Director, Global Amplify Programs

About MDIF

Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF) is the only not-for-profit impact investment fund dedicated to supporting independent media and information ventures. For over 30 years, we have provided financing and strategic support to news outlets and other information sources operating in some of the world's most challenging environments, helping them grow, remain independent, and give people the information they need to build free, thriving societies. Media Advisory Services (MAS), MDIF's in-house technical assistance arm, has delivered more than $35 million in media management advice across hundreds of interventions worldwide over 25 years.
About the Role

MDIF’s flagship Amplify program is a global incubation and accelerator initiative supporting media entrepreneurs building sustainable, independent news and information businesses across Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, and Latin America.

MDIF is seeking a Director to lead the next phase of Amplify. This is a senior, hands-on leadership engagement for someone who can operate at the intersection of venture support, media innovation, and cross-cultural team leadership, shaping the program's strategic direction while managing its day-to-day delivery across multiple regions.

We are seeking one candidate based either in EMEA, LATAM or APAC. The form of engagement will be determined in accordance with the applicable requirements in the successful candidate’s country of residence and other relevant jurisdiction.
What You’ll Do

- Lead the strategic design and continuous evolution of Amplify's incubation and accelerator model, in partnership with MDIF senior leadership.

- Responsible for end-to-end cohort management which includes, sourcing, selection, programming, mentoring, and milestone tracking, across all regional Amplify cohorts.

- Provide direct leadership, mentorship, and performance management to a distributed regional Amplify team.

- Guide cohort companies toward investment readiness, partnering with MDIF's investment team on financial and business-model diagnostics.

- Build and maintain relationships with innovation hubs, media labs, and venture-support networks across Amplify's operating regions.

- Own global monitoring, evaluation, and reporting for the Amplify portfolio, including donor-facing reporting.

- Travel internationally to each program region at least once annually, with the flexibility to secure necessary travel visas and accommodate a significant travel schedule as part of the role.

What You Bring
Professional Experience

- 5+ years of progressive experience in venture support, startup incubation, accelerator leadership, or media innovation

- At least 3-5 years in a senior management or leadership role, with direct accountability for program outcomes and team performance.

- A demonstrated track record of designing or running incubator, accelerator, or venture-support programs, not just participating in one.

- Experience developing, leading and managing distributed, multi-country teams.

Core Skills & Competencies

- Excellent facilitation, communication, and relationship-building skills across diverse cultural contexts.

- Comfort operating in complex, multi-stakeholder environments that balance editorial independence with commercial and development priorities.

- Fluent English; proficiency in other international languages a strong plus.

Education
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience with demonstrated expertise considered in lieu of formal academic credentials.

Technical Expertise

- Working knowledge of financial modeling, business-model development, and investment-readiness support for early-stage organizations.

- Current, practical understanding of the global media landscape — digital transformation, AI adoption, audience development, and sustainable revenue models.

Nice to Have

- Background in journalism, editorial leadership, or newsroom operations.

- Experience with donor-funded programs