The Organisation:
openDemocracy (established in 2001) is a global, non-profit media platform that seeks to challenge power and inspire change through tenacious reporting, thoughtful analysis and democratic debate. With human rights as our central guiding focus, and open-mindedness as our method, we ask tough questions about freedom, justice and democracy across the world, and we help those fighting for their rights gain the agency to make their case and to inspire action. Our recent investigative reporting on ‘dark money’ and on the global threats posed to women’s and LGBTQI rights have collectively triggered law change, parliamentary probes and criminal investigations, and have been picked up across the global media. We collaborate with a rich and diverse network of NGOs, media, think tanks, policymakers, activists and academics across the world; and we have an open submissions policy committed to diversity of voice and perspective.

Our site currently attracts over 7 million visits per year, and we host a diverse range of independent projects focused on different subject areas – including those publishing in Russian, Arabic, Spanish and Portuguese as well as English, with an ambition to bring on more language

The Role:
openDemocracy is poised to grow in size and global reach and we are looking for a Chief Operating Officer to join our senior management team in a new role that will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of all organisational support functions for our growing global team based across four continents. A wide and varied role, the role presents an opportunity to use your strategic thinking skills while being responsive and hands on in a growing organisation. You will act as Company Secretary and take responsibility for HR, Finance, governance, compliance, risk and organisational development. Supported by the Operations Manager and Finance Manager, you will provide inspiring leadership and oversee the growth and development of our wider team. It’s an exciting time for openDemocracy, as Chief Operating Officer you will lead and facilitate a strategic shift for the organisation as it diversifies its income model, updates and improves its workflow and communications, and grows in size and global reach.

The Person:
We are seeking a strategic and inspiring leader, who is able to build a strong and supportive organisational culture across a global team based in a number of different locations. You are passionate about openDemocracy’s mission, with a track record of senior level management and leadership which has helped achieve growth and sustainability within media, NGO or non-profit organisations operating globally. You have the experience and confidence to build and sustain a transparent and equitable organisational culture, alongside the capacity to provide sound and effective financial leadership and oversight. Your positive and engaging people skills balance your ability to ensure rigour: accuracy and detail in reporting. You enjoy working in a diverse and inclusive team, leading, collaborating with and empowering others and love to find new ways to strengthen connections between people working remotely in different timezones.

openDemocracy particularly values the voices and perspectives of people who are typically underrepresented or excluded from other media and public spaces because of their gender, sexuality, race, class or other characteristics. This is a full-time position, but we are open to accommodating family friendly hours and other caring responsibilities.

To apply:

Please submit your application through this link: http://www.prospect-us.co.uk/jobs/details/hq00176323                                              

Please upload your CV in Word format and include a supporting statement as part of your application (This should be no more than two sides of A4).  Your supporting statement should tell us why you are motivated to join openDemocracy in this role, and should clearly highlight the qualities, skills and experience  required.

Prospectus will review and assess all submitted applications and present a longlist to openDemocracy after the 31^st of October 2019.

Application deadline: 31st October 2019