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Board of Directors Application

Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) is conducting an intensive, nationwide search to assemble a qualified, diverse, and representative slate of candidates for the Board of Directors. Please consider whether you or someone you know might qualify and help spread the word.

We are striving for a rich diversity of experience, expertise, and identities among our board members and there is no such thing as a perfect candidate. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply regardless of age, gender, race, ability, faith, cultural background, profession, or sexual orientation. Please don’t permit any assumptions you might have about what constitutes an ideal Board member to keep you from applying if you believe that you could be a valuable contributor to the Board.

Interested applicants should submit a completed application resume, and cover letter by September 14, 2026.

What You Need To KNow

  • A three-year term beginning in the Fall of 2027
  • Dedicating considerable time and energy (approximately 6-8 hours per week) to upholding the AIUSA mandate and growing the human rights movement through governance service
  • Commitment to serve Amnesty and forward the goals of our strategic plan
  • Belief in the mission and vision of Amnesty
  • Knowledge of domestic and international human rights trends and issues, with particular interest in those relevant to Amnesty
  • Understanding the legal and ethical expectations for a nonprofit organization
  • Preference for previous involvement in leadership roles (including organizational management roles, board or committee membership, and community leadership) and experience with strategy, governance, and finance
  • Especially seeking qualified youth (ages 18-24) and individuals with expertise in financial or operational matters relevant to nonprofit corporations
  • Applicants must be members of Amnesty in good standing at the time of the application deadline. This means making a donation of $25 or more. If you have questions about the status of your membership or to request a fee waiver, please contact [email protected].
  • Develop a clear vision for the organization through policies that set goals and priorities for Amnesty
  • Help set the annual budget for the organization in line with the strategic plan
  • Establish, evaluate, and revise organizational policies to realize the organizational vision
  • Provide stewardship to the organization in partnership with the Executive Team
  • Maintain appropriate and constructive working relationships with members, volunteers, staff, and members
  • Ensure the financial health of the organization and provide fiscal oversight
  • Support fundraising efforts
  • Serve as an ambassador for Amnesty in our communities and within the broader Amnesty and human rights movement

Phase 1: Candidate Search

  • July: Call for applications for the Board of Directors
  • September 14: Application deadline at 11:59pm EST

Phase 2: Candidate Selection

  • Late September/October: Nominating Committee conducts interviews of prospective candidates and references
  • October/November: Nominating Committee meets to determine proposed slate of final candidates
  • December: AIUSA Board ratifies slate and opening of petition process

Phase 3: Candidate Election

  • Spring 2027: Election (exact dates to be announced)
  • Late Spring 2027: AIUSA Board announces election results
  • Early September 2027: Seating of new Board members

The Nominating Committee developed this application questionnaire to assess candidates for nomination to the AIUSA Board of Directors. Each question should be answered as thoroughly as possible.

If you have questions, contact any member of the 2026-2027 Nominating Committee at [email protected].

  • Marianna Bezhanyan, Youth Representative
  • Douglas Black
  • Farah Eck
  • Grace Eickmeyer
  • Natalie Koletar
  • Bhavana Ravala
  • Deanna Wilken