Program Officer

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Rolling until November 10

START DATE: January 2 (flexible) 

Corporate Accountability Lab (CAL) is a legal non-profit organization that unleashes the creative potential of the law to protect people and the planet from corporate abuse. We develop new and under-utilized strategies to hold companies accountable for harming workers and communities across international supply chains. We work with impacted communities and use creative processes and mindsets, including design thinking, to build a more just and equitable world.

JOB DESCRIPTION

CAL is seeking a team member who is comfortable with a diversity of tasks, self-initiates, and enjoys working in a collaborative and creative environment. 

The Program Officer will be an active member of our dynamic team, reporting to the Senior Staff Attorneys and the Executive Director. The ideal candidate is highly organized, self-motivated, passionate about human rights and corporate accountability, and is fluent in English. We have a strong preference for candidates who speak a second language, particularly Spanish or French. The Program Officer will be based at CAL’s office in Chicago. 

Corporate Accountability Lab is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices. We actively encourage low-income, BIPOC, women, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ people to apply for all positions. We also encourage individuals with personal connections and/or cultural knowledge of the geographies where CAL works – including West Africa, South America, the Caribbean, or Southeast Asia – to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Program Officer contributes to CAL’s mission by managing development and communications work, and by supporting program operations. 

30% Program Support 

The Program Officer will assist attorneys with program work, including brainstorming and strategizing around projects, program management, organizing meetings, note taking, copy editing, and administrative support.

30% Communications 

In consultation with CAL’s staff and board, the Program Officer will develop and implement a communications strategy for sharing information about CAL’s work to partner organizations and communities, donors, funders, and other stakeholders. The Program Officer will coordinate CAL’s social media presence, publish bulk email communications, and draft communications on behalf of the organization, including press releases and sign-on letters. Additionally, the Program Officer will periodically update the website (Squarespace), support writing the annual report, and assist with basic report design.

40% Development

The Program Officer is responsible for developing and implementing CAL’s fundraising strategy in collaboration with the board of directors, fundraising committee, and staff. Development responsibilities include individual donor cultivation, a major gifts program, and taking the lead on various fundraising events throughout the year.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 1-3 years related work experience (e.g. paralegal work, communications, development, administrative support, non profit work);

  • Fluency in English;

  • Legal authorization to work in the United States; 

  • Ability to work from Chicago (In-person Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; virtual Mondays and Fridays);

  • An undergraduate degree in a related field (broadly defined to include political science, international affairs, human rights, law, graphic design, communications, marketing, etc.);

  • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral;

  • Demonstrated online communications experience and comfort with social media;

  • A sense of humor and willingness to engage in uncomfortable conversations;

  • Comfort with technology, including learning new platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Fluency in a second language, particularly Spanish, French, and Haitian Creole;

  • Development and/or fundraising experience;

  • Familiarity with Squarespace, Wix, and other basic website platforms;

  • Interest and/or experience in graphic design;

  • Familiarity with design thinking concepts. 

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The Program Officer’s salary is $45,000- $55,000/year, commensurate with experience. CAL covers 75% of the cost of health, dental, and vision coverage, as well as the full cost of a life insurance policy. CAL actively encourages work-life balance through flexible working hours, unlimited paid time off (a minimum two weeks vacation is required annually), and a child and pet-friendly office. The office is closed for thirteen holidays and between Christmas and New Year’s annually. Additionally, staff are encouraged to take off for observed religious holidays.

LOCATION

Chicago, Illinois, United States. Please note that location is non-negotiable.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit your cover letter, resume, list of three references with contact information, and a short writing sample in one PDF document. Email the application to info@corpaccountabilitylab.org with the subject line “Program Officer Application.” Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.