Job Openings at NISGUA 
Join our team as we work for social justice!
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NISGUA SEEKS DIRECTOR

The Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA) links people in the U.S. and Guatemala with a focus on their common struggles for justice, human rights, environmental protection, and dignity. Formed at the height of Guatemala's war in 1981, NISGUA's network today is comprised of thousands of people across the U.S. who demand justice for genocidal crimes of the past, push to change current U.S. policies, support communities challenging corporate-led development in Guatemala, and advocate for grassroots alternatives.

Through the Guatemala Accompaniment Project (G.A.P.) we recruit, train and maintain a team of volunteer human rights monitors who provide a dissuasive presence against the repression faced by many at-risk Guatemalan human rights defenders.  G.A.P. accompanies witnesses in genocide cases filed in the Guatemalan courts and international courts, as well as indigenous communities organizing against the imposition of mega-development projects.

Additionally, NISGUA employs strategic, creative, and coordinated grassroots activism and advocacy to pursue justice for human rights abuses, including those committed during Guatemala's war. We develop in-depth analysis and disseminate electronic, print, and verbal information about the political context in Guatemala and the ongoing struggle to end impunity. As the people of Central America face CAFTA and related policies that only deepen their levels of poverty and exclusion, NISGUA works in close coordination with affected communities and social movements in Guatemala that are unifying against mega-projects, and play a vital solidarity role in advocating for human rights and alternative development policies in the international arena.

Some of the core vehicles for NISGUA’s policy/advocacy campaigns include speaking tours, delegations, print and electronic publications and grassroots action. You are encouraged to visit NISGUA's website at www.nisgua.org for more information.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND PRINCIPAL QUALIFICATIONS:

NISGUA seeks an energetic, committed, and creative leader to organize initiatives in the United States, as well as to coordinate with our Guatemala City staff to implement cross-border strategies and plans. We value a team-building and collaborative approach to management. Our work is also supported by an experienced and dedicated staff of three in Guatemala, as well as a part time staff person in the Bay Area.  Grassroots volunteer committees across the country serve as the base of our human rights accompaniment and other advocacy work, along with NISGUA’s Board of Directors. 

Our ideal candidate will combine experience in managing staff, fundraising, (primarily individual donor work) and program work with a deep passion for social change and a belief in the power of collective action and mutual solidarity. Excellent writing, strategic planning, and interpersonal communications skills are essential.  Experience with financial management and Board development for small non-profit organizations is also highly desirable. 

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Program oversight and development: Work closely with staff and Board to guide the organization in the implementation of its strategic plan. This includes supporting the progress of specific program work, pursuing new and evolving organizing approaches, and managing periodic evaluations, as well as promoting future planning.

* Fundraising: Ensure NISGUA’s financial stability and build our funding base by representing the organization to donors, coordinating outreach to prospective supporters, and preparing fundraising materials/strategies.  47% of NISGUA’s current income comes from individual gifts, 33% from grassroots fundraising efforts (e.g. program-related income, raffle, calendar sales, etc.), and 20% from foundations.

* Financial management and operations: Develop annual budget and work with NISGUA’s accountant, board treasurer, and staff to ensure proper fiscal controls, cash flow management, bookkeeping, donation processing, and reporting.

* Staff leadership: Provide our U.S. and Guatemala staff with the guidance, resources, and example needed to implement programs in a work environment that values consensus and teamwork. Supervise fellow U.S. staff, coordinate evaluations, and work with the Guatemala staff to oversee personnel issues in that office.  Assume leadership in hiring processes.

* Board relations and development: Serve as primary liaison with NISGUA’s Board of Directors, with the support of other staff members who participate in Board committees that are relevant to their work or interests. Coordinate Board report preparation, foster good governance, and assist in recruiting and developing Board members, as well as organizing bi-annual meetings. 

* Coalition-building and public relations: Lead the organization's advocacy efforts with the support of the staff. Participate in coalitions to influence U.S. foreign policy and call for corporate accountability. Coordinate staff efforts to maintain communications with coalition partners, committees, and organizations in the U.S. that are part of the NISGUA network.

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS:

* Demonstrated leadership experience in a progressive non-profit organization or social justice movement group, with proven coalition-building skills.

* Ability to articulate and envision evolving program strategies and lead their development, implementation, and evaluation.

* Proven success in fundraising, and demonstrated interest in developing donor relationships and implementing grassroots funding strategies.

* Familiarity with international solidarity and social/economic justice organizing (Guatemala or Latin America background highly desirable).

* Comfortable and skilled at managing and motivating staff, with an approach based on collaboration, teamwork, and consensus-building.

* Passionate about human rights and justice and strongly committed to social change.

* Excellent written and oral communication and public speaking skills, and preferred experience communicating with diverse audiences and the media.

* Able to build consensus among staff and board.

* Demonstrated skills for basic financial management practices.

* Organized, able to keep a lot of projects moving at once;

* Sense of humor.

* Experience with grassroots policy/advocacy campaigns highly desirable.

* Working knowledge of Spanish required, fluency in Spanish highly desirable. 

COMPENSATION AND LOCATION:

NISGUA offers a salary commensurate with experience and a competitive benefits package in keeping with a small progressive non-profit organization. This full-time position is located in Oakland, California.  

TO APPLY:

Candidates should email a single document that includes a cover letter, resume, references, and two writing samples (including one fundraising piece) to: 

jobs@nisgua.org
(Subject Line: Director Search)

This position is open until filled.  However, we encourage candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible because the interviewing process will begin immediately.   People of color, women, LGBTQ and bilingual applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.