Seeking an Events Lead for our Virtual and In-Person Events
Position: Events Lead
Contract: Full-time consultancy for 6 months maximum
Compensation: $6250 per month
Location: Remote, based anywhere within UTC-8 through UTC+2
Context
As the spread of surveillance and censorship increases, and authoritarian regimes are relying on a growing number and diverse set of repressive tactics, the need for digital rights activists and communities of technical, political, and sociocultural expertise to convene and align against escalating digital repression has grown immensely.
The role
The Events Lead will be responsible for spearheading the beta version of the VPN Community Building & Engagement Program, which is focused on creating a safe and collaborative space for diverse actors working on different facets of VPNs. A goal will be to strengthen ties, communication, and trust with these actors, with an ultimate goal of helping improve the VPN ecosystem to reduce harm to vulnerable groups. In addition, this person will be responsible for overseeing the organization of the first global gathering, which will take place in Fall 2023. This includes project management, event design, working with the vendors, and helping create a safe and secure environment.
Key Responsibilities
VPN Project
Oversee the development and design of the beta version of the VPN Building & Engagement program, which focuses on strengthening ties, trust and communication between diverse actors working on VPN technology and issues.
Identify, outreach and cultivate trust with key actors that should be part of important conversations centered on advancing human rights principles in the VPN ecosystem.
Build and cultivate engagement in diverse virtual community spaces, ensuring that members feel safe and supported.
Ensure that the interests of vulnerable communities are advanced in conversations and missing voices are both included and leading key conversations related to VPNs.
Craft blog posts or external communication that compliment engagement and knowledge creation.
Design, facilitate and execute a VPN Community Village, which includes a private, invite-only unconference with a small group of VPN leaders and digital rights activists.
Establish metrics to determine the success of the program.
Global Gathering
Oversee all aspects of project management, related to organizing the global gathering. This includes setting deadline and key milestones, and making sure they are delivered in a timely fashion
Oversee event design and implementation, working with partners, staff and community members, to ensure the design is reflective of their needs. In addition, work closely with facilitators to ensure positive conversations that provide strategic direction to the digital rights community.
Oversee vendors, such as facilitators and Lisbon-based logistics coordinator
With TCU leadership, oversee the branding, marketing and communications materials of the event.
Work with TCU leadership to ensure the safety and security of the community members.
Oversee visa support of participants, ensuring they receive invitations letters in appropriate time frames.
With TCU staff, create an invitation list, help verify participants, and oversee RSVP list.
Ensure the smooth running of the event, while on location.
Contribute to the outreach strategy as it relates to decentralised approach to partner events.
Work with partners, as appropriate, for event initiatives, such as villages, demos, etc.
Required Skills and Experience
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and/or experience
Previous experience in event organizing and management, with a strong preference for prior work with internet freedom / digital rights communities.
Demonstrated experience in clear and effective communication in executing event logistics, promotion, and meeting documentation.
Direct experience with event facilitation is a plus
Highly organized, with comfort in multi-tasking as needed.
Comfortable working in a remote office environment, and can be flexible to accommodate emerging needs or situations.
High levels of emotional intelligence and cross-cultural communication.
Ability to stay calm under pressure
To apply
This position will be open until November 11, 2022; with a preference for candidates who can start December 1, 2022. Please send your resume and answers to the following three questions to ops@digitalrights.community. You don’t have to write long responses, we are only trying to gauge how you think about these topics.
What do you see as key components of a successful event?
What tactics or strategies are useful to stay flexible yet organized?
What is one thing that you wish event attendees knew to do / ask before attending a conference or event?