Seek is hiring an Executive Director

The Seek Initiative is currently looking for a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its Executive Director (ED). You will drive the implementation of our strategy and projects, work on the development of future initiatives, coordinate current staff, and plan to hire future staff to translate our vision of empowering one million citizen investigators in five years’ time. We are a start-up non-profit organisation based in Berlin, Germany. We expect the ED to be based in Berlin in order to be a central figure in the new Publix media house.

This would be a great role for a creative and motivated individual who is passionate about democratising the fight for truth, restoring public spheres, and building opportunities for people from all backgrounds to create knowledge on issues that matter.

You’ll probably come from the world of investigative journalism and have had some experience of working with non-profits around the world, or have a background in the non-profit sector, with some experience in investigation and investigative techniques. You will have demonstrated your leadership capacities in former roles, and bringing complex and ambitious visions to fruition.

Considering that the Seek Initiative is a start-up, this is a unique opportunity to join a non-profit with global ambitions at a very early stage and shape its development. We’re therefore looking for a self-starter who is just as comfortable scaling up and leading projects, as they are taking a hands-on approach to solving problems and getting things done.

Seek is dedicated to equal employment opportunities and believes we are strengthened by cultivating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive team. We encourage people with a diverse range of backgrounds to apply. We do not discriminate against anyone on the basis of age, gender, nationality, race or ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation.

Details

• Job title: Executive Director, Seek Initiative.
• Period: One-year employment contract, with the intention to renew.
• Salary: €70k-€100k gross (pro rata) per annum, depending on skills and experience.
• Starting date: April/May 2024 (or as soon as possible).
• Commitment: Flexible (minimum 30 hours per week).
• Location: Must reside in (or be prepared to relocate to) Berlin, Germany. Hybrid working with colleagues/partners worldwide. Must have the right to work in the EU.

Your qualifications

• A strong track record of leadership in investigative journalism, nonprofit, community-organising and engagement, or relevant sectors.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, programme management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to fundraise and secure resources from diverse sources, including grants, donations, and partnerships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, coupled with a results-oriented mindset.
• An innovative thinker who is open to new ideas and approaches for addressing complex global challenges.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the ability to promote these values within the organisation and its programmes.

About the role

As the driving force behind this groundbreaking initiative, the Executive Director will be responsible for steering the organisation’s strategic direction, fostering partnerships, and overseeing the implementation of programmes aimed at transforming lives and societies.

The Executive Director is responsible for the leadership and management of Seek Initiative’s three core programmes: Investigations, Curriculum, and Network. Other key duties include community outreach and communications. The position reports directly to the Founding Director.

You will play an integral role in what will initially be a small core team made up of Seek’s Founding Director, Programmes Director, a strategy & fundraising advisor and a curriculum and content advisor. You will also collaborate regularly with staff and advisory board members from Seek’s founding partners – CORRECTIV, Dig Lab Foundation, the Global Investigative Journalism Network and Tactical Tech.

It is envisioned that you will help grow Seek’s staff based on the organisation’s needs and resources. This is a full-time position. Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of German and other languages is an advantage. The role is only open to individuals with an existing valid work permit for Germany and willingness to be based in Berlin.

Role responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Implement Seek’s vision, mission and goals  in coordination with Seek’s Founding Director, Advisory Board and current staff.
• Lead the development of long-term strategies, ensuring they are adaptive to changing circumstances and trends.
• Drive the organisation’s growth by identifying new opportunities, partnerships, and initiatives.

Programme Management:

• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of innovative programmes that align with the Seek Initiative’s objectives, bolstering and growing from current pilot initiatives as well as developing new projects working in tandem with Seek’s Programmes Director.
• Foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within the organisation to maximise the impact of its programmes.
• Ensure programme quality, efficiency, and effectiveness through regular monitoring and evaluation.
• Oversee all practical and administrative aspects natural to a start-up.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, industry leaders, and philanthropic organisations.
• Represent the Seek Initiative at conferences, forums, and events to enhance its visibility and influence within relevant sectors.

Resource Mobilisation:

• Collaborate with Seek’s Founding Director and our Senior Advisor to execute and expand our comprehensive fundraising strategy to secure financial resources for the organisation’s operations and programmes.
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities, partnerships, and sponsorships to sustain and expand the Seek Initiative’s impact.

Team Leadership:

• Build and lead a high-performing team, providing mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement.
• Support Programmes Director and staff in delivering Seek Projects empower people in communities to safely work together and investigate public interest issues. In 2024, we want to use the knowledge and background gathered through our successful pilot initiatives that help support people to investigate issues in their communities, implemented in 2023 and scale them up in Europe, Africa and the U.S..

Financial Oversight:

• Develop and manage the organisation’s budget, ensuring prudent financial management and accountability.
• Monitor financial performance, analyse variances, and make data-driven decisions to ensure fiscal sustainability.

Our offer

• A high degree of autonomy with opportunities to learn and grow, working with a team of collaborative and creative experts in the fields of investigation, journalism, and civic engagement
• Flexible working arrangements
• An attractive office in the centre of Berlin
• An international working environment with opportunities to travel
• 25 days annual leave
• A generous benefits package

To apply

Please send a CV and a covering letter of no more than 300 words explaining your motivation and relevant experience for the role to adam@seekinitiative.org.

Please provide two contacts for references. We will contact them at a later stage of the recruitment process with your prior approval.

The first round of shortlisting will occur based on the documentation received from prospective candidates. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed via video call.

The deadline is midnight CET on Sunday 10th March 2024. Candidates will be shortlisted in March 2024.