Job Opening: Senior Events Programmer

About SDM

Reliable media are the lifeblood of a democratic society. The Democracy and Media Foundation (SDM) is firmly committed to a strong and pluralistic media landscape that serves our democracy. SDM is independent and a nonprofit organization. The foundation was established by the people behind the resistance newspaper *Het Parool* and is a non-profit shareholder of DPG Media Nederland and De Correspondent.

After ten years as a foundation, SDM has decided to take on a more active role starting in 2026, with a focus on the role of the media in our democracy. We work to safeguard a robust media infrastructure (for example, through our project Media Coalition), foster a reflective media sector that continually reinvents itself, and enable innovative content about the future of our democracy (including through our podcast series). We commission research, form partnerships, and bring people together through meetings and networks.

We are looking for a Senior Events Program Producer for this position.

About the Position

Technology is rapidly changing the way news is produced, disseminated, and trusted, thereby affecting the very foundations of our democracy. What digital infrastructure shapes our public sphere: algorithms from tech giants over which no one has control, or a media landscape grounded in democratic values? SDM views this as the most pressing issue of our time. As a Senior Events Program Producer, you’ll help explore and advance this and related issues: you’ll bring people together, pose incisive questions, and ensure that conversations lead to new insights and progress in the sector.

To that end, you’ll translate the new direction into SDM’s events and meetings. You’ll ensure consistency across all our meetings and make sure they align closely with our strategy. You’ll also be responsible for maintaining the high quality of our events, such as the “Salons” that are still to be launched, Media for Democracy or a theme day for all editors-in-chief—featuring innovative speakers, top-notch facilitators, and creative interludes.

You don’t just create substantive programs; you’re also responsible for their execution. You’re not the technician or the caterer, but you do make sure those details are taken care of. For events, you work closely with your colleagues, and for larger gatherings, you collaborate with an external program coordinator or production manager, such as during the Journalism Three-Day Event.

This is a job for someone with a passion for the subject matter. You closely follow developments in media and technology, delve into research and debate, and seek out the people who are leading the way. You don’t have to know everything yet, but you do want to understand more and more about it.

Is this position a good fit for you?

You

• Do you have demonstrable knowledge and experience with the major challenges facing the news media and our democracy in the digital age, and would you like to delve deeper into this topic;
• Gets energy from turning these issues into meaningful conversations and meetings;
• Are able to transform complex content into engaging programs where every detail is taken care of, and have proven experience in this area;
• Finds it a challenge to create programs that appeal to a wide range of audiences, from the “media elite” to the “general public”;
• Combines strategic thinking with an eye for detail, and rolls up their sleeves when necessary;
• You’re creative, come up with new ideas and formats, and are open to feedback;
• You are a strong team player who enjoys working with others.

Main Activities

• Programming Content: Developing high-level programs for a diverse audience at unique venues, ranging from editors-in-chief and CEOs to policymakers and the general public. You identify current issues at the intersection of media and democracy, approach and select innovative speakers and facilitators, and combine content and format into a compelling whole.
• Project Management and Coordination: Taking overall responsibility for managing multiple events simultaneously, from concept to evaluation. You manage project budgets and schedules, consult with and work closely with colleagues, and oversee external parties (such as production managers at the February 5 commemoration or the meetups held throughout the country by The Great Media Debate), monitors quality and progress, and mitigates risks.
• Networking and Partnerships: building, maintaining, and leveraging a relevant network in the media, politics, academia, and culture. You’ll initiate collaborations with partners such as debate forums and civic organizations.
• Evaluation and Further Development: evaluating events in terms of content, reach, and impact, and translating insights into improvements and new formats. You will advise management, both when asked and on your own initiative, on the role of meetings and events within SDM’s broader strategy.

Qualifications and Skills

• At least seven years of experience in developing and leading substantive events, preferably in the media, culture, politics, or another social sector.
• A strong interest in the fields of journalism, media, democracy, and the rule of law.
• A level of thinking and work comparable to that of a higher vocational education (HBO) or university (WO) program.
• A relevant network in media and related sectors that you know how to actively engage as speakers and collaboration partners.
• Experience managing external parties, such as program producers, production managers, and suppliers.
• Experience in preparing and managing project budgets and schedules.
• Strong organizational and planning skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent command of the Dutch and English languages, both written and spoken.
• Comfortable with an open and flexible work environment where not everything is set in stone.

What We Offer

• A position of 32–40 hours per week (0.8–1 FTE) with a one-year employment contract and the intention to extend it based on satisfactory performance.
• 8 percent vacation pay, travel allowance, a retirement plan, and excellent training and development opportunities.
• A laptop and reimbursement for phone expenses.
• A workplace in the heart of Amsterdam.
• A gross salary between 4,500 euros and 6,100 euros based on a 40-hour workweek. Salary range depends on experience.

Interested?

Do you have any questions about the position? If so, please send an email to l.peters@sdm.nl.

Please send your resume and your answers to the questions below by Wednesday, November 4, to solliciteren@sdm.nl. A cover letter is not required. The first interviews will take place on Tuesday, November 10, and Thursday, November 12.

Interview Questions (max 125 words per answer):

1. What issue at the intersection of media, technology, and democracy are you most interested in right now, and why do you want to work on it specifically at the Democracy and Media Foundation?
2. In June 2027, the fourth edition of Media for Democracy will take place. What central theme would you choose, and why now in particular? Also, name one speaker or activity format that you think would bring this theme to life. For inspiration: check out the editions from 2026, 2025 and 2024.
3. Which program you’ve created are you most proud of? What was your role, why did it work, and what would you do differently in hindsight?