Portfolio Head, Advocacy

Join Us to Champion an Internet for Everyone

At the Internet Society (ISOC), we believe in an Internet that is open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy for all. As the Head of Advocacy, you will be at the heart of our mission, leading bold, forward-looking efforts that shape how the Internet evolves and is governed. This is your opportunity to influence policies and decisions that impact billions of people and to protect the future of the Internet itself.

You will lead ISOC’s global advocacy portfolio, driving strategic influence across governments, intergovernmental bodies, commercial entities, courts, and communities. From engaging at the United Nations to building grassroots movements in underserved regions, your leadership will help ensure the Internet remains a powerful force for good in society.

Role Summary

As a key member of ISOC’s leadership team, the Portfolio Head of Advocacy is responsible for leading a high-performing team and a complex global portfolio aligned with our 2030 strategy. You will oversee and evolve our approach to advocacy, ensuring that all efforts are mission-aligned, globally impactful, and strategically focused on:
•    Expanding affordable, reliable Internet access
•    Promoting trust, safety, and user protections online
•    Defending the foundational principles of an open Internet

Location: Global (Remote-first) Travel: Up to 30% international

What You’ll Do

1. Lead Global Advocacy with Vision and Impact
   • Serve as the principal advisor to the CEO on advocacy strategy, political context, and policy opportunities, and create opportunities for high-level advocacy by ISOC leadership.
   • Mobilize ISOC’s community and partners to become effective advocates through tools, partnerships, and direct engagement.
   • Oppose policies and practices that harm Internet access, freedom, and openness, and advocate for those that enable connectivity and trust.
   • Strengthen the voice and influence of the technical community in global Internet governance.
     
   • Set and drive ISOC’s global advocacy strategy, ensuring coherent and influential presence in:
     • Intergovernmental organizations (e.g. UN)
     • National governments shaping Internet policy
     • Judicial forums through strategic litigation (e.g. Amicus program)
     • Commercial platforms and Internet-facing industries
     • Community-led advocacy initiatives around the world 
2. Portfolio & Program Leadership
   • Lead end-to-end design, delivery, and performance of the Advocacy portfolio initiatives.
   • Manage complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives across regions and policy domains.
   • Oversee the alignment of program managers, subject-matter experts, comms professionals, and external consultants.
   • Cultivate a culture of excellence, collaboration, and purpose across your team.
3. Strategic Execution & Organizational Influence
   • Translate board-level strategy into measurable advocacy programs.
   • Lead annual portfolio planning and resource allocation to maximize mission-aligned impact.
   • Actively shape ISOC’s broader organizational strategy, performance management, and governance as part of the leadership team.
     
4. People Leadership
   • Build and mentor a high-performing, globally distributed team.
   • Create a culture of inclusion, ownership, and accountability.
   • Ensure the team is both delivering on current goals and developing capacity for long-term impact.
     
5. External Engagement & Representation
   • Represent ISOC in high-level meetings with governments, donors, tech leaders, and civil society.
   • Serve as a credible, visible thought leader on Internet policy, governance, and digital rights.
   • Build influential partnerships and coalitions that amplify ISOC’s voice and reach.
6. Executive Responsibility
   • Serve as the executive lead for advocacy to the MD, CEO, Board, and global stakeholders.
   • Ensure strong financial, reputational, and operational stewardship of the portfolio.
   • Monitor KPIs, risks, and learning across advocacy initiatives and report key insights to executive leadership.
     

Who You Are

We’re looking for a seasoned, visionary leader who brings deep policy expertise, global perspective, and a passion for digital equity. The ideal candidate will be:

• Mission-driven - You believe the Internet is a force for good, and you’re ready to defend it.
• Politically savvy - You understand complex global policy dynamics and how to navigate them.
• Collaborative - You build trust across cultures, sectors, and communities.
• Strategic - You see the big picture and know how to move from strategy to impact.
• Empowering - You lead through others, building capacity and unlocking talent.
  

What’s In It For You?

• Global Mission. The opportunity to help shape the future of one of the world’s most powerful tools for equity and innovation.
• Influential Role. Shape policy and drive advocacy at the highest levels of international engagement.
• Collaborative Culture. Work with passionate people in a mission-driven, globally distributed team.
• Meaningful Impact. Create real change that impacts how the world accesses and utilizes the Internet.
  

Desired Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in public policy, advocacy, or government relations, preferably in the nonprofit or international sector.
• Proven ability leading teams and coordinating across complex, matrixed global organizations.
• Demonstrated success in shaping and delivering Internet policy outcomes through advocacy.
• Experience leading global, complex programs or portfolios with multi-sectoral impact
• Deep familiarity with international institutions, legislative processes, and/or multistakeholder governance
• Strong team leadership in matrixed, distributed environments
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, negotiate, influence and stakeholder management, particular at the Sr. Management level
• Master’s degree or equivalent experience strongly preferred
• Ability to travel up to 30% internationally. 
  

Why Join the Internet Society?

• Global Mission. Help shape the future of one of the world’s most powerful tools for equity and innovation.
• Influential Role. Drive policy and advocacy at the highest levels of international engagement.
• Collaborative Culture. Work with passionate people in a mission-driven, globally distributed team.
• Meaningful Impact. Make real change that affects how the world accesses and uses the Internet.
  

Ready to Lead Global Advocacy for a Better Internet?
Apply now and help ensure the Internet remains open, trusted, and accessible for everyone.