Executive Director

The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for overseeing the development and expansion of the project “European Democracy Youth Network” by providing coordination, fundraising, management, and strategic thought to the network. The Executive Director will work with the Leadership Council and relevant committees to establish a legal identity and physical office and begin conducting activities to diversify the financial support for the network. The Executive Director will be supported by a Program Officer and will work closely with IRI/NDI/USAID representatives in the development and expansion of the network.

The European Democracy Youth Network (EDYN), is a coalition of political and civic leaders, united by the desire to empower new generation of changemakers. EDYN members are between 18-32 years old, representing the post-Cold War generation, who are committed to advancing and sustaining democratic values. EDYN.
Formed in 2019 under the CEPPS consortium, EDYN is supported by the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) with funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
The network is managed on a day-to-day basis by the IRI and NDI, with support from the EDYN Leadership Council.

Position Requirements:
• Graduate degree in political science, international relations, or related field.
• At least five years’ management experience in democratic governance and politics, preferably working directly with youth organizations, political parties, civil society organizations/NGOs or legislative bodies, or equivalent combination.
• Working knowledge of the politics, economics, history, and culture of the CEE region.
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated experience working with governmental and non-governmental funders, particularly in the application of grants and funding opportunities.
• Managerial experience in developing and overseeing budgets.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively direct or participate in complex negotiations with bilateral and/or multilateral government agencies, other funders, or relevant audiences.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team to coordinate and lead the efforts of other professionals to effectively meet program goals.
• Ability to travel to new and challenging environments.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:
• Build and maintaining good relationships with all relevant stakeholders, including U.S. and foreign diplomats and donor agencies, government representatives within each EDYN country, and program partners.
• Develop strategic plan and vision for the EDYN network, in cooperation with the Leadership Council and EDYN Ambassadors.
• Draft a fundraising strategy that will include engagement with governmental donors, granting organizations and potential donors from the private sector.
• Oversee work of the Program Officer, particularly in implementation of all member-driven program activities.
• Support EDYN members in applying for and implementing grants.
• Monitor and approve country chapter budgets and expenses to ensure that expenditures remain within budget allocations.
• Support the development of partnerships between EDYN and other organizations or networks in the region.
• Anticipates potential problems and trouble shoots project problems and offers solutions and actively takes part to lead resolution of them with creative and immediate solutions.
• Maintains communication with each of EDYN’s in-country points of contact.
• Identify new funding opportunities and supervise the grant application.
• Provides guidance to EDYN leadership and activity facilitators and supervises professional development processes.
• Actively supports EDYN’s communication strategy including EDYN’s branding and outreach plans, including drafts and updates program summaries and other outreach materials, drafts web stories, tweets, etc.
• Travels as needed for program implementation and network representation.