Campaign Director

EJF is working with close partners to lead a campaign to both defend and secure a robust, fit-for-purpose EU regulatory regime that protects marine ecosystems and restores biodiversity while finally ensuring a more equitable and sustainable fishing sector and putting an end to the marginalisation of small-scale fishers. Our vision is of thriving seas and thriving coastal communities going hand in hand, where a healthy ocean is the bedrock of sustainable livelihoods, jobs, and long-term economic prosperity. It is this inseparable link that will drive our engagement.

The Campaign Director will lead the implementation of this flagship campaign, combining deep institutional knowledge, strategic influence, and outstanding communication skills with the credibility and networks necessary to operate at the highest levels of European policymaking.

Key responsibilities

The Campaign Director will:

• Lead a flagship EU campaign strategy to defend and secure strong, science-based and fair ocean policies during the current European policy cycle.
• Co-develop and co-execute high-impact advocacy plans targeting the European Commission, European Parliament, Council of the EU, and Member State governments, ensuring timely influence at key political moments.
• Establish and maintain close relationships and constructive collaborations with NGOs, fishers’ organisations, academics, legal experts and other allies to maximise influence and alignment.
• Coordinate the delivery of work across team members across the coalition to deliver the campaign.
• Build and maintain senior-level political relationships with policymakers, advisers, diplomats, regulators and other decision-makers to advance campaign objectives.
• Lead debate framing and messaging that position healthy seas, biodiversity restoration and thriving coastal communities as mutually reinforcing priorities.
• Represent, as needed and appropriate, the campaign externally in high-level meetings, conferences, roundtables, media opportunities and stakeholder forums with authority and credibility.
• Identify political opportunities and risks, providing strategic intelligence and recommendations to adapt campaign tactics in a fast-moving policy environment.
• Secure measurable policy outcomes, tracking progress against campaign goals and working with the collaboration to adjust strategies to maximise impact.
• Ensure strong delivery, accountability and value for money.
• Contribute to donor engagement, including helping shape proposals, reporting on impact and supporting opportunities.

Person specification

Essential

You will have sharp political insight and strategic vision, be results-driven, demonstrate strong initiative, have credibility in senior policy environments, and be able to represent the campaign with authority and professionalism. You will have:

• Senior political expertise and access: A highly experienced professional with a deep understanding of the European institutions and established networks across officials and influential political groups.
• Proven campaign leadership: Demonstrable track record of designing and delivering successful, high-impact advocacy or political campaigns with measurable outcomes.
• Collaborative and diplomatic approach: Able to work constructively with diverse stakeholders, build coalitions, and inspire external partners and allies to support shared objectives. This should include the ability to work across governments, NGOs and industry.
• Outstanding communicator: A persuasive and authoritative communicator capable of engaging senior policymakers, partners, and public audiences. Must be fluent in English.

Desirable

Fluent in at least one additional EU language, with French, German, or Spanish strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Annual leave increases with length of service.
• Up to two days of remote working per week. The other three days will be based in EJF’s offices in Brussels, London or Berlin.
• A “Cycle to Work” scheme.
• A highly motivated and open-minded team of committed colleagues, and the opportunity to develop and deliver persuasive proposals contributing to EJF’s campaign and organisational objectives.
• Excellent opportunities for professional growth and personal development.

How to apply

To apply, please complete the application form. This includes:

• A cover letter outlining your suitability for the role (max 2 pages)
• Your CV (max 2 pages)

The deadline for applications is 6pm CET on 3 November 2026.

Interview processes and the number of rounds for different roles will vary, but are likely to include three stages: a short screening call, a panel interview with a task relevant to the role, and a final interview.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Candidates must have the legal right to work in Belgium, the United Kingdom or Germany.