Head of Global Affairs

Head of Global Affairs

Common Sense Media is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the research-backed information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the age of apps, algorithms, and AI. We rate, educate, and advocate for policies to protect and prepare kids online. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users globally, over 1.4 million educators, and more than 100,000 schools worldwide every year. Learn more at commonsense.org. 

The Opportunity
We are seeking a Head of Global Affairs skilled at organizing and leading efforts with the organization's global partners around the world. The Head of Global Affairs will help formulate and execute the Office of the CEO’s strategy for Common Sense Media's global planning and growth to extend the organization's reach to better protect and prepare children, families, and our democracy in a digital world.

In particular, the Head of Global Affairs will coordinate international strategy for the organization to develop and implement sustainable growth abroad across Common Sense's consumer, education, and policy/advocacy efforts, with a specific focus on the emerging world of AI.

Location: San Francisco, CA
Reports to: Founder and CEO
Salary: $175,000–$250,000 (depending on experience)
Type: Full-time, exempt

What You'll Do:

The Head of Global Affairs will work directly with the Office of the CEO's efforts to drive international technology policy and AI thought leadership for the organization, working with cross-functional leadership to build Common Sense's overall presence and relationships overseas with policymakers, educational leaders, advocacy partners, media platforms, and regional press.

• Coordinate Global Strategy and Development
  • Execute and manage annual strategic goals, roadmap, staffing plans in partnership with the Office of the CEO, with an immediate focus on areas of the world where Common Sense Media already has a significant presence. 
  • Partner with Events staff to organize events/convenings to build global coalitions and elevate the organization's global profile and build partnerships with trusted experts and organizations in local markets.
  • Cultivate funding support or partnerships in target markets in collaboration with cross-organization leadership.
  • Explore and assess new potential market opportunities across the globe – with the possibility of activities expanding to additional markets.
  • Liaise with Common Sense Media's U.S. Education team to partner with schools worldwide to expand access to the organization's educational resources.
  • Manage consultants and advisors located overseas. 
  • Potential for periodic travel with Office of CEO executives to provide support at global events and meetings.
• Global Policy and Education Programs
  • Strengthen and leverage Common Sense Media's global programs to advance our U.S. policy and educational work around protecting and preparing children, families, and democracy in the digital world, with a specific focus on AI.
  • Coordinate, prepare materials, and facilitate meetings for organization executives with key political figures in target markets.
  • Liaise with Common Sense Media's U.S. Advocacy and Education teams to bridge U.S. and global goals, research, and programs.
  • Represent Common Sense Media internally and externally on key issues and programs.
• International Thought Leadership
  • Drive thought leadership and craft a compelling narrative for the organization's international presence that advances partnerships with philanthropic funders, media, business development partners, policy leaders, press, and other key stakeholders.
  • Help inform organizational positions on emerging technology or democracy issues with an international focus.

What We're Looking For:

• 15+ years of tech policy and child advocacy experience, preferably in the technology and AI policy arena or related fields, and preferably on a global scale
• Strong ability to work independently
• Background and experience driving programs or initiatives, particularly with global organizations and partners
• Knowledge of the ever-evolving technology, AI, and media landscape, including the impact of related issues on kids, education, and democratic institutions
• General knowledge of current geopolitical and foreign policy issues
• Entrepreneurial spirit and a self-starter
• Thought leadership and ability to shape a comprehensive vision and narrative
• Ingenuity and ability to drive initiatives independently
• Skilled verbal and written communicator
• Excels at building and cultivating relationships and partnerships
• Collaborative work style across teams and disciplines
• Enthusiasm about Common Sense's mission and values
• Undergraduate degree in political science/government/public policy/international relations strongly preferred
• Graduate degree in public policy/ international relations strongly preferred 

Our Benefits:

• The chance to work with talented, passionate professionals.
• A great health and welfare benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and a matching 401(k).
• An organization that offers work/life balance.
• The opportunity to really make a difference in the lives of kids and families!

Common Sense Media provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected classification or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Common Sense Media will also consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. However, job offers are made on the condition that the applicant subsequently passes a criminal background check. If the background check indicates a prior criminal conviction, we will conduct an individualized assessment to determine whether the conviction should result in denial of employment. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider employment for qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.