Executive Director

Position description

OpenForum Europe (OFE) is an independent, not-for-profit think tank based in Brussels. Our mission is to champion the transformative power of openness in computing. We advocate for a Europe where real user choice and open innovation drive digital sovereignty, economic competitiveness, and resilience.

We are now seeking a new Brussels-based Executive Director to lead the organisation into its next chapter.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Vision: Expand and deepen OFE’s position as Europe’s leading think tank on open technologies. Provide strategic and inspirational leadership to the organisation and the OFE team, ensuring a thriving organisational culture aligned with OFE’s mission and values;
• Policy & Advocacy: Position OFE at the forefront of European digital policy debates, executing OFE’s mission and shaping policy in this direction, acting as a visible and credible advocate with EU institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders;
• Team Management: Lead, motivate, and develop a talented Brussels-based team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive working culture;
• Network & Partnerships: Leverage and expand OFE’s established networks in the European and international digital policy community. Build strong relationships with policymakers, open technology communities, industry leaders, and civil society;
• Organisational Management: Ensure strong governance, sound financial management, and delivery of high-quality projects, events, and publications;
• Reporting: Report to and collaborate closely with OFE’s General Assembly, which establishes OFE’s strategic direction.

Profile of the Ideal Candidate

• Demonstrated experience in managing teams and organisations, ideally within advocacy, research, or digital policy;
• A strong network and proven track record of engagement with EU institutions and Brussels policy circles;
• Recognised thought leadership in digital policy, with a focus on openness, innovation, and public value;
• Ability to combine visionary strategic thinking with practical operational management;
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills, capable of representing OFE at the highest levels;
• Commitment to OFE’s mission and principles of user centricity, competition, flexibility, sustainability, and community;
• Fluency in English is essential; additional EU languages are an asset.

Terms

• Location: Brussels (onsite presence required);
• Contract: Full-time;
• The Executive Director works closely with OFE’s Finance and Operations Director and reports directly to the OFE General Assembly.

If you are passionate about shaping Europe’s digital future through openness, innovation, and collaboration, we would love to hear from you.

Application instructions

Please send a CV and a cover letter outlining your motivation and fit for the role to OFE’s Chair Sachiko Muto: [email protected].

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