Play the Game seeks an editor and international relations manager with a strong interest in international sports politics

Through its conferences, research projects, communication and networking activities, Play the Game has become a unique independent platform for raising and developing awareness about critical issues in international sport – from doping, corruption and weak governance to match-fixing, sustainability of mega-events, geopolitics, the role of sports journalism, and the human rights of athletes and everyone else involved in sport.

We are now looking for an editor and international relations manager who can sharpen our journalism, expand our global network, and help us continue to influence the agenda in international sports politics.

If you are driven by curiosity, strong editorial instincts, and a personal commitment to a more democratic sport, this role offers a rare opportunity to join a small team with a significant international reach.

In this new role, you will help develop Play the Game’s journalism and communication platforms, activate our global networks, and ensure that our work continues to influence key debates in sports politics, governance, and human rights.

About the role

We are looking for an editor and international relations manager who will strengthen Play the Game’s editorial output, visibility, and international engagement.

We also expect our new colleague to act as project lead for journalistic and research projects of different kinds – from idea to publication – including coordination with in-house colleagues and external partners, securing smooth processes and high quality deliverables.

Your primary tasks will include:

• Content and editorial responsibilities
• Overall editorial responsibility for playthegame.org and related communication channels
• Editing, commissioning, and developing journalistic and analytical content
• Ensuring a steady flow of content and coordinating the editorial calendar
• Developing new communication formats such as a revised newsletter, shorter explainer pieces, interviews, Q&A features, podcasts, joint formats with media partners, or other interesting formats.

Networks and international relations

• Establishing international media partnerships
• Developing and nurturing networks among journalists, academics, and institutions
• Coordinating collaboration with universities, research groups, and media outlets
• Bringing relevant popular scientific and research-based contributions from other actors into play.

Conference development

• Contributing to the programme committee of the Play the Game conference
• Assisting with theme development, abstracts, and speaker selection
• Identifying new knowledge areas and topics that Play the Game should put on the agenda
• Taking editorial responsibility of journalistic coverage before, during, and after the conference, and following up with speakers and potential partners
• Helping establish media partnerships around the conference.

About you

We are looking for a colleague who combines strong editorial skills with a solid understanding of international sports politics.

We expect that you:

• have high-level written and oral English skills; other major languages will be an asset
• have experience with journalistic editing, communication, or editorial coordination
• have experience in managing projects (journalistic and/or research-related)
• are comfortable working with international partners, journalists, and researchers
• are able to create structure, coordinate processes, and keep an overview of several parallel tasks
• are curious about new knowledge, perspectives, and emerging issues in international sports politics and integrity
• are proactive and able to work both independently and in close collaboration with colleagues
• are motivated by working in a small, value-driven and independent environment.

A relevant background in journalism, communication, political science, international relations, or a related field will be an advantage. Knowledge of international sports politics and/or sports governance will count positively.

About the workplace

Our priority is to find an employee who will be based or frequently present at our offices in the heart of Aarhus.

Play the Game is part of the Danish Institute for Sports Studies, which employs 30 full and part-time skilled colleagues in an environment characterised by personal freedom, flexibility, and friendliness.

Your contract will be negotiated on the basis of Danish labour agreements. We intend to fill the position by 1 March 2026 or as soon as possible.

Application and recruitment process

Please submit your application in English, including:

• a motivated application explaining why you are applying for the role
• a brief description of your qualifications and what you can bring to the team
• your CV
• relevant exam certificates and diplomas

Combine all documents into a single pdf file and send it to job@idan.dk with the subject: “Play the Game – editor and international relations manager”.

Application deadline: Wednesday 7 January 2026 at noon CET

First interview: Monday 19 January 2026 

Second interview: Monday 26 January 2026

Further information

For further information, please contact: