Press freedom editorial lead

The International Press Institute (IPI) is hiring an organization-wide Press freedom editorial lead to help drive the visibility and impact of IPI’s global work. This is a full-time position reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the IPI senior leadership team.

It is expanding its work to defend press freedom and independent media around the globe at a time when journalists face growing threats. It is looking for an ambitious, talented individual who combines exceptional editorial and writing skills with strong news and communications instincts and deep knowledge of the threats and challenges that journalists and media face.

Key Responsibilities  

The duties of the postion include:

Editorial 

• Edit and exercise oversight over public advocacy and communications outputs across IPI’s programmes (including statements, reports, letters, social media content, event marketing) for alignment with IPI’s advocacy positions and messaging; adherence to editorial and research standards; and alignment with IPI style guides.
• Lead the production process (drafting, editing, design, and translation) of, and exercise editorial oversight over, publications – including newsletters, calls to action, reports, fact sheets – in line with IPI standards and style guides.
• Ensure consistency, cohesiveness, and quality control across external advocacy communications output in line with IPI communications guidelines.
• Serve as news editor for IPI’s website and social media platforms, including overseeing publication of materials in line with IPI guidelines.
• Lead the development of general and specific editorial policies and standards across the IPI team, including in response to current events

Communications

• Support the development of communications strategies and dissemination plans to strengthen reach and impact of IPI advocacy and network content among relevant stakeholders, including IPI members, media, the diplomatic community, partner organizations, and advocacy targets.
• Support programme teams in developing and refining campaign messaging and talking points on key issues.
• Support the development of strategies and communications products to boost the visibility of IPI’s work to promote and protect media freedom.

Eligibility

A strong candidate for this position will have:

• Exceptional English writing and editing skills with a sharp eye for detail and the ability to produce impactful copy, with targeted campaign messaging.
• A strong understanding of the challenges facing press freedom, free expression, and internet freedom, and independent journalism more broadly.
• Excellent news judgment and ability to adapt to different audiences.
• At least 5-8 years of previous experience in editorial roles, with demonstrated experience in establishing clear editorial workflows and processes. A background in journalism or communications work with non-profit human rights organizations (strongly preferred).
• A willingness to dig deep as an editor, with an ambition to ensure high-quality, consistent, and cohesive writing and messaging.
• Experience developing and supporting communications strategies and implementation plans.
• Bring a critical and analytical vision to IPI’s external communcation, focused on streamlining advocacy-related editorial and communication tasks and growing impact.
• Bring strong attention to detail and ability to ensure and/or craft cohesive messaging across multiple platforms and multiple communications outputs.
• Bring clear insight on achieving quality social media engagement and reach.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and ability to offer strategic input into IPI’s social media presence.
• Familiarity with SEO and website management.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Have excellent planning and time management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple tasks and requests.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter. The cover letter should explain why you are interested in the position, describe your previous experience in editorial and communications roles, and what skills, qualities, and strengths you would bring to the position and to IPI.

The application should be submitted via email to hr@ipi.media by Friday, May 1, 2026, 23:59 Central European Time.

For more information, please visit this page.