ISD is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to safeguarding human rights and reversing the rising tide of polarisation, extremism and disinformation worldwide.
Why work for ISD?
ISD is not your ordinary think tank. We turn research into action that changes the world. Our insights don’t gather dust on shelves – they power the fight to protect democracy and human rights on the front lines. We’re committed to delivering real change, from the grassroots to the highest levels of global institutions. And we’re looking for passionate individuals who share our commitment to making a difference. Join us and be part of an organisation that’s making an impact.
ISD’s Guiding Principles of integrity, collaboration, agility and courage define who we are as a team and an organisation. These principles reflect our culture and guide the way we work and the choices we make.
Our benefits
- Flexible and remote working based on ISD’s Time Principles of trust, communication and flexibility.
- 24 days annual leave, plus all Berlin/Brandenburg bank holidays.
- 1 week of additional paid time off over Christmas, outside of your annual leave entitlement.
- Additional paid time off for development.
- Sick pay and enhanced family friendly policies and compassionate leave.
- Annual personal development budget.
- Remote working budget.
- Employee Assistance Programme and dedicated counsellors for those working with potentially traumatic content.
- Inclusive wellbeing programme with regular wellbeing initiatives e.g. early finish on a Friday.
Salary
EUR 100,000-130,000
Location
You may work from our office in Berlin, from home, or on a hybrid arrangement to suit you. Please note you will be required to attend the office occasionally for team meetings.
Hours
This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week. We are open to considering flexible working arrangements.
Contract type
Permanent
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
ISD is committed to promoting diversity throughout its workforce and aims for its team to be truly representative of all sections of society. We make a concerted effort to ensure our workplace, employment policies and organisational culture creates an inclusive, positive and progressive environment in which all members of our team are treated with dignity and respect. For further information about this policy or our recruitment practices, please email [email protected].
We strongly encourage applications from people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, neuro-divergent people, carers, and people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
The role
We are looking for an experienced Executive Director, or senior organisational leader, who will lead and strategically grow ISD’s German and European footprint, delivering innovative programming across the region. Building on our existing networks, expertise and infrastructure, the post holder will develop and advance ISD’s research, policy and action work within Germany, the EU and where possible nearby geographies, leading and expanding a strong team and deepening equally strong relationships with key stakeholders across government, civil society, academia and media.
To this end, the post holder will develop the performance of ISD Germany’s team and develop and implement an integrated growth strategy which includes new fundraising approaches. The ED will represent ISD at major conferences, in the media, and at high level briefings with the Bundestag, the federal government, EU institutions, and other international fora. They will also provide senior editorial guidance to the team, supporting the team to produce the highest calibre research work and written output.
The ISD Germany Executive Director will be a core member of ISD’s Global Leadership Team and will report to the global CEO. They will work closely with ISD’s regional offices and leadership and will contribute to the strategic direction of the whole organisation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Organisational, strategic and editorial leadership (25%) – including working with our Board and Global Leadership Team to develop the strategy and implement the plan to expand ISD Germany’s impact (operational and programmatic) and build out our European portfolio of work, including that funded by the EU.
- Fundraising, development and representation (25%) – including developing an integrated and robust growth strategy for ISD Germany, in collaboration with the senior German team and Global programmatic leads and expanding our network of donors for ISD Germany (project-based funding and foundation/philanthropic donations), in support of identified priorities and the growth strategy.
- Provide senior representation and build out of networks across policy constituencies, business and industry, media, academia and other key stakeholders (25%) – including driving outreach and communications with key stakeholders around ISD’s work in Germany and Europe, in collaboration with ISD Germany’s leadership team.
- Team and institutional management (25%) – including developing ISD Germany’s organisational structure by recruiting, mentoring and inspiring a high-performing and diverse team that delivers high-quality outputs in an efficient manner and contributes to ISD Germany’s growth and working with the global Managing Director to facilitate cross-organisational knowledge sharing through embedded placements of experts and programmatic leads from other ISD offices.
To view a full job description, please click here. To view the job description in German, please click here.
The ideal candidate
The ideal candidate will have proven experience in a senior leadership position in a similar organisation and substantial experience in developing and delivering against strategic goals and business plans. The candidate must have an excellent understanding of ISD’s key issue areas, including extremism, hate, disinformation and polarisation, and significant understanding of programming and fundraising in any of the following domains: conflict and stabilisation, democracy promotion, capacity building, countering violent extremism (CVE), disinformation/ electoral integrity, international relations and policy.
The role requires strong team management and leadership skills, including with remote, international teams as well as extremely strong written and oral communication skills. An entrepreneurial approach to fundraising and development and commercial acumen is also key.
Please review our job description for essential criteria, and keep in mind that no candidate will meet every requirement in the advert. If your experience looks a little different from what we’ve identified, but you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to hear from you.
How to apply
Please submit your application by Thursday 31 October. ISD reserves the right to interview and appoint candidates prior to the advertised closing date.
If you have any further questions about this vacancy or want to speak to a member of our recruitment team, please contact [email protected].