As a newly established non-profit (UK community interest company) Syli - pronounced SOO-Lee - supports mission-driven journalism in service of informed audiences around the world. We have a specific focus on climate activities.

We want to see a world in which everyone has access to equitable, trustworthy, and accurate information.

We support and advance mission-driven journalism by fostering new, forward-looking concepts and identifying sustainable financial models for journalism. We are creating a healthier, more sustainable media ecosystem for better informed global audiences who are empowered to take action for the benefit of all people, communities and the planet.

Syli is looking for a capable and experienced Programme Director for our flagship initiative, climateXchange. The Programme Director will be responsible for overall management and oversight of programme activities, milestones, staff and strategically managing partner and donor relationships.

In this pivotal position, you will be responsible for creating and running a pioneering initiative on the most important issue facing the news industry. You will lead the team to innovate and deliver mission-driven journalism through training, building networks and leading a new type of conversation about climate reporting.

The position is for an immediate start and is a hybrid role, primarily working remotely but with occasional in-person meetings in either London or Surrey. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. You will need to ensure you have access to a suitable professional and confidential environment with a reliable internet connection to carry out your duties.

The position is full time over Monday to Friday. This is a fixed term contract ending 31st March 2024. However, pending securing the required funding, we intend for this to become a multi-year programme.

The pay for this position is £60,275 per year.

Responsibilities

• Launch and grow Syli’s flagship programme.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the programme, and cultivate relationships with beneficiaries, media, partners, donors, funders and other key stakeholders.
• Ensure impact measures are achieved and captured in line with programme and Syli overall objectives.
• Day to day hands-on management of a wide range of operational programme functions including, planning, analysis, monitoring, budgeting, administration and other support activities.
• Line manage programme team members.
• Other work to expand and support Syli’s programmes, including opportunities for new business.

About You

We have identified what we think you'll need to know and have done, in order to do well in this role. You’ll have a background in journalism or communications alongside experience managing programmes and/or projects. This may be in the media, climate or nonprofit sector.

• At least 5 years successful experience in programme or project management with media, media development, communications / information, non-profit, government or philanthropic funded projects.
• Experience in managing international programmes with strong skills in facilitating innovation, developing training and building productive media industry networks.
• Experience with partnership management, gained working for or in partnership with an international not for profit organisation.
• Experience using social media for business.
• Proven ability to prioritise and handle multiple ongoing tasks and deadlines independently.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaborate as an effective team member.
• Passion for climate reporting, additional languages, and experience with Slack and Google workspace are beneficial.

If this sounds like you, or if you feel that you have what is needed to succeed in this role but your background is a little different from above, we’d love to hear from you. If you’d like to talk to us informally before applying, get in touch.

To Apply

Please submit a CV and a cover letter, addressing how you are qualified for this role, highlighting the skills, knowledge and experience you bring.

The Process

We will review applications as they come in and will follow a set process to reduce bias in selection. The closing date for applications is extended to midday on Tuesday 2 May 2023 (GMT). The process will include an initial call during the week commencing 22 May 2023 and final interviews to take place during the week commencing 29 May 2023.

A Bit More About Us

Syli is a nonprofit organisation and by joining us you’ll become part of our passionate, energetic team committed to achieving Syli’s social objectives. All the work we do is underpinned by our values of sustainability, synergy, equality and transformation.

It’s important to us that Syli is a great place to work for everyone - here are some of the things we offer our team:

• Working hours: this is a full-time role, during UK working hours, we are happy to discuss what flexibility looks like for you
• Location: We are a remote-first company but there is a requirement for some face to face working which will primarily be in the London / Surrey area of the UK.
• Wellbeing: We believe good physical and mental health is important for everyone and we support and encourage our team to make wellbeing habits part of their working day.
• Fika: a weekly opportunity to grab a cuppa and hang out online and socialise with your colleagues.
• Environmental action: being climate friendly is at the heart of everything we do and the way we work.
• Professional development: as we transform the media ecosystem, it’s essential we grow personally and keep learning as a team.
• Tech equipment: laptop provided so you can do your job.
• Pension: with ethical fund options available after successful completion of probation.
• Annual leave: time to switch off and get away is something we value, that’s why we give our UK employees 28 days holiday plus bank holidays.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. If you are unable to apply via the online application portal or require any amendments that will assure a fair process, please get in touch.