Regional Director, Europe and Central Asia

The Regional Director will lead CPJ’s efforts in Europe and Central Asia to safeguard press freedom and support journalists at risk. This executive-level position involves developing and executing strategic plans, leading a regional team, conducting high-level advocacy, managing budgets, and serving as CPJ’s senior spokesperson in the region. The Director will work closely with CPJ’s senior leadership and cross-functional teams to address emerging threats, conduct crisis response, and implement regional programming.

 Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee multi-year regional strategic plans in line with CPJ’s global objectives.
• Identify key gaps, challenges, and emerging threats.
• Manage a geographically dispersed team.
• Recruit, mentor, and lead staff; ensure strong team culture and alignment with CPJ’s values.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Advocacy, Assistance, Research).
• Lead high-level advocacy with national, regional, and international bodies.
• Act as CPJ’s spokesperson with media, governments, and partner organizations.
• Represent CPJ at regional and global events.
• Oversee research, assistance, and reporting on press freedom violations.
• Lead emblematic cases and coordinate journalist support and prison visits.
• Manage and oversee regional program budget.
• Coordinate with Finance and HR on resource planning.

Eligibility Criteria

• 15+ years of journalism and/or advocacy experience, with extensive ECA regional exposure.
• Fluency in English and one other regional language (e.g., Russian, Turkish, Ukrainian, etc.).
• Deep understanding of press freedom issues in Europe and Central Asia.
• Experience providing legal, financial, and emergency assistance to journalists.
• Skilled in high-level government and institutional advocacy.
• Excellent writing, strategic analysis, leadership, and conflict resolution skills.
• Familiarity with international legal and political frameworks for press freedom.
• Experience in remote team leadership and managing cross-timezone operations.
• Strong background in report writing and public communications.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and respond to crises quickly.

Deadline: July 23, 2025

Click here to apply.