Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) is seeking the Regional Director to drive the vision and strategy of our Russian language operations, including the Current Time TV and digital network, in our broadcasting headquarters in Prague, the Czech Republic.
You will be responsible for the quality, impact and audience growth of our journalistic output and the development and well-being of staff and freelancers, both in Prague and in the field and bureau. Reporting to the Vice President and Editor-in-Chief and working in close collaboration with other senior editorial staff as part of the Editorial Board, you must uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity in pursuing RFE/RL’s mission of promoting democratic values via balanced, objective, and fact-based news and information for our audiences.
This position allows for hybrid work (2 days office/3 days home), we offer very attractive benefits (20 vacation days, 13 sick days, 10-12 holidays annually, optional Multisport card, public transportation allowance, contributory retirement savings plan, life insurance, optional Cigna international health insurance coverage, relocation benefits incl. housing, school tuition allowance for dependent children, in-house language courses, etc.), a highly diverse international work environment (60+ nationalities), modern work environment.
Who we are:
RFE/RL's mission is to promote democratic values by providing accurate, uncensored news and open debate in countries where a free press is threatened, and disinformation is pervasive. RFE/RL reports the facts, undaunted by pressure.
RFE/RL Website: https://www.rferl.org/
Current Time: https://www.currenttime.tv/
The role:
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- holding ultimate responsibility for the division’s editorial and operational success, by ensuring production of the editorially sound, compelling, and mission-oriented content and delivering it on platforms designed for maximum reach and impact;
- supervising daily news output for Russian speaking audiences in Russia and the Baltic region, including breaking news, elections and other special events, investigative reporting, and long-term projects;
- leading regular editorial meetings with Russian language service or program directors with the aim of ensuring solid reporting and editing with rich regional context which promotes a commitment to the principles of human rights and the promotion of cross-border and interethnic tolerance;
- ensuring the processes, protocols, structures within your department are effective, efficient, non-duplicative and best serve the audience, and best value for money;
- working collaboratively on maintaining editorial planning calendar and setting programming strategy;
- participating in regular content evaluations, helping set strategic goals for the year ahead;
- working with individual language services on all questions related to budget, staffing, travel, security issues, personnel management, training, equipment, workspace, performance and disciplinary issues;
- fostering a collaborative, innovative, and accountable work culture.
What we are looking for:
- 10+ years of experience in a senior editorial position in a reputable international news organization, preferably with significant experience working inside Russia and of managing teams in hostile or otherwise highly challenging environments;
- at least 8-10 years of previous journalism/editorial experience with a credible international or independent news outlets, including work in a fast-paced organization with tight deadlines;
- at least 5 years prior management experience including responsibility for budgeting, managing staff and resources, and organizing workflow and teambuilding, strong communication and leadership skills, proven capabilities in strategic planning;
- broad, thorough, and detailed knowledge of political, economic, and social climate in Russian and international affairs, as acquired through studies, research, writing, travel, or other relevant experience;
- solid commitment to fundamentals of reporting and editing; ability to mentor young journalists who may lack firm grounding in western-standard journalism basics;
- competence or expertise in new media platforms, including streaming, social media, video, and television;
- previous experience working in multicultural or multinational environment, or experience living and working abroad, preferably in relevant RFE/RL target regions;
- understanding of the digital landscape and media trends including potential threats to distribution in relevant markets;
- proficiency in Russian and English, proficiency in another regional language is desirable.
- being prepared to work long or unpredictable hours as the news cycle demands.
How to apply:
The application process includes uploading a current CV and cover letter, in English, explaining how your background is applicable to our open role and your interest in the position. Applicants must include their annual salary expectations for this role in their cover letter.
RFE/RL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Positions at RFE/RL are considered Public Trust Positions, with appointment contingent upon the positive outcome of a background investigation.
Should you be interested in this position please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter in English.
By replying to this advertisement or sending your CV and/or other personal data to RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty, you are agreeing to having your data saved and managed by employees of the HR department of the company for possible future reference in full accordance with the Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation) GDPR and Act No 110/2019 Coll., on personal data processing. This agreement may only be withdrawn by a written revocation and remains valid until that date. However no longer than 5 years.
Odpovědí na tento inzerát či zasláním Vašeho životopisu a případných dalších osobních materiálů do společnosti RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty dáváte souhlas ke zpracování a uchování Vašich osobních údajů dle Nařízení Evropského parlamentu a Rady (EU) 2016/679 ze dne 27. dubna 2016 o ochraně fyzických osob v souvislosti se zpracováním osobních údajů a o volném pohybu těchto údajů a o zrušení směrnice 95/46/ES (obecné nařízení o ochraně osobních údajů), dále jen GDPR a zákona č. 110/2019 Sb., o zpracování osobních údajů. Tento souhlas platí až do jeho odvolání písemnou formou, maximálně však po dobu 5 let.
Privacy Notice for RFE/RL Job Applicants
RFE/RL, Inc. is a private, nonprofit corporation funded by a grant from the U.S. Congress through the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). Due to RFE/RL’s special character, the countries in which RFE/RL operates, and the type of work RFE/RL performs, it is RFE/RL's obligation to verify the accuracy of information provided by each applicant in order to ensure the safety and security of our employees and workplace. RFE/RL must ensure that everybody who advances to the final stage of the selection process for a position at RFE/RL and who wishes to enter into an employment relationship with RFE/RL must undergo pre-employment background check.
With respect to the above, RFE/RL informs you, as an applicant, that your employment at RFE/RL is contingent on the successful completion of pre-employment check.
Therefore after your acceptance of RFE/RL‘s offer letter, you will be subject of pre-employment check (performed by external Czech entity). Detailed information about collection and processing of your personal data in this matter will be provided to you together with the offer letter.
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The process described above largely applies to applicants for internships and fellowships as well – simply replace the word “employment” with “internship” or “fellowship” as applicable.