Board Treasurer

Help us advance digital rights in Europe!

The Digital Freedom Fund works to advance digital rights through strategic litigation in Europe. We do this primarily through grants to support the legal, advocacy, research, and other costs involved in litigation and through facilitating skill development and networking in the digital rights community. As part of its work in facilitating skill development and networking, DFF organises several events, including litigation retreats, workshops and virtual meetings to collaboratively strategise on litigation across different digital rights issues. DFF has an annual operating budget of EUR 2-2.5 million and a light operational staff as its focus is on grantmaking and community support activities rather than participating in litigation work itself.

2024 was a year of transition at DFF. DFF underwent a staff-led transformation to a distributed leadership model more in-line with DFF’s organisational values. Additionally, the hosted entity Weaving Liberation was founded out of the Decolonising the Digital Rights Field project and participates in DFF’s leadership structure in the model. The DFF Board has been highly engaged with the team in the process and is learning to shift practices in the Board to align with distributed leadership and anti-oppressive practices such as consent-based decision making. You can read more about DFF’s distributed leadership model here.

DFF is looking for a new Board member to take up a Board leadership role as Treasurer for a four-year term with possibility to renew for an additional term. Board membership is voluntary and Board members should expect a time investment of 4-8 hours per month in Board duties. For those Board members that volunteer in their free time DFF offers a modest token compensation in the form of an honorarium of EUR 1,800 per year for participation in the DFF Board.

DFF is incorporated as a Stichting under Dutch law, with staff based primarily in Germany, but also in several other jurisdictions, such as Poland, Portugal and the UK. Board members are based in various countries. Due to Dutch banking requirements, the Treasurer should be a Dutch resident and be knowledgeable of Dutch charity (ANBI) regulation.

What is the role of a Board member at DFF?

• Collaborate with DFF, Weaving Liberation staff and other Board members to provide strategic direction and oversight around the organisation’s activities and budget, with a focus on governance
• Ensure accountability to DFF’s mission and values and help ground our work in the lived experiences of people and communities harmed by data systems and other technology
• Participate in four annual board meetings (three virtually, one in-person)
• Get involved with a highly collaborative, highly motivated and dynamic staff team
• Contribute to developing DFF’s financial resilience by connecting DFF to new networks and donors

What is the role of the Treasurer of the Board?

Besides normal board member duties, the Treasurer of the Board is the primary board member responsible for financial oversight and has the following additional responsibilities:

• Statutory representation of the DFF Board in the annual audit of accounts
• Serve as a DFF bank account holder (Dutch residence required)
• Ensure that proper processes and procedures exist to assure sufficient documentation to comply with local legislation
• Primary liason in the Board for detected financial sustainability risks

Who are we looking for?

As a social reform organisation in the digital rights community, the Digital Freedom Fund is committed to actively integrating an anti-oppressive lens in its work. We encourage applications from a diverse range of backgrounds who are impacted by digital rights.

Essential requirements:

• Well versed in financial management best practice
• Experience with a Dutch ANBI and with Dutch banking
• Affinity for oversight, strategic direction and NGO leadership
• Strong understanding of or excitement to learn more about strategic litigation and the digital rights landscape in Europe
• Commitment to - and expertise in- social justice and anti-oppressive values and practices

How to Apply

If you think this Board could be a fit for you, we’d love to talk more! We’re happy to answer questions and provide more information; Please feel free to reach out to the Co-Director Finance Lead Darrah Hassell at darrah[at]digitalfreedomfund[dot]org. Once you’re ready to apply, please visit our recruitment portal and submit the following by the
deadline of 30 March 2025:

https://digitalfreedomfund.freshteam.com/jobs

Be ready to supply your CV (1-2 pages) and to answer the following questions:

• What does DFF's mission (found on our website) mean to you? How do you identify yourself with DFF’s mission and vision?
• What interests you most about joining our Board of Directors?
• How would your skills and experiences (personal and professional) translate into success in this role?

An initial selection will be made based on skills set and relevant experience, followed by interviews. The interviews for the Board treasurer will take place on 4 April 2025. (preferably morning). The Board will then select a candidate and make a final decision in consultation with DFF Leadership.

We look forward to hearing from you!