Senior Director External Engagement (parental leave cover)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), operating in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities. IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity, and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people worldwide for a better future.

Position: Senior Director External Engagement

Reports to: Madlin Sadler, SVP & COO

Location: Berlin

Grade: 3B

Contract: 10 months – Nov. 1st, 2025 to Aug 31st, 2026

Hours: 40 hours per week

Background

Over the past 80 years, the IRC has developed expertise in emergency response and rebuilding for uprooted communities. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC provides lifesaving care and assistance to refugees fleeing war or disaster. The IRC operates in over 40 countries and has regional offices in the US to help refugees resettle and become self-sufficient. The organization values bold leadership, innovation, partnerships, and accountability.

IRC Deutschland

Established in 2016, IRC Deutschland manages integration projects for refugees and vulnerable populations in Germany, representing IRC’s global work to German and European stakeholders and raising funds worldwide. The team in Berlin consists of approximately 180 staff, with additional European offices in Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK.

Purpose of the Role

The Senior Director External Engagement will primarily focus on achieving IRC’s fundraising and advocacy goals in Germany for FY26, including public and private fundraising and advocacy efforts across our countries of operation. They will co-manage IRC Deutschland with the Senior Director Governance & Operations, reporting jointly to the SVP & COO.

Key Responsibilities

• External Influence & Advocacy: Represent IRC at donor forums, engage with government officials, host visits, support funding objectives, and act as a media spokesperson in Germany.
• Global Representation & Events: Represent IRC at international events, collaborate on themes and speakers for high-level conferences.
• New Business Development: Lead partnerships, prospect new donors, identify funding opportunities, and ensure resource availability.
• Representation in Civil Society & Alliances: Engage with civil society forums and build strategic alliances.
• Strategic Positioning: Implement market strategy priorities related to fundraising and advocacy for 2026.

Person Specification

Essential Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience:

• Extensive senior leadership experience in international humanitarian work, preferably in a matrixed environment.
• Deep experience in external relations, fundraising, and advocacy.
• Strategic mindset with a track record of implementing cross-functional strategies.
• Strong understanding of political contexts, conflicts, and IRC’s work.
• Network development and relationship management skills.
• Excellent representation and communication skills, adaptable to diverse audiences.
• Diplomatic and tactful collaboration with global stakeholders.
• Ability to manage ambiguity, prioritize, and work under tight timelines.
• Willingness to travel internationally, including volatile areas.
• Business fluency in English and German.

#J-18808-Ljbffr