Board Director vacancies
Freedom United is seeking new members to join our Board of Directors, lived experience of modern slavery desired but not essential.
About Freedom United
Freedom United is a global community dedicated to ending human trafficking and modern slavery.
We make modern slavery an issue that people see and can act to solve. We do that by mobilizing supporters through digital campaigns and actions. Our community builds momentum that drives policy to create the conditions and systems that bring dignity and freedom to all.
Amongst over 100 successes to date, Freedom United is recognised for its role in 50 countries ratifying the UN Forced Labour Protocol; building power towards action to end forced labor in the Uyghur Region; campaigning to end prison slavery; and our flagship campaign My Story, My Dignity to promote accurate and considered reporting on modern slavery.
We build knowledge and challenge misconceptions through campaigns, live events, and our popular weekly global News Digest which is delivered to over 362,000 inboxes.
Role of Board members
Our supportive, talented and experienced board of 14 (including the Executive Director) is looking to appointment new members ahead of the retirement of three who will complete their terms of appointment in early 2025, to ensure continuity.
The Board of Directors oversees the organization drawing on its members deep knowledge to effectively support the running of this digital-first organization.
Our board members are nearly all based in the U.S., the country in which the organization is registered. However, as a global organization, being resident in the U.S. is not a prerequisite for appointees provided they can attend meetings virtually during the East Coast U.S. working day.
The Board of Directors supports the Executive Director responding to requests for advice and guidance on specific operational areas; in assessing and advising on risk; supporting the adherence to compliance responsibilities; and fundraising.
Along with our Board Emeritus, Patrons and Advisors, the Board of Directors, who uniquely have fiduciary responsibilities over Freedom United, share ambassadorial responsibilities, promoting the organization and sharing information that could contribute towards its impact, mission and vision.
Person specification
– You are passionately committed to Freedom United’s theory of change (read how we work) and our mission to end modern slavery
– You have experience of being on or presenting to senior leadership teams, boards or committees
– You are comfortable and would enjoy being part of decisions about the future of the organisation, the risks it faces and the finances
– You have a vibrant network and are proactive in identifying and proposing opportunities of new connections for the benefit of the future of the organization
– You like working as part of a team and enjoy providing advice and guidance
– You enjoy taking on brand new information and using it to make wise and informed judgements.
Desirable: You have lived experience of the issues surrounding modern slavery.
Remuneration
Board Director positions are not remunerated. They are voluntary and unpaid positions whose role is focused on supporting the organization, including through fundraising. As such board members donate $7,500 each year. This can be ‘give and get’. To ensure that this does not limit applications, in exceptional circumstances your board position can be sponsored, please get in touch with us.
Term of Office
The term of office is for two years. Members may serve two additional terms of two years, subject to agreement of the Board of Directors. Candidates put forward for appointment will start in January 2025.
Time Commitment
Four meetings a year of 90 minutes to two hours, in the third week after quarter end in the first half of the day (East Coast time), plus reading papers in advance of these meetings, attending ad hoc meetings on occasion, and being available irregularly to offer advice. The Board usually meets in person once a year, usually in Raleigh, NC, Directors are required to meet their own costs. The Board also has a Governance Subcommittee which meets quarterly for one hour.
Application procedure
To express your interest please forward your CV and a covering letter to [email protected] with ‘Board Director Application’ in the subject line.
Please indicate:
– Your interest and experience in becoming a member of the Board of Directors, referring to any relevant experience outlined in the person specification above
– Any experience you have in governance in a nonprofit, private or public bodies
– Confirm if you can meet the annual board pledge of US$7,500 (exceptions can be made in exceptional circumstances)
– Confirm that you can meet the time commitment required.
We practice equality in our recruitment and seek diversity to further improve our understanding of both the Freedom United community and victims of slavery.
Our values
Respect – We prioritize accuracy over sensationalism, rather we embrace complexity and nuance respecting survivors’ perspectives and the rights of those affected by or vulnerable to modern slavery
Empowerment – We believe that the best solution is empowerment and that the anti-slavery movement should be survivor-led
Action – We must bring together global voices as one to create power for sustainable change
Community – Collaborating in strong partnership with our supporters and in coalitions is central to our impact
Transparency – We value integrity and prioritize exposing the root causes of exploitation.
Last updated: November 2024