JX Fund – European Fund for Journalism in Exile

JX Fund supports exiled media from countries where independent reporting is no longer possible due to repression, persecution, and censorship. It provides financial support through grants and complements this with tailored programs responding to the needs of exiled media. To this end, JX Fund collects and curates knowledge and data on the needs, challenges, and achievements of exiled media, conducts research, and connects and facilitates communication between various international actors. Its support programs are developed dynamically and in response to needs, based on the data and observations collected.

We are looking for a Senior Communications Officer to lead the JX Fund’s external communication across media, public audiences, policymakers, institutional donors and private philanthropists.

Working hours: 25 hours per week
Location: Berlin, with flexible working arrangements
Salary: Remuneration is based on TVöD Bund, pay grade E12, with the level depending on relevant professional experience.

Your responsibilities

Communication & Publications

• Lead the communication approach of the JX Fund and the editorial planning together with the Managing Director and the Head of Program; coordinate the work with the Communications and Project Officer and possibly with a future student assistant, covering our programs as well as wider developments in the media-in-exile landscape.
• Contribute to public understanding of the role exiled media play both in their countries of origin and in strengthening informed public debate and democratic resilience in the societies where they operate.
• Develop materials that explain the work and impact of the JX Fund and exiled media, drawing on our programs, research and network.
• Oversee and develop content for the website jx-fund.org and the platform “journalism-in-exile”,  including new editorial and communication formats, as well as communication for events, public appearances and other external formats.
• Lead key communication products, including the Annual Report, newsletter and presentation decks in different formats and lengths.

Donor, Policy & Advocacy Communication

• Adapt JX Fund messaging and materials for policymakers and other stakeholders, including briefings, talking points and materials for meetings and parliamentary formats.
• Support the JX Fund’s public affairs with briefings, talking points and other communication materials, working with shareholders and partner organizations where relevant.

Press & Media Relations

• Manage and expand the JX Fund’s network of journalists, media outlets and key press contacts in Germany and across Europe; further develop relationships with relevant international media.
• Identify and pitch stories from the JX Fund and its network that are relevant to current public debates.
• Position the JX Fund and journalists from exiled media as sources and experts, and coordinate press enquiries, interviews and background conversations.

We are looking for someone with

• at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in strategic communications, journalism, media relations or a comparable field,
• excellent written and spoken English, and German on native level proficiency (written and spoken) with strong writing and editing skills in both languages,
• strong editorial judgement and a good sense of what is relevant to different audiences,
• experience developing reports, presentation decks and other communications materials for different audiences,
• experience working with journalists and proactively pitching stories,
• experience managing communications projects independently and working with tight deadlines.
• a college or university degree (Bachelor’s degree or higher) in a relevant field.

Furthermore, we highly value  

• experience in donor, philanthropy or political communications,
• experience in journalism, international media, civil society, foundations or organizations working in politically sensitive environments,
• interest in the topics of press freedom and journalism in exile,
• awareness of the threats and traumas that journalists may face in war-torn and crisis-stricken regions, as well as in exile.

We do not expect candidates to have worked across every area listed above. Strong core communications experience, sound judgement and a willingness to develop in less familiar areas are equally important.

How to apply:

Please send to work@jx-fund.org not later than September 21 the following documents:

• Your CV and a cover letter (maximum one page) in English or German explaining your interest in the role and listing relevant work experience;
• Three examples of relevant communications work, such as articles, newsletters, reports, website copy, campaigns, or other editorial materials in both, English and German language;
• The contact information for two references.

Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide job certificates at a later stage.

For any kind of question contact us at work@jx-fund.org.

Interviews are planned to take place in Berlin in the 1st week of November.

Start date: We are looking for someone to join us ideally by November 16, 2026, though we are open to discussion depending on the candidate’s availability.

Right to work: Candidates must have the right to work in Germany or be in a position to obtain it. We are unable to support relocation or visa applications.