Director of the International Fact-Checking Network

The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) at the Poynter Institute, the leading professional association that supports fact-checkers worldwide, seeks an experienced and accomplished journalism leader to be its next director.

The IFCN Director leads a six-member team that helps set standards for excellence and transparency in fact-checking and related initiatives, and advocates on behalf of fact-checkers in their global fight against misinformation. The IFCN’s work is conducted primarily through these efforts:

• Standards
  • Updates and administers the IFCN’s trademark Code of Principles, including providing resources and outreach to expand the community of verified signatories to the Code. Currently there are more than 100 organizations from more than 60 countries in the community.
  • Works with signatories, an international advisory board and other steering committees to improve best practices, approve applicants to the Code of Principles and guide the IFCN to maximum effectiveness and influence.
• Capacity Building, Safety and Support for Fact-Checking Organizations
  • Supports fact-checkers, researchers and other eligible organizations and individuals through grant-making and fellowships.
  • Conducts in-person and online training for fact-checkers.
  • Provides support and troubleshooting for individual fact-checking organizations.
• Community Building
  • Produces and hosts an annual Global Fact summit — the world’s largest in-person conference of fact-checkers, researchers and funders.
  • Produces and supports regional fact-checking conferences.
  • Recruits new signatories.
  • Organizes and leads the worldwide “International Fact-Checking Day” campaign.
• Advocacy and Fundraising
  • Publishes the Factually newsletter and other stories elevating news and best practices about the fact-checking community and the battle against mis/disinformation.
  • Leads conversations with major technology companies and advocates for fact-checkers on issues of safety, transparency and other challenges.
  • Works with signatories, foundations and other funders to assess and communicate the impact of fact-checking efforts.
  • Promotes the work of the community, and works with regional associations to identify opportunities to expand content and financial support of fact-checkers.
  • Identifies, cultivates, pitches, and manages a diverse group of funders to support the direct operations and staff of the IFCN.

The next director will build on the legacies of the IFCN’s first two directors, Alexios Mantzarlis and Baybars Orsek, who helped establish the association as the leading voice to expand fact-checking and help organizations achieve sustainability in their home countries.

The IFCN is based at the Poynter Institute for Media Studies in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA. The director reports to the President of Poynter. The position is currently based at Poynter, where the current six-member staff resides. Poynter will assist in obtaining a work visa for non-U.S. residents, and remote work arrangements will be entertained.

Qualified applicants must have a strong command of English, the willingness and ability to travel internationally, and 3-5 years of senior experience in the fact-checking or international journalism field.

Interested applicants should send a CV and cover letter detailing relevant experiences and their vision for the future of the IFCN addressed to Poynter President Neil Brown at hiring4@poynter.org.

EOE

No phone calls, please. Application deadline: April 17, 2023