Job Opening: Managing Director

Position: Managing Director

Commitment: Full-time position (40 hours/week)

Contract Duration: March 15, 2024 until December 31, 2024 with the possibility of renewal

Application Deadline: February 29, 2024

Jeem e.V. is a feminist media organization that works on gender, sex, the body, and sexuality. 

Jeem e.V. produces and publishes critical multimedia knowledge in Arabic that critiques and challenges prevailing stereotypes, dominant narratives  and systems of oppression in all their intersections. It provides a safe space for those interested in challenging patriarchal discourses to share their experiences. It creates opportunities for networking and collaboration between institutions, initiatives, and individuals working in the field of gender and sexuality at the local, regional and global levels. It primarily targets Arabic-speaking youth in the Arabic-speaking region and the diaspora. 

Launched in Summer 2018 as a project of the Goethe-Institut, Jeem e.V. was registered in Germany in 2022 as an independent, non-profit organization. Jeem e.V. receives public and private funding from diverse international organizations. 

Jeem e.V. is looking for a Managing Director who will be responsible for overseeing the organization’s operations and performance, liaising with different stakeholders, driving strategic growth, and making sure it achieves its objectives effectively and efficiently. The Managing Director reports directly to the Board. 

1. Key Responsibilities

• Further developing the vision for Jeem as an Arabic-language project, in cooperation with the Board, the members of Jeem e.V. and the team;
• Leading, managing, and supporting the team (currently made up of 6 people working in content management and editing, communication, design, and finance and administration), including organizing and facilitating meetings, conducting check-ins, as well as taking part in editorial meetings;
• Developing the annual budget, presenting it to the Board for discussion and approval, and overseeing its implementation; 
• Approving payments according to the organization’s payment policies and procedures; 
• Preparing and implementing comprehensive work plans that efficiently make use of human and financial resources;
• Providing oversight of all content published by Jeem and giving content-related input when needed; 
• Maintaining positive and trust-based relations with partners and seeking new partnerships that fit the organization’s objectives;  
• Leading fundraising efforts, including the diversification of sources of funding, and managing relationships with funders;
• Representing the organization and enhancing its public image and presence in events, talks, and the media;
• Overseeing the implementation of the communication strategy for Jeem e.V.;
• Identifying, managing, and mitigating the risks to the organization;
• Drafting contracts, HR letters, recommendation letters, and letters of support, and leading negotiations with team members and service providers;
• Ensuring activities are consistent with the rules and regulations in effect (procurement law, labor law, funders’ requirements, etc.);
• Making sure that the responsibilities of the Managing Editor and Communication Officer are taken care of in times of absence; 
• Ensuring the organization’s policies and legal guidelines are clearly communicated.

2. Eligibility Criteria

Mandatory Requirements: 

• Previous experience (at least 3 years) as a managing director or other senior managerial position, preferably in a media and/or non-profit organization;
• Experience in strategic and financial planning; 
• Previous experience in fundraising, managing funded projects, and working with different funders;
• Knowledge of the discourses on gender and sexuality in Arabic-speaking countries and beyond;
• Knowledge of digital environments, particularly in sensitive contexts;
• Strong skills in communication, negotiation, organization, and problem-solving;
• Proficiency in using Content Manage Systems, and technical solutions for remote work and in sensitive contexts;
• Commitment to strengthening queer feminist values;
• Strong command of the Arabic language and English language;
• Working knowledge of the German language is an asset.

Complementary Requirements:

• Degree in media or gender studies; 
• Knowledge of field changes and forces that influence the organization;
• Familiarity with best practices in feminist governance;
• Attention to detail.

3. Location and Working Conditions

The Managing Director works remotely from home.

4. Salary

Please state your salary expectations in your application. 

5. Selection Process 

To apply, please send a cover letter (in English or Arabic), including salary expectations, along with a résumé and three references, all combined in one PDF, to jobs@jeem.me with Managing Director as the subject line. Application deadline is February 29, 2024.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.