Founded in 1981, the Committee to Protect Journalists ("CPJ") is an independent, non-profit organization defending journalists worldwide without regard to their political ideology. Through its work to safeguard journalists, CPJ protects the rights of all people to have access to diverse and independent sources of information. For nearly four decades, CPJ has helped win the early release of imprisoned journalists, secure convictions in journalist murders, and enable positive legal reform in countries where the climate for free expression has deteriorated. Learn more about CPJ's fight to defend freedom of the press here: http://cpj.org/

At CPJ, we are dedicated to upholding values of equity and free expression in both our internal operations and external endeavors. As an organization headquartered in the United States, we aspire to build a diverse workplace and foster an inclusive and welcoming environment. As an international organization, we strive for our people to be representative of the global community on which we report and to equip them with the opportunities and resources they need to learn and succeed.

CPJ is headquartered in New York City, but our team is truly global, with staff members and contributors based worldwide. This structure allows us to monitor and respond to press freedom threats in real time, ensuring that journalists everywhere have the support they need.

Job Summary

CPJ is seeking a mission-aligned Senior Director of People & Culture to lead the continued development of its human resources function. This is a high-impact opportunity for someone who brings both strategic vision and execution skills. The person in this role will strengthen the foundations already in place and build a highly responsive, consistent, and globally effective People & Culture function.

Since CPJ established its first dedicated HR role in 2021, key systems, processes, policies, and roles have been put in place to support staff. The next leader will be someone who can help bring further structure, clarity, transparency and direction to a small team, ensuring strong alignment with organizational goals, clear leadership, and accountability. This is an opportunity to shape and lead an evolving department at a critical time for press freedom and as the organization continues to grow its international presence.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Senior Director will play a central role in supporting CPJ's globally distributed, hybrid workforce. They will be responsible for improving day-to-day operations, strengthening management practices, bolstering organizational efforts around equity and inclusion, and aligning people strategies with CPJ's mission and organizational structure.

This leader will also serve as CPJ's internal point person on labor relations. They will own engagement with union representatives, lead on grievance resolution, and help foster a culture of transparency, fairness, and accountability across union and non-union staff. They will also be responsible for implementing CPJ's newly negotiated collective bargaining agreement, ensuring that its terms are applied consistently and understood across the organization.

The work requires someone who can make thoughtful decisions, act with both agility and integrity, and respond to challenges with both clarity and care. The Senior Director will have direct access to leadership and will contribute to key organizational decisions, particularly in matters related to people, culture, and structure. This role is backed by committed leadership and an organization-wide desire to strengthen People & Culture as a true partner across CPJ.

Application and Recruitment Process:

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references. In your application, please confirm whether you are legally authorized to work in the United States. If applicable, include details about your current visa status.

CPJ will screen candidates for interviews on a rolling basis. The application deadline is May 19, 2025.

All candidates selected for an interview will be informed by May 23rd at the latest. Please note carefully the following interview schedule:

• First-round interviews will take place online the week of May 26, 2025.
• Second-round interviews will take place in person at our New York office on the week of June 2, 2025.
• If needed, final round interviews will be held the week of June 9, 2025.

Details of the structure of the interviews will be sent at least a week in advance.

To apply and find out more about the role and responsibilities, please go to our careers website: https://cpjorg.bamboohr.com/careers/85?source=aWQ9Mjg%3D