Director of the Center for Technology & Society (Anti-Defamation League)

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

The ADL (Anti-Defamation League) is a leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of anti-Semitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. ADL is the first call when acts of anti-Semitism occur. A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education and fighting hate online, ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate. More at www.adl.org.

THE ROLE:

ADL is seeking an experienced, committed and collaborative executive to serve as the Director of the Center for Technology and Society (CTS) to pursue ADL's mission in digital spaces. As Director, you will lead the organization’s in-house Center to understand and combat cyberhate. You will advise the Senior Vice President of Policy and the executive leadership team, working to ensure ADL builds upon its unique history and expertise countering anti-Semitism and all other forms of hate against vulnerable groups.

Since its launch in November 2017, CTS regularly is consulted by tech companies, civil society and governments to advance their efforts to ensure justice and fair treatment to all in a digital environment. It convenes a Cyberhate Problem Solving Lab, which convenes policy professionals and engineering talent from Facebook, Twitter, Google and Microsoft to discuss proactive solutions to the problem of hate online. Additionally, CTS has contributed innovative research related to online hate, releasing a report on Hate in Social VR; conducting surveys on the prevalence of online hate; and working with UC Berkeley’s D-Lab to explore the potential for machine learning to measure the nature and scope of hate speech online.

CTS recently announced a fellowship program that recruits talent to ADL for short-term assignments including original research into cutting edge areas such as how online disinformation tactics are used to spread anti-Semitism; how game design can be used as a form of anti-bias training for the game industry; and how to bring together local communities to engage on civil rights issues through developing new and emerging media.

As Director, you would join CTS as an innovative leader, seeking to advance ADL's mission amidst emerging political, technological and societal challenges. You need to be comfortable with ambitious plans for growth and look forward to recruiting, mentoring and leading a dynamic team focused on the intersection of civility and technology. You will work to build and cultivate partnerships with tech companies, academia, and other tech policy and civil rights groups. You will be able to consult an advisory board of prominent individuals from venture capital, law, technology, and finance. Finally, as Director, you will collaborate with ADL’s Growth team to help secure ongoing funding for CTS.

The Director of CTS will lead with vision and support a team motivated to combat hate in digital environments, and will enable partnerships with industry, government, and civil society organizations. Is this you?

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build and direct CTS as a leading center for research, thought leadership and advocacy (on technological tools and policy) for fighting hate in the digital environment, and as a major convener of individuals and organizations working to eradicate “cyber-hate” and related problems.
• Collaborate with ADL divisions and key internal partners to shape a creative and pragmatic vision, structure, and strategy for long-term organizational planning to support CTS growth.
• Develop and implement multi-year and annual operating plans and partner with other divisions at ADL to meet CTS goals.
• Represent ADL (and CTS) as a spokesperson on cyber issues: present at conferences and other programs; communicate and engage with the media; and publish informative and analytical pieces on emerging tech topics.
• Network, establish and maintain partnerships with industry, academia, civil society organizations, government, and other key stakeholders/influencers, including tech or tech policy centers working in relevant areas.
• Lead and provide vision, structure and strategy to an energetic and collaborative team of committed technologists, lawyers, tech policy experts, and academics. Clarify and delegate roles, responsibilities, and budget for team of employees and external fellows.
• Own the development and growth of diverse talent by directing challenging assignments, making space for creativity, and ensuring in supportive mentoring and coaching.
• Seek grants and other sources of funding.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Skills:

• Ability to seek opportunities, creatively solve problems and build an organization.
• Flexibility to adapt to rapidly changing field -- for example, in terms of technology and policy.
• Significant understanding of tech platforms, and the ethical, legal and policy issues related to social networking as well as Silicon Valley and its public policy agenda.
• Exemplary communication skills, including regarding policy and strategy, to both internal and external audiences. Strong written advocacy and public speaking skills.
• Strong work ethic. Occasional need to work additional hours, such as when attending events; flexibility to work from home. Ability to travel within the US and overseas.

Work Experience:  

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in relevant technology, innovation, advocacy, and/or management. A minimum of 3 years of senior-level experience, including a track record of success in hiring, leading and developing talent.

Preferred Skills, Education and Experience:

• Advanced degree, or equivalent experience.
• Deep understanding and expertise on relevant legal and policy issues related to hate online, including harassment, hate crimes, and cyber-bullying.
• Knowledge of emerging and interactive media landscape, both its potential as a tool for social good and its problems as a medium and culture.
• Experience working on in legal and/or tech policy capacity with nonprofits or social justice movements.
• Sales or fundraising experience.
• Relevant contacts across many fields and areas of expertise helpful to CTS.