Managing Director

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Position Title: Managing Director

Contract Duration: One year (Renewable)

Location: Berlin, Germany

Deadline for application: January 22, 2023

Initial contract start date: February 1, 2023

SYRIA DIRECT is a Syrian-led, independent media organization founded in 2013 after the outbreak of the Syrian conflict. We foster transparency and accountability through investigative reporting, amidst rising media repression in Syria and neighboring countries. Through reporting on conflict trends, human rights abuses, environmental issues, and more, we aim to contribute to a just future for Syria by informing Syrians and policymakers alike of developments in Syria, neighboring countries, and the Syrian diaspora at large. Fiercely committed to the tenets of professional journalism, we produce timely, fact-based coverage of Syria and the Syrian diaspora in Arabic and English. We also provide training and consulting services to equip the next generation of Syrian journalists.

Position Overview:

The Managing Director will be responsible for all managerial functions of the organization, including partnership development, donor relations, fundraising efforts, proposal development, and the development of a multi-year strategic growth plan, as well as the overall oversight of the annual budget and grant management. S/he/they will manage existing projects and work on developing new ones. She/he/they will represent Syria Direct in Germany and outside of Germany. She/he/they will act as the primary signatory for the German authorities and as the primary contact for all legal and regulatory matters. Sh/he/they will manage the daily operations of a geographically distributed team and hire new staff, as needed.

The Managing Director will work closely with the Programs Manager and Syria Direct’s editorial team in order to chart the organization’s editorial identity and manage daily operations. The Managing Director will report to Syria Direct’s Board of Directors. Interested candidates should send a CV and cover letter detailing their motivation and prior experience related to the role to [email protected]. Applications will be evaluated on an ongoing basis up until the deadline of January 22, 2023.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Be the primary point of contact for all legal, registration-related, and tax issues in Germany;
• Manage all existing partnerships and develop new partnerships with donors and partner organizations;
• Correspond directly with ongoing and prospective donors;
• Represent Syria Direct in Berlin and outside of Germany;
• Manage the daily operations of Syria Direct and delegate relevant tasks to the appropriate administrative and editorial staff;
• Oversee grant writing, monitoring, and reporting, assisting the Programs Manager as needed;
• Work with the Editor-in-Chiefs and Programs Manager to outline the strategic trajectory of the organization;
• Explore opportunities for growth and funding diversification;
• Research potential avenues for new strategic partnerships, and communicate with the Programs Manager to stay up to date on open calls for proposals and funding deadlines relevant to Syria Direct’s programming;
• Lead on business development and proposal development for new funding opportunities;
• Finalize and approve donor reports as stipulated in grant contracts and ensure that all deadlines are met;
• Manage the hiring and onboarding of new staff;
• Manage budget and financial tasks, with support from Syria Direct’s tax advisor;
• Maintain and renew an annual organizational budget, and produce quarterly budget reports;
• Oversee audience engagement strategies and implementation;
• Monitor staff performance and professional development;
• Keep Syria Direct’s Board of Directors abreast of all developments on a monthly basis;
• Draft monthly board reports and organize quarterly board meetings;
• Other tasks as required.

Qualifications:

• An advanced degree in media, journalism, sociology, political science, economics, or related field;
• At least three years of professional managerial experience;
• At least six years of experience working with nonprofits, including familiarity with EU and/or US donor financial regulations (preferred but not required);
• Knowledge of German and other European legal frameworks pertaining to tax and labor laws;
• Keen attention to detail and organizational skills;
• Experience in grants management, grants applications, and donor relations;
• Ability to navigate a fast-paced work environment and meet short deadlines;
• Team player with a readiness to assist other team members when needed;
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English
• Proficiency in Arabic and/or German (highly preferred but not required);
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and multicultural skills;
• Legally allowed to work in Germany