The International Press Institute (IPI) is expanding our work to defend press freedom and independent media around the globe at a time when journalists face growing threats. We’re building up our work to monitor attacks on the press and on internet freedom; advocate for laws and policies that respect and enable media freedom, online expression, and privacy; and respond to the needs of at-risk journalists carrying out public-interest reporting.
At this pivotal time, we’re hiring an organization-wide editorial lead to help drive the visibility and impact of IPI’s global work. We’re looking for an ambitious, talented individual who combines exceptional editorial and writing skills with strong news and communications instincts and deep knowledge of the threats and challenges that journalists and media face. This person will both work at a granular level to sharpen IPI’s voice while exercising bird’s-eye oversight of IPI’s communications output.
This position will work across IPI’s programmes to elevate our voice and activities and ensure clear, consistent, and impactful messaging as part of our efforts to protect and promote press freedom and journalist safety as essential pillars of free society.
This is a full-time position reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the IPI senior leadership team.
Location: Vienna, Austria or remote for the right candidate
The Press Freedom Editor/Editorial Lead will:
Editorial
- Edit and exercise oversight over public advocacy and communications outputs across IPI’s programmes (including statements, reports, letters, social media content, event marketing) for alignment with IPI’s advocacy positions and messaging; adherence to editorial and research standards; and alignment with IPI style guides.
- Lead the production process (drafting, editing, design, and translation) of, and exercise editorial oversight over, publications – including newsletters, calls to action, reports, fact sheets – in line with IPI standards and style guides.
- Ensure consistency, cohesiveness, and quality control across external advocacy communications output in line with IPI communications guidelines.
- Serve as news editor for IPI’s website and social media platforms, including overseeing publication of materials in line with IPI guidelines.
- Lead the development of general and specific editorial policies and standards across the IPI team, including in response to current events.
- Develop and operationalize a clear internal workflow for the editing, approval, and publishing of content.
- Edit key organizational documents including project reports, funding proposals, event marketing, and network communication.
- Draft impactful copy to support IPI’s public and internal communication.
Communications
- Support the development of communications strategies and dissemination plans to strengthen reach and impact of IPI advocacy and network content among relevant stakeholders, including IPI members, media, the diplomatic community, partner organizations, and advocacy targets.
- Support programme teams in developing and refining campaign messaging and talking points on key issues.
- Support the development of strategies and communications products to boost the visibility of IPI’s work to promote and protect media freedom.
A strong candidate for this position will have:
- Exceptional English writing and editing skills with a sharp eye for detail and the ability to produce impactful copy, with targeted campaign messaging.
- A strong understanding of the challenges facing press freedom, free expression, and internet freedom, and independent journalism more broadly.
- Excellent news judgment and ability to adapt to different audiences.
- At least 5-8 years of previous experience in editorial roles, with demonstrated experience in establishing clear editorial workflows and processes. A background in journalism or communications work with non-profit human rights organizations (strongly preferred).
- A willingness to dig deep as an editor, with an ambition to ensure high-quality, consistent, and cohesive writing and messaging.
- Experience developing and supporting communications strategies and implementation plans.
- Bring a critical and analytical vision to IPI’s external communication, focused on streamlining advocacy-related editorial and communication tasks and growing impact.
- Bring strong attention to detail and ability to ensure and/or craft cohesive messaging across multiple platforms and multiple communications outputs.
- Bring clear insight on achieving quality social media engagement and reach.
- Familiarity with social media platforms and ability to offer strategic input into IPI’s social media presence.
- Familiarity with SEO and website management.
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment.
- Have excellent planning and time management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple tasks and requests.
IPI understands that qualified candidates come with a mix of valuable skills and experiences. We encourage interested candidates to apply even if you don’t meet all the exact criteria listed here.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
- Flexible working hours and remote work options.
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth within a globally recognized press freedom organization.
- IPI is able to sponsor Austrian work visas for staff who require them.
- 25 days of paid holiday per year, in addition to local public holidays.
Application Procedure
IPI encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter. Your cover letter should explain why you are interested in the position, describe your previous experience in editorial and communications roles, and what skills, qualities, and strengths you would bring to the position and to IPI.
The application should be submitted via email to [email protected] by Friday, May 1, 2026, 23:59 Central European Time.
About IPI
IPI was founded in 1950 by 34 editors from 15 countries who believed in the power of the free flow of information to promote peace. Today it is a global network of editors, journalists and media executives from over 100 countries who share a common dedication to quality, independent journalism. Our members include award-winning journalists, Nobel laureates and editors at some of the most prestigious media outlets around the world. Together we work to promote the conditions that allow journalism to fulfill its public function, the most important of which is the media’s ability to operate free from interference and without fear of retaliation. Our mission is to defend media freedom and support independent journalism wherever they are threatened.