Regional Director, Europe and Central Asia

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Committee to Protect Journalists

Regional Director, Europe and Central Asia – Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)

Location: Remote (Europe), UK preferred
Department: Programs – Europe & Central Asia
Salary: £90,000 (London-based rate; adjusted per local market)
Application Deadline: July 23, 2025 – 5 PM EST
Reports to: Chief Programs Officer
Employment Type: Full-time, Management III

About CPJ

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is an independent, non-profit organization that has defended the rights of journalists around the globe since 1981. CPJ fights to protect press freedom and ensure that journalists can work safely and without fear. Its work includes securing the release of jailed reporters, combatting impunity in journalist murders, and promoting positive legal reforms. Learn more at cpj.org.

Job Summary

The Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia (ECA) is a senior leadership role responsible for setting strategic direction and overseeing all regional program activities, including advocacy, research, journalist assistance, and representation. The Director manages a dispersed team across time zones and ensures CPJ remains responsive to threats to press freedom in the region.

This role involves high-level advocacy, stakeholder engagement, budget management, internal coordination, and external representation with institutions, governments, and partners. Fluency in English and one additional regional language is required, along with a deep knowledge of the press freedom landscape in Europe and Central Asia.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Oversight

  • Develop and implement multi-year and annual strategies aligned with CPJ’s global goals.

  • Identify gaps, risks, and opportunities for impactful advocacy in the region.

  • Guide regional program goals in research, advocacy, and journalist assistance.

Team Management and Development

  • Lead and support a geographically distributed team of full-time and part-time staff.

  • Delegate responsibilities to senior team members for effective regional coordination.

  • Promote talent development and succession planning across the team.

Advocacy and Representation

  • Represent CPJ in advocacy meetings, the media, and international forums.

  • Lead efforts on emblematic cases and advocate for the release of jailed journalists.

  • Develop partnerships with civil society and multilateral institutions.

Program Execution and Accountability

  • Oversee response to press freedom violations and implement journalist support strategies.

  • Manage regional data in CPJ’s internal platform (CARTA) for analysis and reporting.

  • Ensure compliance with budgets and coordinate with Finance and HR.

Research and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Guide daily and long-form reports on press freedom issues in the region.

  • Serve as CPJ’s spokesperson in the media and with partner organizations.

  • Represent CPJ globally as requested, including in fundraising events.

Required Qualifications

  • At least 15 years of combined experience in journalism and/or advocacy in the region.

  • Fluency in English and one additional regional language.

  • Deep understanding of press freedom challenges and local media dynamics.

  • Experience managing geographically diverse teams.

  • Strong communication, advocacy, and negotiation skills.

  • Proven ability to lead strategic initiatives and work with senior-level stakeholders.

  • Familiarity with tools like Google Workspace and internal knowledge management platforms.

Additional Competencies

  • Ability to manage high-pressure situations and act with integrity and professionalism.

  • Strong organizational, analytical, and time management skills.

  • Experience with direct support to journalists (legal, financial, or otherwise).

  • Capacity to work collaboratively across departments and international settings.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Competitive salary, adjusted for local cost of living.

  • Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

  • Employee Assistance Program.

  • Up to 60 days of extended remote work annually.

  • Location-based benefits compliant with local labor laws.

How to Apply

Submit your letter of interest, résumé, and two professional references by 5 PM EST on July 23, 2025.

To apply for this job please visit cpjorg.bamboohr.com.

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