Director, Policy Communications/Information Services

The Situation

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is seeking a Director, Policy

Communications/Information Services. This is a new position reporting to the Vice President, Policy

 Development.

While it is preferred that the successful candidate be located at our operations office in Marina del

Rey, California, ICANN’s geographically distributed work environment can accommodate a

candidate based in other locations.

ICANN (www.icann.org) is responsible for the global coordination of the Internet's system of

unique identifiers, including domain names (like .com, .uk, and .jobs), as well as the addresses used in

 a variety of Internet protocols. ICANN’s work is complex and fascinating, and the corporation is

filled with tremendously bright and interesting individuals.

The Position

This position is responsible for tracking and explaining ICANN’s policy-related activities, and

translating these complex issues into clear and understandable lay language to support ICANN’s

policy development activities. This would include writing/editing/publishing policy summaries,

background papers, policy newsletters, web-based content and other material that educates and

informs ICANN’s stakeholders and the general public worldwide about ICANN’s policy

development activities. This also would include managing policy-related, internationally oriented

websites and other online communications tools.

This position is responsible for supporting the development of global policies that advance

ICANN’s mission of preserving the security, stability and interoperability of the Internet. These

policies are developed through bottom-up, consensus-based processes involving diverse stakeholders

 world-wide.

The Organization

ICANN is a nonprofit public benefit corporation responsible for the global coordination of the

Internet's system of unique identifiers. These include domain names as well as the addresses

used in a variety of Internet protocols.

Computers use these identifiers to reach each other over the Internet. Careful management of these

resources is vital to the Internet's operation, so ICANN's global stakeholders (Registrars, Registries,

Internet user groups, etc.) meet regularly to develop policies that ensure the Internet's ongoing

security and stability.



ICANN established market competition for generic domain name registrations resulting in a lowering

of domain name costs by 80% and saving consumers and businesses over US$1 billion annually in

domain registration fees. Currently the aggregated number of Registrars and Registries world-wide

accredited by this extraordinary organization is approaching 1000, with an annual growth rate in

excess of 25%.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelors Degree or equivalent with at least 10 years of

experience as a writer/manager/director doing research, content writing, creating and publishing

regular informational materials, and repackaging of policy and/or Internet-related information in

organizations accountable to multiple constituencies. This person possesses exemplary oral and

written communications skills, and is adept at managing, writing, and editing content for international

 audiences.

S/he is a self starter with experience completing multiple projects concurrently with excellent

time management skills and a tolerance for ambiguity, fluid environments, and challenging deadlines.

S/he has a demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams and independently.

The ideal candidate will be a creative self-starter, with a can-do attitude and a drive to get things done.

The Opportunity

Not only is the opportunity unique, it exists within a company that is truly extraordinary. As a

not-for-profit private-public partnership, ICANN is dedicated to preserving the security,

stability, and interoperability of the Internet. You will have the opportunity to work with a

highly talented, elite, and globally diverse team. This position will have the chance to make

direct and distinctive contributions to both the short and long term success of the organization,

as well as the global Internet. There is no comparable organization, or opportunity, in the world.

The Compensation

The salary is market- based with an extremely competitive benefit package. Benefits include

annual bonuses, company paid medical, life, vision and dental for employees and their families,

pension plan and a company matched 401K program with instant eligibility.