Bundesverbraucherhilfe e.V. is an independent German consumer protection and advocacy organization. It works on issues affecting everyday consumer life, including affordable housing, transport rights, and finance, and provides legal advice. The organization engages with stakeholders while maintaining independence from government and political influence. Founded in 2021, it operates as a nonprofit focused on social impact.
Editor-in-Chief, Federal Consumer Bulletin (Volunteer)
Lead the volunteer editorial team behind Bundesverbraucherhilfe’s daily consumer news bulletin. Oversee journalistic standards, editorial independence, coverage, and team development.
Description
- Oversee the Federal Consumer Bulletin and its daily edition.
- Act as the legally responsible editor under Section 18(2) of the German State Media Treaty (MStV), with your name published in the legal notice.
- Build, lead, and develop a volunteer team of section editors and contributing writers.
- Plan coverage across ten sections and set lead stories and editorial priorities.
- Maintain journalistic quality through verified facts, no unverified republication of third-party reports, a clear separation of news and opinion, and timely corrections.
- Introduce and enforce binding guidelines for editorial independence.
- Set transparent rules for editorial decisions, conflicts of interest, and handling external information and tips.
- Support membership in press and professional associations and voluntary adherence to the German Press Council’s Press Code.
- Update editorial principles, including policies for AI-assisted content and image rights.
- Decide on rights of reply, notices, and complaints, coordinating with the Executive Board on legally sensitive cases.
- Develop the newsletter and extend its reach with the Head of Communications.
Requirements
- Bring several years of journalistic experience from a traineeship, editorial role, or freelance work.
- Have solid knowledge of press and media law, especially duties of care, personality rights, and rights of reply.
- Have experience leading or coordinating teams, including distributed and remote teams.
- Meet MStV Section 18(2) statutory conditions: permanent residence in Germany, full legal capacity, unrestricted criminal liability under German law, and eligibility for public office.
- Have no financial ties to companies covered by the publication.
- Show clear commitment to editorial independence and journalistic diligence, including in dealings with the publisher.
- Be proficient with digital editorial systems and open to AI-assisted workflows.
- A formal degree is not required; practical experience is valued.
Benefits
- Permanent employment contract.
- 10 days of annual leave.
- Lead a nationwide news publication with meaningful scope to shape its direction.
- Take on visible responsibility, with your name listed in the legal notice.
- Work directly with the Executive Board and the association’s specialist departments.
- Build professional connections with specialists and executives in law, business, media, and public administration.
- Receive a qualified employment certificate and, on request, a reference letter.
- Access training programs, specialist conferences, and committee meetings.
- Flexible scheduling.
- Collaborate predominantly remotely.
- Receive reimbursement for necessary expenses under the Travel and Expense Policy.