European & International Booksellers Federation (EIBF) - Director
Brussels-based | Full-time | €80,000 salary (or equivalent contracting arrangement)
About EIBF
The European and International Booksellers Federation (EIBF) is the global voice of booksellers. With members spanning Europe and beyond, we advocate for book-friendly policies, strengthen the role of bookselling as a cultural and economic force, and support the exchange of best practices among bookselling organisations worldwide. Our work includes EU and international advocacy, delivery of major projects (including RISE and the European Union Prize for Literature), sector research, international outreach, and communication initiatives. The Brussels-based secretariat consists of the Director and a small, dynamic team, and Governance is provided by the President, Treasurer, and a 10-member Executive Committee. EIBF is at an exciting moment, continuing to expand its visibility, relevance, and impact in Brussels and across Europe. We are now seeking a new Director to lead the organisation into its next chapter.
The Role
The Director of EIBF leads the Brussels secretariat and is responsible for the organisation’s strategic direction, operational management, external representation, and overall impact. Reporting to the President and Executive Committee, the Director works closely with Members, EU institutions, policy partners, and the wider bookselling community. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a balance of strategic thinking, advocacy expertise, team leadership, and operational oversight. It is ideally suited to a mission-driven leader who thrives in a small, international, values-led organisation and is energised by representing booksellers at European and global levels.
Key Responsibilities
EU Policy & Advocacy
Shape and implement EIBF’s strategic vision and annual priorities.
Identify opportunities to advance the interests of booksellers in policy, projects, and global initiatives.
Represent EIBF to EU institutions, in high-level meetings, sector events, and international forums.
Lead advocacy across a range of technical and business-focused policy files (e.g., deforestation, public procurement, late payments, geo-blocking).
Monitor legislative developments, brief Members, and coordinate advocacy responses.
Build strong relationships with policymakers, parliamentary assistants, and institutional partners.
Team Leadership & Organisational Management
Lead, support, and develop the Brussels secretariat team.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, high-performance culture.
Oversee HR, recruitment, and staff development and ensure efficient daily operations.
Manage organisational budgets and financial planning.
Project Oversight
Oversee the delivery of key EU-funded and international projects (e.g., RISE, EUPL).
Manage compliance, reporting, timelines, and partner engagement.
Ensure effective coordination between project partners, Members, and stakeholders.
Membership Relations
Cultivate strong relationships across EIBF’s diverse Member associations.
Facilitate knowledge exchange, collaboration, and best-practice sharing.
Understand differing national market contexts and support Members’ needs.
Person Specification - Expertise & Experience
Leadership & Sector Experience
Significant experience in a leadership role within a cultural organisation, NGO, federation, policy, or lobbying environment.
Experience managing small, multidisciplinary teams.
Affinity with books, literature, or the wider cultural sector.
EU Policy, Advocacy & Projects
Strong knowledge of EU policymaking processes and the Brussels political ecosystem.
Proven ability to manage EU-funded projects and navigate complex stakeholder environments.
Relationship-Building & Interpersonal Skills
Excellent relationship-building and partnership-management skills.
High emotional intelligence, with the ability to work across cultures, handle sensitive issues, and maintain professionalism.
Clear, confident, and credible communicator and spokesperson.
Operational & Organisational Competence
Strong organisational and prioritisation abilities.
Solid financial acumen and operational competence.
Familiarity with Belgian employment and administrative frameworks (or willingness to learn quickly).
Education & Languages
Academic degree at master’s level or equivalent professional experience.
Fluent in English; French strongly preferred; other EU languages an advantage.