Organization Description

Open Shadows is a center for research, intelligence, and organizing against extremism, targeted violence, and authoritarian rule. We unapologetically center the leadership, experiences, and expertise of targeted communities.

Role Description

Open Shadows is seeking a strategic and experienced leader to serve as Program Director of the WATCHMEN Archive, repository of crowdsourced multimedia evidence documenting abuses by federal law enforcement and immigration enforcement. Working in close partnership with the Executive Director, the Program Director will lead the strategic direction, development, operations, and partnerships for the Archive.

The ideal candidate will bring a deep commitment to democratic values, a strong understanding of authoritarian threats in the U.S., and experience in at least one of the following areas:

Pro-democracy or anti-authoritarian advocacy
Police, law enforcement, or immigration enforcement accountability
Human rights documentation, open-source investigation, or evidence preservation
Community organizing or grassroots campaign work
Research or policy analysis related to authoritarianism or state abuse
Civic or public interest technology

Open Shadows is small, fast-moving, and building its capabilities. This role carries latitude to shape a flagship program in our anti-authoritarian portfolio in its earliest days, along with the hands-on work that comes with a lean team.

Key Responsibilities

In close partnership with Open Shadows’ Executive Director, the Program Director will:

Guide the strategic direction of the WATCHMEN Archive and shape its evolving priorities
Oversee day-to-day program operations, including evidence intake, review, and verification workflows
Build and maintain partnerships with the organizations, networks, and community leaders who contribute to and use the Archive
Manage the Archive’s technical development in collaboration with contract engineers, from planning through delivery
Support research planning, data analysis, and public resource development
Contribute to public communications, including briefings, reports, or op-eds
Provide input on fundraising and grant reporting related to the Archive
Represent the WATCHMEN Archive and Open Shadows in select meetings, convenings, and coalition efforts

This position includes the co-management of an intelligence analyst assigned to the WATCHMEN Archive. As the program grows and resources allow, the Program Director is expected to help build and lead the Archive’s team.

Qualifications

4+ years of relevant experience in nonprofits, research, organizing, advocacy, or equivalent roles
Demonstrated commitment to pro-democracy, justice-oriented, or anti-authoritarian work
Strong project management skills, with the ability to carry work from idea to delivery independently
Comfort using AI tools in daily work, and interest in applying them to research and operational workflows
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Sound judgment in handling sensitive information and working with communities at risk
Comfort with ambiguity and a willingness to work in fast-evolving political and social environments
Bachelor's degree in a role-relevant field or equivalent professional experience. An advanced degree is a plus.

Preferred, though not required:

Experience in police, law enforcement, or immigration enforcement accountability, including civilian oversight, litigation support, or civil rights work
Familiarity with open-source intelligence, digital evidence, or human rights documentation practices
Experience working with software development teams or managing technical projects
Hands-on experience with agentic AI coding tools such as Claude Code or Codex

No one has the whole package. If you have some but not all of these qualifications, apply anyway.

Employment Structure

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible staff position with an annual salary of $70,000.

This role is open to remote candidates, with a strong preference for candidates based in and around Washington, DC. Those in the DC area are expected to work in person one to two days per week, as some collaboration and sensitive conversations are better handled face to face. In person days are flexible.

As Open Shadows continues to grow and secure additional funding, compensation for this role will be reevaluated.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and a one-page cover letter to EITHER careers@openshadows.org OR submit via Idealist. Please do not submit both ways. Include links to previous projects in which you played a significant role, if you have them. In your cover letter, describe a time, professionally or through community involvement, when you had to build trust in a difficult situation.

Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Learn More

We strongly encourage all applicants to visit www.openshadows.org to learn more about our organization, our projects, and our ethos. Visit www.watchmenarchive.org to learn more about the WATCHMEN Archive project. Understanding the spirit of Open Shadows is as important as the skills you bring.

Open Shadows

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Program Director, WATCHMEN Archive