Executive Director

Liberties; Berlin; Vor Ort; EUR 75.000 - 90.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A human rights organization in Berlin is seeking an Executive Director to lead its mission in advocating for civil liberties across the EU. The role involves strategic leadership, securing financial sustainability, and fostering partnerships. Candidates should have extensive experience in fundraising, a background in civil society, and proven leadership skills. The salary range is €75,000–€90,000 gross/year, based on experience.

Qualifikationen

• At least 5 years of leadership experience in relevant roles.
• Extensive experience in fundraising and financial management.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire and lead diverse teams.

Aufgaben

• Develop and shape strategies with the Board.
• Inspire and work with the leadership team.
• Strengthen and expand the funding base for sustainability.
• Serve as a public voice for the organization.
• Ensure timely reporting and effective decision-making.

Kenntnisse

Visionary leadership

Knowledge of civil society and human rights policies

Success in fundraising and financial leadership

Coalition and network building

Strategic thinking

Master communicator

Commitment to inclusion and diversity

Fluency in English

Additional EU languages

Ausbildung

Graduate-level degree in law, management, finance, or related field

Jobbeschreibung

Executive Director of the Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties)

Liberties is a network of nationally focused human rights organizations. We help our members through joint advocacy, campaigns, and capacity‑building services, and we monitor EU policy and lawmaking to ensure fundamental rights are respected across the EU at both European and national levels. We work closely with our network of members in Brussels and across 20 EU countries.

The organization is seeking an Executive Director to steer its next chapter — implementing and strengthening its mission, fostering partnerships and expanding influence.

The Executive Director of Liberties will be responsible for executive leadership, including strategy development, programmatic coordination, and operational and financial oversight. Reporting to the Liberties Board, together with a professional leadership team and enthusiastic highly skilled staff, the Executive Director will carry out the following responsibilities:

Strategy and Impact

Develops and shapes strategies together with the Board to deepen awareness and hold EU policy and decision makers accountable on civil liberties, supports capacity building at member organizations and unites the power, knowledge and data to support campaigns and advocacy at the European level. Continuously analyzes impact and readjusts applied strategies and correspondent activities.

Leadership

Inspires and works with a highly qualified and motivated leadership team, fostering collaboration within the organization and its team. Acts as a catalyst to enhance diversity and inclusion within the organization.

Oversees both programmatic and operational work to ensure that Liberties delivers on its mission in full alignment with the Board’s expectations and the General Assembly’s endorsement.

Acts as the focal point for the Board, keeping its members informed about external and internal developments that may affect Liberties, and advising on the organization’s actual activities.

Fundraising and Financial Sustainability

Strengthens and expands Liberties’ funding base to secure its long‑term financial sustainability. Leads ambitious institutional and private fundraising efforts, cultivating strategic partnerships and stewarding key donors. Drives diversification of income streams and innovation in fundraising approaches. Ensures rigorous financial management and budget discipline while building a resilient, growth‑oriented funding portfolio that supports the organisation’s mission and impact.

Advocacy & Representation

Serves as a compelling public voice for Liberties; builds partnerships with EU institutions, governments, civil society, and the media.

Governance

Works closely with the Board; ensures timely reporting and effective decision‑making.

Candidate profile

• Visionary leadership: demonstrated ability to inspire and lead a diverse multi‑located team.
• Knowledge of policies in civil society and human rights in the EU sector: clear understanding of the stakeholder relationships and relevant institutions and previous engagement with EU policy on civil society and human rights.
• Success in fundraising and financial leadership: extensive experience and proven record in building strategic partnerships with diverse funding sources, from foundations to institutional funders to individuals, along with organisational insight to oversee and sustain the financial health of the organisation.
• Coalition and network builder: demonstrable leadership in supporting and nurturing movements and networks at senior levels.
• Strategic thinker: strategist and advocate able to identify key opportunities and threats and inspire colleagues and allies to make change happen.
• A master communicator: demonstrated ability to adequately represent the organization in all forms and all media platforms, also in highly demanding situations with the help of the Comms Team. Recognizes the power and importance of delicate communications style in building relationships and championing the organization’s mission.
• Commitment to inclusion, diversity and well‑being: deep understanding of and commitment to racial and gender equality and implementing fair practices and organisational culture. Experience in leading diverse international teams and fostering the well‑being, inclusion and growth of team members. Astute in risk and crisis management, and well‑versed in best practices with respect to safety and security.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience either as a single executive of a smaller organization or as a Head of department with a minimum of 10 people and substantial budget responsibility over €500,000 per annum within a bigger organization.
• Knowledge of the European civil sector, human rights and EU policy.
• Significant fundraising success and budget/financial management experience.
• Experience with capacity‑building and regranting mechanisms.
• Graduate‑level degree either in law, management, finance, or a related field.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required.
• Experience leading distributed/European networks.
• Strong media profile and crisis‑communications experience.
• Additional EU languages (e.g., German, French) are an advantage.

What we offer

Location: Berlin, Germany (with occasional travel).

Salary range: €75,000–€90,000 gross/year (commensurate with experience).

How to apply

Please send your CV and a motivation letter to [e-mail] by 30 November 2025. Use the subject line “Executive Director – [Your Name]”. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Equal opportunity

Liberties is an equal‑opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age, and we are committed to inclusive hiring practices.

Data privacy

By applying, you consent to the processing of your personal data for recruitment purposes. We will retain applications only as long as necessary for the selection process and in line with applicable law.

As a watchdog organisation, Liberties reminds politicians that respect for human rights is non‑negotiable. We're determined to keep championing your civil liberties, will you stand with us? Every donation, big or small, counts.