Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Open Shadows is a center for research, intelligence, and organizing against extremism, targeted violence, and authoritarian rule. The organization is seeking a Program Director to lead the strategic direction, operations, development, partnerships, and technical coordination of the WATCHMEN Archive, while supporting research, communications, fundraising, and team growth.
Responsibilities
- Guide the strategic direction of the WATCHMEN Archive and shape its evolving priorities
- Oversee day-to-day program operations, including evidence intake, review, and verification workflows
- Build and maintain partnerships with the organizations, networks, and community leaders who contribute to and use the Archive
- Manage the Archive’s technical development in collaboration with contract engineers, from planning through delivery
- Support research planning, data analysis, and public resource development
- Contribute to public communications, including briefings, reports, or op-eds
- Provide input on fundraising and grant reporting related to the Archive
- Represent the WATCHMEN Archive and Open Shadows in select meetings, convenings, and coalition efforts
Skills
- 4+ years of relevant experience in nonprofits, research, organizing, advocacy, or equivalent roles
- Demonstrated commitment to pro-democracy, justice-oriented, or anti-authoritarian work
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to carry work from idea to delivery independently
- Comfort using AI tools in daily work, and interest in applying them to research and operational workflows
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Sound judgment in handling sensitive information and working with communities at risk
- Comfort with ambiguity and a willingness to work in fast-evolving political and social environments
- Bachelor's degree in a role-relevant field or equivalent professional experience
- An advanced degree is a plus
- Experience in police, law enforcement, or immigration enforcement accountability, including civilian oversight, litigation support, or civil rights work
- Familiarity with open-source intelligence, digital evidence, or human rights documentation practices
- Experience working with software development teams or managing technical projects
- Hands-on experience with agentic AI coding tools such as Claude Code or Codex
Benefits
- Full-time, benefits-eligible staff position
- Remote work option
- For candidates based in and around Washington, DC, flexible in-person work one to two days per week
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