Open Society Foundations is seeking a Director – Programs, Europe to lead the development and implementation of the Europe program strategy, oversee grantmaking, partner engagement, team leadership, and organizational representation to advance human rights, equity, and justice across Europe. The role is based in London or Berlin on a hybrid basis (staff work in an Open Society office 50% of working days), reports to the VP, External Affairs and Office of the Chair, and is a regular contract mandated until February 2030.
Key responsibilities:
- Strategic leadership: lead the Europe program strategy, identify opportunities to advance human rights, equity, justice, democratic participation and civic space, and analyze political, economic and social developments.
- Grantmaking and portfolio management: oversee a portfolio of grants across Europe, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and impact.
- Partner and movement engagement: build relationships with grantees, activists, civil society organizations, movement leaders, academics and thought partners; strengthen networks, coalitions and alliances.
- Thought leadership and representation: represent the organization with funders, civil society leaders, policymakers, multilateral institutions and peer philanthropies.
- Advocacy and MEL: oversee advocacy engagement in the region and coordinate monitoring, evaluation and learning efforts.
- Cross-organizational collaboration: contribute a European perspective to global strategies and work with policy, communications, legal and operations teams.
- Risk management and stewardship: assess political, reputational, operational, financial and security risks; lead crisis responses; ensure compliance.
- Team leadership: lead, coach and develop a small high-performing team (4 direct reports) and organize senior leadership visits.
The ideal candidate has significant experience leading social change and systems-change work in civil society, government, multilateral institutions and/or the private sector; proven experience developing regional or multi-country strategies across Europe; financial ($20m+), legal and risk accountability at a large programmatic scale; experience managing grantmaking portfolios and due diligence; strong relationships with civil society organizations, grantees, policymakers and philanthropic partners; and a track record of leading geographically dispersed teams.
Benefits include a professional development allowance, generous time off and flexible work arrangements, employer-paid health and dental insurance, a non-contributory retirement savings plan and life insurance, and progressive paid parental leave.
Closing date: 2026-10-22
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online via the Open Society Foundations Workday careers portal.