The AAAS Science & Human Rights Program (SHR) is seeking a director.  SHR, a unit of the AAAS Directorate for Science & Policy Programs, focuses its activities in two main areas:  (1) defending the human rights of scientists throughout the world and (2) applying scientific knowledge and methodologies to the promotion and protection of the human rights of all people. 

Program staff run the AAAS Science & Human Rights Action Network, which uses e-mail to inform AAAS members and other subscribers of cases in which scientists human rights are being violated and coordinates scientists' efforts to appeal to national governments on behalf of these individuals. The Program also leads a coalition of other scientific and engineering societies working in the human rights area. 

Current and recent projects include an effort to apply high-resolution satellite imagery and related geospatial technologies to human rights issues; provision of scientific and technical assistance to truth commissions and other transitional justice mechanisms in countries that are seeking to consolidate democracy while confronting their pasts; a major effort to explore the intersection between traditional ecological knowledge, intellectual property, and human rights; and the development of methodologies and tools for monitoring economic, social and cultural rights, including a thesaurus of economic, cultural and social rights.  Founded in 1977, SHR receives core support from AAAS, but depends largely on funding from foundations, individuals, and other organizations, including the Ford Foundation; the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; the Goldman Fund; the General Services Fund; and the John Merck, Robert Wood Johnson, and Mertz Gilmore Foundations.

Reporting to the director of Science & Policy Programs, the director of SHR is responsible for program development and management; fundraising; oversight and mentoring of staff; monitoring of trends, developments, and major issues in science and human rights; financial oversight and budget management of SHR; and representation and liaison with both the human rights and scientific communities.  He or she serves as the AAAS spokesperson on human rights issues.

Candidates should have graduate-level training, preferably including a Ph.D., in a field related to science and/or human rights.  

The position requires in-depth knowledge of human rights and the nexus between science and human rights; five to ten years of program management experience; a collaborative working style; and excellent written and oral communication skills.  Also needed are a proven track record in fundraising, including experience in working with foundations and charitable organizations.

Experience working in a nonprofit organization and working with NGOs, intergovernmental organizations, and government agencies would be helpful.

AAAS, located in downtown Washington, DC, is the world's largest general scientific organization and publisher of the journal Science.  The position offers a competitive salary, an excellent benefits package, and a congenial working environment.  For additional information, please see the SHR web site (http://shr.aaas.org) and the Science & Policy Programs web site (http://www.aaas.org/spp), or contact Al Teich, director of Science & Policy Programs at ateich@aaas.org.