The Free Software Foundation (FSF), a Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3)
charity with a worldwide mission to protect computer user freedom,
seeks a motivated and talented individual in the Boston area to be our
deputy director.
Reporting to the executive director (ED), the deputy director (DD)
plays a critical role in ensuring the execution of key operational and
business functions. This position assists with leading the
organization in close partnership with the ED. The ideal candidate is
calm under pressure with proven ability to independently manage
multiple moving priorities and stakeholders, with attention to detail,
rigor, and a positive demeanor. The DD role will be primarily
internal-facing. The role is part-time exempt, with exact hours
negotiable up to a maximum of four days per week.
### Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Overseeing business and local operations, including supporting payroll, managing the FSF's fiscal sponsorship program, financial reporting, annual audit, and required compliance filings.
Leading hiring, human resources, and staff development.
Assisting the ED with staff supervision and organizational policies and procedures.
Partnering with the ED on grant writing, fundraising strategy, and outreach.
Serving as a thought partner and special projects manager to the ED.
Fulfilling miscellaneous tasks as assigned, including, but not limited to, providing administrative support to the copyright assignment process.
### Our ideal candidate:
Has extensive experience in senior management in a nonprofit organization, foundation, or government agency.
Cares deeply about the impact of control over technology on the exercise of individual freedoms.
Stays highly organized, even during high-stress situations.
Is highly skilled at staff management, coaching, and development.
Is a reliably rational, diplomatic, and productive voice in discussions.
Inspires and motivates others.
Loves problem-solving and working through complex issues.
Enjoys navigating the challenges of increasing positive brand awareness for an organization with a long and public history.
Experience with free software, nonprofit financial reporting and audit management, grant writing, and fiscal sponsorship are all a plus.
Is multilingual. The FSF is a mature but growing organization that works globally and seeks to have its materials distributed in as many languages as possible.
### Location and working environment
Because of financial control and office management duties, the
position is ideally filled from the FSF's office in Boston,
Massachusetts at least some days per week. Relocation assistance is
available. With our small staff, each person makes a clear
contribution. We work hard, but offer a humane and fun work
environment.
### Benefits and salary
Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits included for a full-time position (pro-rated for part-time):
Subsidized individual or family health coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield and partially subsidized dental plan
4 weeks of paid vacation annually
17 paid holidays annually
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
Potential for an annual collective performance bonus
### Application instructions
Applications must be submitted via email to [email protected]. The email
must contain the subject line "Deputy director." A complete
application should include:
Cover letter
Resume
Two relevant writing samples; and
Three recent professional references
All materials must be in a free format (such as ODT, PDF, or
OpenDocument). 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. To guarantee consideration, submit your application by August 8, 2025.
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, gender, sex, sexual
orientation, national origin, disability, 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.