JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

for 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, foster 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 Liberties Board, together with a professional leadership team and enthusiastic, highly skilled, talented 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 keep 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 on the European level. Continuously analyze impact and re-adjust applied strategies and correspondent activities.

Leadership

Inspire and work together with a highly qualified and motivated leadership team and foster collaboration within the organization and its team. Act as a catalyst to enhance diversity and inclusion within the organization.

Oversee 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 to the Board, keeping its members informed about external and internal developments that may affect Liberties, as well as advising on actual activities of the organization.

Fundraising and Financial Sustainability

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

Advocacy & Representation

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

Governance

Work closely with the Board; ensure 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 the 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. Recognize 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.

Essential qualifications

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.

Desirable

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 recruitment@liberties.eu 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.