Executive Director - Defend Democracy

Defend Democracy is a nonpartisan organisation founded in 2020 in the Netherlands. Their mission is to strengthen and defend democracy against foreign, domestic and technological threats. They work at the geopolitical intersection of security, democracy and technology by building societal preparedness and resilience against hybrid threats to democracy. They are a small NGO with big ambitions. After establishing Defend Democracy as a well-known and well-respected organisation working at the heart of the European Union, they are excited to grow and are now on the eve of entering a new phase.

They are looking for a senior general manager to lead the organisation, someone with an entrepreneurial mind who has experience with start-ups or with business development and can take Defend Democracy to the next level. As the ED, you will develop and implement our multi-annual strategy and business model; create opportunities for investment, support and partnerships, develop and implement programs and activities; grow the team and represent the organisation.

• Lead the organisation and develop and implement the multi-annual strategy and business model.
• Create opportunities for investment, support and partnerships.
• Develop and implement programs and activities; grow the team; represent the organisation.

• Heart for democracy and European security
• Values-driven entrepreneurial skills
• Experience in business development, organisational management, fundraising
• Hands-on and practical, pro-active mentality
• Strategic communication skills, experience with press and communications
• Committed team-player in collaboration with Defend Democracy’s Boards
• Knowledge of the EU & relevant networks (democracy, security, technology)

• Location: initially remote, with occasional meetings in Brussels & The Hague
• Working language: English and Dutch
• Start: asap

• Freelance position with the prospect of long-term employment
• A widely recognised and respected position in the European Union capital
• Leadership of an organisation with passion and purpose
• A job with positive impact in today’s geopolitical context
• A large network of high-level contacts

Interested candidates should email mail@defenddemocracy.eu with the following: a cover letter with motivation (as pdf) and a CV (as pdf) including native language, English level, and any other languages.