Program Director

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people.

We seek to strengthen the rule of law; respect for human rights, minorities, and a diversity of opinions; democratically elected governments; and a civil society that helps keep government power in check.

We help to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights.

We implement initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media.

We build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information.

Working in every part of the world, the Open Society Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.

Purpose of Position

The Open Society Foundations are seeking a London-based director for the Program on Independent Journalism, a grantmaking and operational program that strengthens the work of professional, ethical, public interest journalism worldwide, and the organizations, policies, and legal environments that enable it to flourish in the digital age. The program has previously been known as the Media Program. The director will report to a member of the Senior Management Committee designated by the president of the Open Society Foundations.

The director of the Program on Independent Journalism leads a team currently consisting of 14 professionals based in London and Budapest. The program supports investigative journalism, exile journalism, and organizations that distribute public-interest journalism both on- and off-line, especially in closed and transitional societies. The program assists in the defense and protection of journalists threatened with persecution and helps to advance free-press and free-expression principles in law, regulation, and policy.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The Open Society Foundations may add, change, or remove duties at any time:

• Display expert knowledge in the field of public-interest journalism;
• Remain up-to-date on the trends, debates, and innovations in the field, and maintain familiarity with the individuals and organizations that play significant roles in the field;
• Act as the principal strategist for the Open Society Foundations on professional, public-interest journalism, and the policy environment that allows it to flourish;
• Lead the program staff and works closely with the advisory board to shape the goals and craft the strategies of the program, subject to the approval of the president and the Global Board;
• Serve as an expert resource to national and regional foundations and the various geographic programs in the network and collaborates with a wide range of partners inside and outside the Open Society Foundations;
• Be a skilled manager and team leader, with strong organizational abilities;
• Provide effective supervision of program staff members, including attending to individual performance and professional development;
• Build constructive relationships with the chair and the members of the program’s advisory board;
• Participate constructively in the Open Society Foundations as a whole, including effective collaboration with other thematic programs, geographic programs and foundations, and the many other departments, units, boards, and entities within the complex;
• Participate in working groups and discussions on topics beyond journalism related to the Open Society Foundations as a whole;
• Travel frequently throughout the world.

Education / Experience

• Advanced degree (MA/MS) and relevant experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Demonstrated mastery of the field of public-interest journalism through some combination of professional experience, academic training, and/or familiarity with relevant literature, institutions, and leaders in the field;
• Detailed knowledge of the state of independent journalism in at least two countries where the Open Society Foundations are active is essential, along with curiosity about the situation in other countries and regions;
• Engagement at the intersection of independent journalism and other themes prominent in the mission and work of the Open Society Foundations will be a great advantage.

Skills Required

• Excellent communication skills to effectively understand and empathize with employees in stressful situations;
• Excellent written and spoken English proficiency in other languages preferred, as will skills as a facilitator, presenter, instructor, or discussant;
• Demonstrated cross-cultural competence and substantial life experience in multiple cultures;
• Diplomatic and problem-solving abilities as well as broad intellectual curiosity, comfort with robust debate, and a good sense of humor will be valuable;
• Eager for continued professional growth while focused on the promotion of grantees and partners in the field, and the professional development of colleagues;
• Demonstrated skills as a supervisor, manager, and team leader;
• Experience in executive leadership is not necessary but would be an advantage; 
• Articulate about strengths and limitations as a manager, coach, and group leader;
• Experience in more than one sector (public sector, commercial sector, nonprofit sector) a benefit, but not essential;
• Ability to manage responsibilities, collaborations, and reporting relationships across substantial distances.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, anticipate future consequences, and trends and incorporate them into the organizational plan;
• Proven ability to work successfully in complex environments and collaboratively as part of a dynamic team;
• Ability to represent the organization publicly and passionately;
• Ability to work effectively and diplomatically with people of different nationalities and cultures;
• Commitment to the values of an open society and their promotion.

Compensation

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits package.

Application Instructions

Please email your resume and cover letter before March 3, 2014, to:recruitment-hr@opensocietyfoundations.org. Include in subject line your name, surname and job code: DI.