC and 2 in Guatemala, as well as active Board members, interns and volunteers.
Responsibilities
The Development and Advocacy Coordinator will creatively and effectively carry out outreach and advocacy efforts and support the financial stability of the organization. Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Coordinator is responsible for maintaining, growing and encouraging GHRC’s grassroots base to contribute to successful advocacy initiatives; coordinating fundraising efforts; and contributing to the financial management of the organization. The Coordinator will work in collaboration with all other staff, the Board of Directors, interns/volunteers, and organizational partners.
Primary duties include:
Advocacy/Grassroots Organizing (50%)
- Reach out to and maintain relationships with partners including organizations, faith communities, student groups, scholars, and others
- In coordination with other staff, plan and carry out strategic and creative advocacy initiatives
- Act as a spokesperson for GHRC at events and with the media
- Support legislative advocacy in the US for GHRC and Guatemalan partners
- Participate in thematic and regional coalition meetings
- Carry out two speaking tours per year: planning itineraries, managing logistics, providing interpretation, accompanying and presenting with speaker from Guatemala and using the tour to grow GHRC’s grassroots base
- Oversee the implementation of the Voiceless Speak Fund program: coordinate selection committee made of members of the Board of Directors, maintain communication with grant recipients, receive and review mid-year and year-end reports, and write yearly update to grantor
Development (30%)
- Actively seek new funding opportunities
- Draft grant proposals and grant reports and ensure the organization meets all application and reporting requirements
- Support coordination of GHRC appeal letters, on and offline
- Coordinate public fundraising events (1-2 per year)
- Research potential new donors and help prepare plan for major donor fundraising
- Coordinate and support fundraising efforts of GHRC’s Board of Directors
Financial Management (20%)
- Pay bills, manage bank accounts, order office supplies and seek out cost-efficient ways to operate the office
- Work with Guatemala office to oversee financial management of Human Rights Defender Funds
- Produce quarterly financial reports for Board of Directors
Qualifications
Successful candidates will be:
- Committed to human rights and social justice issues as they relate to Guatemala
- Able to articulately address human rights issues in a variety of situations, including media interviews, meetings with U.S. and Guatemalan government officials, and meetings with Guatemalan human rights leaders
- Highly organized, detail oriented, and able to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced office environment
- Able to work well as part of a team
- Familiar with current office technology and computer programs
- Able to do spoken interpretation from Spanish to English
Successful candidates will possess:
- Demonstrated experience successfully raising funds from individual donors
- Experience in and enthusiasm for planning educational and fundraising events
- Experience in and dedication to grassroots organizing
- Fluency in English and Spanish, both oral and written
- Excellent written and communication skills in English
GHRC will give preference to candidates who have knowledge and experience with one or more of the following:
- Living and/or working in Guatemala or other parts of Latin America
- Guatemalan history and history of US policy in the region
- Quickbooks
- Financial management
- Writing and managing grants
- Legislative advocacy
- Direct action
Term: Two-year minimum commitment preferred, subject to a favorable evaluation after the first three months. Competitive salary and good health benefits provided, as well as four weeks of paid vacation.
The Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA values a multicultural work environment and does not discriminate on the bases of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family status or any other protected characteristic. Only candidates with permission to work in the United States without any restrictions need apply.
Application instructions
Please send cover letter, resume, writing samples in both English and Spanish, and contact information for three references to: Kelsey Alford by email. Please include “Development and Advocacy Coordinator” as the subject line of your email.
Early application encouraged. The position will remain open until filled.
