The Free Software Foundation (FSF), a Massachusetts 501©(3) charity with a worldwide mission to protect computer user freedom, seeks a motivated and talented Boston-based individual to be our full-time deputy director.

Reporting to the executive director, the deputy director plays a critical role in ensuring the value-added execution of key operational and business functions. This position assists with leading the organization in close partnership with the executive director. The ideal candidate is calm under pressure with proven ability to manage multiple moving priorities and stakeholders, all with attention to detail and rigor.

This role is for someone who:

• cares deeply about the impact of control over technology on the exercise of individual freedoms;

• stays highly organized, even during high-stress situations;

• inspires and motivates others;

• is a reliably rational, diplomatic, and productive voice in discussions, both online and offline;

• loves puzzles and problem-solving; and

• is able to execute operationally to generate sustainable impact, all without losing focus on strategic goals.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• overseeing office operations, payroll, monthly financial reporting, annual budget process, annual audit, and required tax filings;

• leading hiring, human resources, and staff development;

• assisting the executive director with staff supervision, and organizational policies and procedures;

• working with the executive director on grant writing and a grant development pipeline;

• serving as a thought partner and special projects manager to the executive director.

Ideal candidate profile

• Distinguished experience in senior management in a nonprofit organization, foundation, or government agency.

• Stays highly organized, even during high-stress situations.

• Highly skilled at staff management, coaching, and development.

• Reliably rational, diplomatic, and productive voice in discussions, both online and offline.

• Loves puzzles and problem-solving.

• Enjoys the challenges of working in the public eye, including fielding and responding to criticisms.

Experience with free software, nonprofit financial reporting and audit management, grant writing, and fiscal sponsorship are all a plus.

Because of financial control and office management duties, the position must be worked from the FSF’s headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts. Relocation assistance is available. The FSF is a mature but growing organization that works globally and seeks to have its materials distributed in as many languages as possible; as such, multilingual candidates will have an advantage. With our small staff, each person makes a clear contribution. We work hard, but offer a humane and fun work environment at an office located in the heart of downtown Boston.

Benefits and Salary

Salary would be commensurate with experience. Benefits include:

• Fully subsidized individual or family health coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield;

• Partially subsidized dental plan;

• Four weeks of paid vacation annually;

• Seventeen paid holidays annually;

• Weekly remote work allowance (expanded during the pandemic);

• Public transit commuting cost reimbursement;

• 403(b) program with employer match;

• Yearly cost-of-living pay increases based on government guidelines;

• Health care expense reimbursement;

• Ergonomics budget;

• Relocation (to Boston area) expense reimbursement;

• Conference travel and professional development opportunities; and

• Potential for an annual collective performance bonus.

Application instructions

Applications must be submitted via email to hiring@fsf.org. The email must contain the subject line “Deputy Director.” A complete application should include:

• cover letter;
• resume;
• two writing samples; and
• three recent professional references.

All materials must be in a free format. Email submissions that do not follow these instructions will probably be overlooked. No phone calls, please.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The FSF is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or application for employment on the basis of race, color, marital status, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, handicap, or any other legally protected status recognized by federal, state or local law. We value diversity in our workplace.

About the Free Software Foundation

The Free Software Foundation, founded in 1985, is dedicated to promoting computer users’ right to use, study, copy, modify, and redistribute computer programs. The FSF promotes the development and use of free (as in freedom) software — particularly the GNU operating system and its GNU/Linux variants — and free documentation for free software. The FSF also helps to spread awareness of the ethical and political issues of freedom in the use of software, and its Web sites, located at fsf.org and gnu.org, are an important source of information about GNU/Linux. Donations to support the FSF’s work can be made at https://donate.fsf.org. We are based in Boston, MA, USA.

More information about the FSF, as well as important information for journalists and publishers, is at https://www.fsf.org/press.