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Wikimedia New York City (WMNYC) Executive Director

Overview of organization

Established in 2009, Wikimedia New York City (WMNYC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and local Chapter of the Wikimedia Movement dedicated to serving and growing a richer and more representative free knowledge ecosystem. WMNYC brings New Yorkers together in collaborative environments that advance open content and communities in partnership with the peoples and institutions of the greater New York metropolitan area.

WMNYC’s values as an organization support free knowledge and culture, the vital role of public information not driven by commercial pressures, and the diversity of our city. We aim to fulfill the Chapter's Code of Conduct to create a respectful and inclusive atmosphere at all WMNYC events.

The Chapter has been a largely volunteer effort until now, with only the support of occasional part-time staff and contractors. WMNYC is currently looking to hire its founding Executive Director.

Job summary

The responsibilities of the founding Executive Director of Wikimedia New York City span a range of tasks aimed at fostering WMNYC’s growth and effectiveness. The job will include local organizing, as well as coordinating with and sometimes leading wider Wikimedia initiatives on a national and international scale. WMNYC’s first Executive Director will be responsible for promoting Chapter activities among diverse communities, fortifying existing institutional partnerships including with major museums and libraries, and securing mission-aligned grants to sustain and expand initiatives. Additional responsibilities include ensuring publicity and documentation of Chapter events including edit-a-thons. The Executive Director will manage organizational transparency and accountability while ensuring smooth operations and programming in collaboration with the Board of Directors of WMNYC.

Under the guidance of the Board, the Executive Director will implement its Strategic Plan and prepare detailed reports for WMNYC’s primary funder, the Wikimedia Foundation. The collaborative work with the Board will focus on building our Chapter's community and coordination of fundraising campaigns.

The Executive Director will manage the operations of the Chapter. Additionally, the Executive Director will work with the Board to position the chapter for long-term growth and stability.

The role of the Executive Director can be fulfilled working remotely except for in-person meetings and events in New York City. Work hours may be self-directed, except for meetings and events, of which there are usually 2–4 per month during evening hours and weekends. The Executive Director will report directly to the President of WMNYC and will attend each monthly Board meeting to report and build on Chapter activities with the input and guidance of the Board of Directors of Wikimedia New York City.

Key responsibilities

• Developing and maintaining Chapter outreach

• Implementing the Chapter’s Strategic Plan under Board guidance
• Working with the Board to grow Chapter membership and audience base
• Maintaining and strengthening existing institutional partnerships
• Promoting Chapter activities
• Ensuring documenting Chapter events

• Maintaining financial health of organization

• Wide-ranging funding development
• Applying for mission-aligned grants
• Timely reporting to the Wikimedia Foundation and to the Chapter Board
• Ensuring operational and programming stability in conjunction with the Board, consistent with the values and vision laid out in the Chapter mission and Strategic Plan

Required Experience and Skills

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and problem-solve within a team environment, including extensive volunteer communities
• Fluency in English
• Demonstrated fluency in online collaboration tools (e.g., wikis, email, Google Docs, and similar)
• Experience with small non-profit finance—including bookkeeping, overseeing accounting and dealing with requisite non-profit filings on the city, state and federal level
• Facility in social and networking situations. Ability to interact with a wide spectrum of personalities that Wikipedia brings, as well as external partners.
• Proven record of writing business documents for various functions (grants, reports, etc.)
• Ability to attend in-person events at various times and in various locations in the greater New York City area. Ability to travel abroad occasionally for WMNYC-related conferences and activities.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule with typically at least one week’s notice.

Desired Experience and Skills

• Familiarity with social media landscape and/or public relations outreach
• Familiarity with the New York City non-profit landscape, as well as cultural and educational institutions
• Familiarity with hosting public events, including organizing small conferences for 100-200 people, and events with cultural partner venues.
• Additional language skills to supplement WMNYC multilingual programming (including translat-a-thons)
• Experience hosting and/or participating in free-culture events
• Familiarity with Wikipedia and related projects a plus

Compensation/Salary

This position is a 0.8 FTE role, at a flexible 32-hour work week given the emphasis on events during nights and weekends. Compensation is $100,000/year, plus commensurate benefits. Paid time off is included.