Who we are:

The Sovereign Tech Agency is an organization dedicated to the digital sovereignty of the economy and society. Our mission is to strengthen the foundations of our digital autonomy and secure open digital technologies as the critical infrastructure of the 21st century. Open digital infrastructure is the backbone of the digital world. It is essential for the flow of information, for government, for business, and for innovation, much like roads and bridges in the physical world. The most effective strategy for building this infrastructure is open source software: it is the bedrock on which our digital society is built - powerful, collaborative, and democratic. With a commission from the German Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation, we invest in critical software components, develop programs, and create 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 communications lead to contribute to the future growth of the Sovereign Tech Agency. The Sovereign Tech Agency operates at the intersection of open source technology, digital infrastructure, and policy — in Germany, Europe, and beyond. Our work touches on fundamental questions: who controls the digital infrastructure underpinning AI, cyber resilience, and economic competitiveness? How do we ensure that these foundational technologies remain open, secure, and sustainable? This position is for someone who understands that communications is not a support function but a strategic lever for shaping technology, innovation, and digital policy. In this role, you will shape how the Sovereign Tech Agency is understood and perceived and ensure our issues are visible, politically relevant, and land effectively with the right audiences. In day-to-day operations, you will turn our content, programs, and strategic initiatives into clear and compelling communications that resonate with policymakers, media, industry, and open source communities. You will help shape key debates on digital infrastructure, open source, technological sovereignty, and public sector digitalization in Germany and throughout Europe. You are the primary contact for all external communications and will partner closely with the leadership team to shape how the organization is understood and perceived. The role offers significant room to shape things in a growing public interest organization.

Your Tasks:

Strategic Positioning & Narrative:

You will define the organization's overall communications direction and ensure our messaging is consistent and resonant across all audiences and contexts.

• Developing and sharpening an overarching narrative, grounded in our mission, strategy, and portfolio
• Turning complex issues into clear, politically effective messaging
• Developing and refining our positioning with political, business, and other societal stakeholders
• Ensuring consistent communications across all channels
• Preparing leadership for public appearances, talks, and panels — developing the content, messaging, and strategic framing behind briefings, talking points, and presentations

Communications Delivery & Development:

You will take responsibility for the day-to-day operations and the longer-term development of our communications work.

• Planning and executing communications around announcements, calls, milestones, and the conclusion of cycles and cohorts: for example, UN Open Source Week, the Digital Commons EDIC, as well as the Sovereign Tech Fund, the Sovereign Tech Fellowship, Sovereign Tech Resilience, and Sovereign Tech Standards
• Running the Sovereign Tech Agency's owned channels: website, newsletter, blog, social media, press, and publications
• Continuing to develop our website as the central hub for our programs, content, publications, and public presence
• Prioritizing and coordinating ongoing communications activities across all channels and workstreams
• Building and maintaining a productive communications pipeline: clear formats, repeatable processes, a consistent editorial line
• Ensuring key developments and issues are communicated clearly and accessibly within the organization
• Leading and developing the communications team

Proactive Communications & Outreach:

You will ensure the organization's key issues get seen — at the right moment, in the right form, by the right people.

• Identifying communications opportunities and issues with political or wider relevance for the Sovereign Tech Agency and its leadership
• Proactively placing stories and materials with appropriate media outlets
• Building and maintaining relationships with journalists, editors, and key voices and networks
• Developing communications outputs that generate consistent visibility and resonance

Your Qualities:

Professional Qualifications:

• A university degree (e.g. in communications, marketing, business with a focus on marketing or communications) or equivalent professional experience in a senior role in strategic communications, public affairs, journalism, or a comparable field
• Experience in political, public, or regulated environments (e.g. ministries, trade associations, think tanks, foundations, or tech and digital policy)
• Experience communicating technical topics, ideally in a technology-driven or digital policy environment
• A foundational understanding of open source ecosystems and issues at the intersection of technology, business, and policy — or a demonstrated ability to build that understanding quickly
• Adept at conveying complex technical content clearly, precisely, and compellingly to technical and non-technical audiences alike
• Experience preparing leadership for public appearances and engagements
• Excellent German and English language skills, with demonstrated experience producing publication-ready copy in both languages o Our working language is English — you should be able to express yourself with confidence and precision, including in fast-paced working situations

Personal Qualities:

• A highly developed strategic mindset and sharp instinct for political and communications dynamics
• The ability to prioritize issues and orient work toward impact
• A hands-on mentality and willingness to work both conceptually and operationally
• Confidence and composure when dealing with media, stakeholders, and internal partners
• Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive topics
• A collaborative spirit: you value open exchange, collegial working relationships, and mutual feedback
• You’re a team player and enjoy collaborating with coworkers, active and open communication, and both giving and receiving feedback.
• You’re organized, self-directed, pragmatic, and proactive, and work effectively with modern collaboration tools

For us, your motivation, attitude, and vision are as important as your resume. Even if you don’t fit all requirements, we welcome your application.

What we offer:

• Based on experience and qualifications, the annual compensation for this role (at 40 hours per week) is 84,000 to 91,000 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 or in a hybrid model o We have four in-person team meetings in or around Berlin per year; almost all meetings are scheduled during GMT +1 working hours. o Employment under German law; work and residence must be in Germany
• 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
• In our small, agile team, your perspective matters: we explicitly welcome you to contribute ideas and suggestions about how we can develop as an organization and to actively participate in shaping our future.

Diversity and Inclusion:

We are a diverse team and welcome applications from BPoC (Black and People of Color), individuals with disabilities, people with migration backgrounds, 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 submit your application in English or German using this form. https://ats.talentadore.com/apply/communications-lead/8dR2A5

We will confirm receipt of your documents by email. We will set up an introductory meeting as soon as possible, depending on your availability, either in person in Berlin or via video call. We will accept applications for this position through 15 July 2026.

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