Executive Director
- On-Ramps
- Remote
Job Description
About the Organization
Short Summary
Bellingcat is an independent community of researchers, investigators, and citizen journalists who pioneered open source investigations tools. With precision and perseverance, Bellingcat exposes everything from crimes against humanity to environmental destruction, using publicly available tools and resources. Bellingcat's work can shape opinions, guide policy, and inform courts. Poised for strategic growth, Bellingcat US is the US-based entity of the global nonprofit organization.
Long Summary
We are the home of open source investigations, and the industry gold standard, covering stories no one else covers. Founded in 2014, we have pioneered the use of open source research methods to investigate a variety of subjects of public interest. Our groundbreaking coverage has ranged from the shooting down of flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine to police violence in Colombia and the illegal wildlife trade in the UAE. Our research is regularly referenced by international media and has been cited by courts and investigative missions. We are scrappy, mission-driven, open, collaborative, persistent, and community-oriented. With over 30 staff and contributors in more than 20 countries, and an actively engaged online Discord community of 30K+, we operate in a unique field at the intersection of advanced technology, forensic research, and journalism, and are united in our pursuit of transparency and accountability.
Our Vision – We build, sustain, and set the standards for an empowered global network of open source researchers and investigative journalists to work on issues of importance to their communities.
Our Mission – We design, use, and share verifiable methods for ethical digital investigations.
Our Values – We are curious, creative, and collaborative, and we strive to promote transparency, accountability, independence, and integrity in our work.
About the Role
What You'll Do
The Executive Director will spearhead the organization's expansion in the US, serving as a leading voice for Bellingcat's cutting-edge approach to investigation and reporting, and amplifying its brand in service of greater impact. Working very closely with Bellingcat (global entity, headquartered in the Netherlands) and reporting to the US Board, the Executive Director will forge partnerships, raise funds, and manage US operations, expanding Bellingcat's imprint while staying true to our mission, vision, and values.
Key Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership
- Serve as the seniormost US-based leader developing a variety of partnerships (e.g. with news organizations, academic institutions, and more) and open source investigative training
- Partner closely with Bellingcat (global entity) to advance shared objectives aligned with the organization's strategy, mission, vision, and values
- Hire, support, and retain exceptional talent, starting with key finance and fundraising roles
- Oversee the US entity's finance and operations functions, ensuring proper systems, policies, and procedures are in place
- Cooperate very closely with Bellingcat to align fundraising objectives and financial management and reporting
- Manage and mitigate organizational risks (e.g. operational, financial, legal) associated with leading a groundbreaking global organization delivering high-impact open source investigative reporting
- Grow and partner with the US Board of Directors to ensure strong governance, fostering a collaborative relationship to achieve the organization's strategic objectives
- Cultivate connectivity, collaboration, and a strong, shared organizational culture that unites Bellingcat employees across both entities (US and NL based) and all global locations
- Maintain and nurture a strong connection to Bellingcat's core values even (or especially) as the team grows
External Representation
- Drive fundraising strategies to develop diverse revenue streams, stewarding existing donors while cultivating new supporters
- Cultivate relationships with Bellingcat US' emergent donor base, fostering a broader and deeper network of financial support, while preserving our independence and non-advocatory nature
- Develop an effective marketing and brand-building strategy, leveraging Bellingcat's exceptional reputation and reporting in service of developing partnerships to extend impact
- Identify and pursue strategic partnerships with local media, universities, professional associations, and corporations to deepen their research and reporting capabilities
Who You'll Work With
You will report to the Board of Bellingcat US.
You will supervise key finance and fundraising hires who will collaborate closely with the Bellingcat department heads.
You will collaborate very closely with the Chief Operating Officer and other key leaders at Bellingcat, such as the other two Executive Board members and the members of its Supervisory Board.
You will work with staff and consultants across both Bellingcat US and Bellingcat (global entity).
Hiring Organization
Qualifications
Required Skills and Experience
- A minimum of 15 years of executive leadership experience (i.e.: CEO or divisional leadership) with a track record of leading dynamic organizations in journalism, technology, nonprofit, or other relevant fields
- Proven experience building and managing teams, including:
- Track record of leading a cross-cultural (and ideally geographically dispersed) remote team and developing a collaborative and performance-based culture that fosters community and connectivity while delivering results
- Demonstrated success recruiting and mentoring a diverse and high-performing staff
- Experience scaling an organization while stewarding its culture and remaining true to its vision, mission and values
- A highly collaborative and inclusive approach to leadership, including through active listening and strong facilitation skills
- Proven experience building and managing partnerships, including a proven track record of successfully cultivating and stewarding key partners and/or funders to bring new resources and opportunities into an organization; experience managing partnerships with universities/academic institutions is a plus
- Demonstrated success translating vision into operating plans and achieving results, and a proven track record of designing and implementing plans for achieving growth and enhancing impact
- Ability to effectively communicate strategy internally and externally to staff, partners, donors, and the public
- Ability to expand Bellingcat's brand, network, relationships, and influence
- Strong moral compass, with a demonstrated commitment to the highest standards of professional ethics and integrity
- A passion for independent journalism and its capacity for world-changing impact
- Humility and a proven track record of fostering strong partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders
- Authorization to work in the US
Industry/Service Area
Level
Benefits
Salary
Salary for this role is expected to be $225,000 – $275,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
Benefits
Business Travel medical / accident insurance in the US and internationally when on business travel
Opportunity to enroll in vision and dental insurance
Generous paid time off, including 5 weeks PTO, and federal holidays
Additional insurance options for Life, AD&D, and short/long-term disability coverage
Opportunity to enroll in a 401k retirement plan
Annual week-long staff retreat at an international location
Annual wellness stipend
Application Instructions
Qualified individuals, please apply: https://www.on-ramps.com/jobs/3408
Apply Now