Programs Director (all genders) Full-time

The Sovereign Tech Agency is growing — that’s why we’re looking for a Programs Director to join the management team.

Who we are

The Sovereign Tech Agency secures digital infrastructure in the public interest. Our mission is to strengthen digital sovereignty, fostering competition and innovation by investing in critical open source infrastructure and the ecosystems that support it. In this way, we are providing the basis for a stable, trustworthy, and democratic digital future.

We are a new organization at the intersection of technology, politics, and public stewardship. Our aim is not only to strengthen the open source ecosystem, but also to shape its future.

With a commission from the German Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation, the Sovereign Tech Agency invests in critical software components, develops programs, and creates structures that sustainably strengthen the open source ecosystem, including the people behind the code.

Our work is unique: we are leading the way on how governments engage with open digital infrastructure and laying the groundwork for how modern societies ensure resilience, technological diversity, and public digital services.

Together, we are building Europe’s digital future – open, secure, and sovereign.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a visionary and experienced Programs Director to contribute to the future growth of the Sovereign Tech Agency.

As Programs Director, you will be responsible for the overall strategy, operations, and staff for all Sovereign Tech Agency programs: Sovereign Tech Fund, Sovereign Tech Resilience, the Sovereign Tech Fellowship, the Standards program, and other future programs. You will work closely with the technical director, the management team, and the leads of the individual programs, continue to advance these programs, and design and implement new ones. As part of this, you will also actively establish partnerships with key partners.

Your Tasks

• Strategic leadership and oversight of the entire Sovereign Tech Agency portfolio of programs
• Further developing the focus and direction of existing programs in collaboration with their leads and the technical director
• Designing and implementing new programs
• Full line management responsibility for program staff
• Expanding the program portfolio, as well as building strategic partnerships
• Representing the agency – particularly its program work – to stakeholders and partners

Your Qualities

• Entrepreneurial thinking and a proactive, hands-on approach
• A strategic perspective for how multiple programs interact and can be effectively aligned within the agency’s portfolio
• Extensive experience in leadership and operational management, preferably in a complex, dynamic environment, or in strategic organizational development
• A deep understanding of open source – ideally with a background in technology, community, or business
• Experience in building, maintaining, and strengthening collaborations and partnerships
• Strong analytical thinking, proven leadership abilities, and a results-oriented approach
• Willingness to travel for partner and stakeholder meetings, as well as conferences
• Excellent communication skills in German and English (both business fluent)
• Team player: you enjoy collaborating with coworkers, active and open communication, and both giving and receiving feedback.
• Working independently: Your work is self-directed and proactive, utilizing modern collaboration tools

We know that résumés don’t capture everything. For us, your motivation, attitude, and vision are as important as your credentials. If you believe that your skills and experience fit this role – even if you don’t meet all the requirements – we welcome your application.

What we offer

• Shape an innovative, growing organization with international visibility
• Work at the intersection of technology, politics, and society with significant strategic importance
• Based on experience and qualifications, the annual compensation for this role (at 40 hours per week) is 76,000 to 95,000 Euro aligned with the TVöD-Bund wage agreement for the public sector.
• Flexible and remote-friendly work arrangements for all family and life situations, from our office in Berlin-Mitte, from home (with frequent work travel to Berlin), or in a hybrid model
• 30 days of vacation (based on a 5-day work week)
• Support for your professional and personal development, including the opportunity to attend international conferences
• Initial two-year term with the goal of converting subsequently to an open-ended contract

Diversity and Inclusion

We are a diverse team and welcome applications from BPoC (Black and People of Color), individuals with disabilities, immigrants, and individuals from other groups underrepresented in technology development.

If you belong to these groups, please feel free to mention it in your application. However, we encourage you to refrain from including a photo of yourself or any information about your age, gender, marital status, or similar details in your documents.

How to apply and the next steps

Please send us your application with a cover letter that tells us why you’re interested in this role, your résumé, and earliest possible start date in English or German by email to jobs@sovereign.tech.

We will confirm receipt of your documents by email and let you know what the next steps are. We will set up an introductory meeting as soon as possible, depending on your availability, either in person in Berlin or via video call.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at jobs@sovereign.tech.