Project Director at IREX – Washington, District of Columbia

IREX
Job Category: Information & Media Practice
Requisition Number: PROJE003246

January 13, 2026
Full-Time | On-site
Headquarters | Washington, DC 20005, USA

Job DetailsDescription

IREX is seeking a forward-thinking Project Director to help lead programs that protect journalists and civic communicators from intimidation and retaliation and advance free expression, operational resilience, and transparency in closed or high-risk environments.

In addition to project oversight, the role will support cross-organizational integration by advising other IREX teams and contributing to proposals and program design that incorporate this approach.

The Project Director will also help build and maintain IREX’s global network of relevant practitioners and partner organizations, represent IREX at relevant local and international forums, and mentor staff to serve as effective external representatives. As appropriate, the role will contribute to strategic growth by supporting partnerships and resource mobilization that expand the reach and sustainability of IREX’s programming.

Performs additional duties and tasks to meet the needs of the organization, team, or as assigned by supervisor.

Task and Project Coordination/Management

Responsible for contributing technical support and inputs to a program, project, or initiative. Responsible for contributing, creating, and guiding the work associated with key project or initiative outputs, including, but not limited to, gathering, drafting, and creating workflow plans, budgets, internal/external reports, presentations, and other documents/deliverables as identified. Responsible for the development of written communications by drafting, approving, and sending correspondence; may delegate as needed.

Specific tasks for assigned role include:

• Lead project planning, timelines, budgeting, and execution

• Oversee field operations and provide direct technical assistance to beneficiaries

• Manage and mentor staff and consultants to ensure high-quality service delivery

• Collaborate closely with donor representatives and key partners

• Build and maintain strong relationships with beneficiaries, donors, and stakeholders

• Ensure compliance with IREX, donor, and local government requirements

Skills & Experience

Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 10 + years of progressive experience
• Project design and activity document preparation on U.S. government-funded political transition programming and/or media development projects
• Experience with international donors/NGOs, preferably in transitional and post-conflict environments

Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills that support and encourage colleagues in multi-cultural environments
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple project partners with preferably media, judicial, or rights-based sector stakeholders
• Professional level written and spoken English

Nice to Have

• Experience with holistic support programs; leading security operations, incident response, and risk management

Equal Opportunity Employer

IREX seeks to attract the best-qualified candidates who support IREX’s mission and who respect and promote excellence through diversity. IREX is committed to equal opportunity and follows recruitment and selection practices that comply with all applicable employment laws. To this end, IREX recruits, hires, trains, and promotes individuals based on merit and experience.

• We conduct background checks on all successful candidates.
• At present, IREX does not sponsor for employment: Valid proof of unrestricted authorization to work in the United States is required.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE