Executive Director

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 senior-most 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).

• 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

Benefits

Due to frequent collaborations with colleagues in Europe, there is a strong preference for candidates based in the Eastern time zone, within easy reach of an international airport (and ideally New York City where the US Board frequently meets). Anticipated travel is 40-50% with occasional travel 1-2x per year to the Netherlands.

Our team is international, from a wide range of backgrounds, and we always welcome and appreciate new perspectives and life experiences. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, origin, religion, age, gender or sexual orientation.