Job Description

Job Title:

Regional Director, Europe and Central Asia

Department:

Programs

Job Band:

Management III

Salary Range:

90,000.00 GBP



The salary listed reflects the expected compensation for candidates based in London. Actual compensation will be determined based on the candidate's skills, experience, and location, and may be adjusted to reflect local market rates and cost of living.

Location:

Remote (Europe) - UK preferred

Reports to Title:

Chief Programs Officer

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Union Represented:

No

Submission Instructions:

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and two professional references.

Application Deadline:

5pm EST (New York time) on July 23, 2025

Organization Overview:

Founded in 1981, the Committee to Protect Journalists ("CPJ") is an independent, non-profit organization defending journalists worldwide without regard to their political ideology. Through its work to safeguard journalists, CPJ protects the rights of all people to have access to diverse and independent sources of information. For nearly four decades, CPJ has helped win the early release of imprisoned journalists, secure convictions in journalist murders, and enable positive legal reform in countries where the climate for free expression has deteriorated. Learn more about CPJ's fight to defend freedom of the press here: http://cpj.org



At CPJ, we are dedicated to upholding values of equity and free expression in both our internal operations and external endeavors. As an organization headquartered in the United States, we aspire to build a diverse workplace and foster an inclusive and welcoming environment. As an international organization, we strive for our people to be representative of the global community on which we report and to equip them with the opportunities and resources they need to learn and succeed.

Job Summary:

The Regional Director, Europe and Central Asia (ECA) is a key new leadership role within CPJ's senior management team, reporting to the Chief Programs Officer. This position provides strategic direction and oversight of all areas of CPJ's work in the region, guiding the organization's advocacy, research, and assistance efforts. The Regional Director will be a recognized expert on issues of press freedom and will collaborate with other regional leads to identify global trends, address pressing issues, and develop cohesive strategies aligning with CPJ's mission. In addition, the Regional Director, ECA will act as a spokesperson and senior representative for the organization in the region.



This role is responsible for developing and implementing regional strategic plans, managing budgets, and leading a geographically dispersed team operating across multiple time zones. Acting as CPJ's principal representative in the region, the Regional Director engages with a wide range of stakeholders - from local journalists and civil society partners to heads of state and international institutions - advocating for press freedom and the protection of journalists.



Fluency in English and one other regional language is essential, along with extensive regional experience and a deep understanding of press freedom challenges and the the needs of local journalists. The role requires expertise in advocacy, crisis management, and collaboration with both regional and global partners. The Regional Director must also balance rapid responses to emerging crises with long-term strategic analysis to identify trends and inform CPJ's work. The Regional Director, ECA will also be required from time to time to represent CPJ more broadly in a range of activities - from fundraising, to public speaking on issues related to press freedom more broadly.



Through this leadership, the Regional Director ensures CPJ remains responsive to the evolving needs of journalists at risk.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategy Development and Oversight

+ Develop and oversee the successful and timely execution of annual and multi-year plans (research, assistance, and advocacy) in line with CPJ's strategic plan and according to budget
+ Communicate effectively priorities to team members and others within the organization
+ Identify gaps and opportunities for impact within the region and flag them to upper management

People & Culture, Talent Development and Succession Management

+ Manage and support all the members of the regional team, who are working part-time or full-time, to closely monitor, research, document, and respond to attacks on the press and issues affecting press freedom in the Europe and Central Asia region
+ Delegate powers and/or responsibilities to senior members of the regional Program to ensure its effective functioning
+ Work collaboratively with other departments and ensure the program's work is aligned with the organization's overall strategy

Management Excellence and Accountability

+ Lead and/or oversee the regional program's advocacy, assistance, research, and reporting on press freedom violations and attacks throughout the region
+ Lead the regional program's strategy on emblematic cases and journalist assistance, including the undertaking of prison visits and family support in coordination with the CPJ Emergencies team
+ Personally advocate for the release of jailed journalists and an end to impunity in the murder of journalists at the highest levels of national and regional government and at relevant international bodies, in coordination with the CPJ Advocacy and Communications team. Devise and support other advocacy efforts in line with CPJ's broad organizational goals

Advocacy and Representation

+ Conduct high-level advocacy on regional and international issues related to press freedom and journalists safety
+ Represent CPJ with regional authorities, including heads of state
+ Represent CPJ at senior level in the region, including at advocacy meetings, in the media, and at public events on matters related to international press freedom issues; as well as in fundraising

Data Management

+ Own the regional program's strategy to use CARTA (internal knowledge management system) as a tool for research and advocacy + Leverage CARTA to drive data-informed strategies, ensure cross-departmental collaboration, and regularly review insights for emerging risks and opportunities in the region

Budget and Resource Management

+ Manage an annual budget, including planning and approving trips and hiring contractors + Collaborate closely with the Finance and HR departments to ensure budgetary planning and personnel decisions support CPJ's broader operational and financial goals

Representation, Research, Stakeholder Engagement

+ Lead the regional program's work with national, regional, and international partners in a manner sensitive to local partners' needs
+ Oversee the research into attacks on journalists and production - as needed - of daily and long-form reports on press freedom conditions, including identifying unique research areas in conjunction with the CPJ Editorial team
+ Serve as CPJ's spokesperson with the media, governments, multilateral institutions, partner organizations, and civil society on regional issues and delegate to the program coordinator and team members as deemed fit
+ Serve as CPJ's spokesperson with the media, governments, multilateral institutions, partner organizations, civil society, and funders on global issues as requested by the CEO

Cross-Team and Partner Collaboration

+ Proactively communicate with other teams (Research, Advocacy, Assistance) to support the work and ensure alignment with strategic goals
+ Liaise with local partners, including proactive outreach and feedback gathering on the impact of CPJ's work
+ Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders

Leadership and Team Management

+ Manage the regional team:
+ Recruitment: Select high-caliber candidates
+ Performance Management: Ensure staff is provided clear goals and regular performance feedback (including performance reviews)
+ Development: Provide staff with appropriate career and professional development opportunities and meaningful coaching and mentoring
+ Engagement: Ensure staff is effectively connected and motivated to perform at their highest levels of achievement and contribute to creating a positive organizational culture
+ Administration: Oversee budgets and administrative processes (e.g., time off, expense reports, travel plans, employee data/records, etc.)
Perform all other duties, as requested, based on department and/or organizational needs

Education/Qualifications & Work Experience:

Required:

At least 15 years of combined experience doing reporting and/or advocacy, with extensive experience across the region Fluent in written and spoken English and another regional language A firm understanding of geopolitical issues with the ability to analyze and relate these to press freedom as needed A deep understanding of how media works and its specific press freedom challenges in the region Extensive network of relations with local journalists and media organizations Proven skills in writing succinct and high-quality reports, including the capacity to digest, interpret, and accurately summarize reports and data Proven skills in providing direct support (legal, financial, and others) in the region and building partnerships to advance this work Proven ability to interact with senior leadership in government and other national, regional, and international organizations

Additional Qualifications, Characteristics, and Competencies:

A deep understanding of leveraging regional and international bodies to advocate for journalists and press freedom Exceptional verbal and written communication skills Proficiency in Google Workspace applications is essential Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills Impeccable organizational skills and keen attention to detail Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality Ability to lead a team and work collaboratively with senior managers to guide the organization

Benefits:

Benefits package that complies with local laws and may be supplemented based on the location of the successful candidate Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and paid holidays) Employee Assistance Program Extended remote work flexibility, allowing up to 60 days of remote work annually

Equal Employment Opportunity:

CPJ provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.