Jobs
Thank you for your interest in working with us!
Please note that all information about openings is currently only available in German.
What does the Stiftung Forum Recht do?
Law is invisible and yet has a tangible impact on our everyday lives. The rule of law protects us in Germany and Europe from arbitrariness and guarantees our freedoms in a pluralistic society.
With Forum Recht, we bring law and the rule of law to life and create spaces in which people can talk about their experiences with law and the rule of law. To this end, we are creating unique exhibition, event, mediation and discussion venues in Karlsruhe and Leipzig, where we address current topics and make them the subject of dialog with the public. In order to achieve this goal, the Forum Recht Foundation was established in 2019 as a federal foundation under public law, which, as an institution with international appeal, pursues interdisciplinary and participatory approaches in particular.
Current Vacancies
Freelancers specializing in managing booths and supporting the foundation’s work in Karlsruhe or Leipzig – Applications due by June 7, 2026
Are you motivated to help others understand how our constitutional state works, how the law relates to our daily lives, and how the Forum Recht Foundation addresses these issues? If so, join our pool of freelance contributors and help us staff trade show and information booths, as well as organize our programs in and outside of Leipzig and Karlsruhe.
We are looking to fill the following position as soon as possible:
Freelancers
Focus: Managing booths and supporting the foundation's work
Karlsruhe or Leipzig
Hourly fee of 16.00 euros per hour, gross
After your application is approved and you complete an introductory interview, you’ll become part of a pool, and we may contact you throughout the year to staff various booths. Compensation is paid on a fee basis.
Your tasks:
- Staffing trade show and information booths in collaboration with foundation staff
- Assisting our team with the organizational preparation and follow-up for booths and events (e.g., setup and takedown, reception, and guest services)
- Disseminating information about the activities of the Forum Recht Foundation, as well as on the topics of law, the rule of law, and related social issues
Your profile:
- Interest in legal and political issues, as well as in teaching
- Willingness to participate in a mandatory digital preparatory meeting prior to the first assignment
- Motivation and interest in the foundation's topics and activities
- Open-minded, enjoy working with people
- Strong communication skills and a friendly, service-oriented approach
- Creativity and the ability to explain complex issues in an understandable way
- Time flexibility and reliability
- Ability to work in a team and personal responsibility
- Ideally, some initial experience in political education, in the field of law, in social work, or in a related field
- Fluency in German and a good command of English
We offer:
- an exciting and varied job at the interface between politics, culture, business and civil society
- the opportunity to gain initial experience in political education or to build on existing experience
- A fee of 16 euros gross per hour (a time-limited fee agreement is in place for each assignment)
- A flat-rate travel fee of 25 euros per trip for journeys exceeding 60 km from the nearest foundation location
- A flat-rate travel fee of 50 euros per leg for trips exceeding 120 km from the nearest foundation location
- Reimbursement of travel and lodging expenses for activities outside the Foundation's locations in Leipzig and Karlsruhe
Interested?
Apply until 07.06.2026 Please include the standard application materials (cover letter [max. 250 words], resume) in a single PDF file (max. 10 MB) and send it to kommunikation@stiftung-forum-recht.de.
I agree to the storage and processing of my data for the purpose of my application.
For more information, see our Privacy Policy. This consent can be revoked at any time.
Placement and Education Specialist (m/f/d) – Apply by June 16, 2026
For our Outreach and Education department, we are looking to hire a: at our Karlsruhe office as soon as possible:
Placement and Education Specialist (m/f/d)
Compensation is based on Pay Grade E 11 of the TVöD Bund. This is a Full-time position with a fixed term ending on December 31, 2026 (39 hours per week).
Your diverse tasks include, among other things
- Independent planning, development, piloting, and implementation of outreach and educational programs on the topics of law and the rule of law, legal and rule-of-law education, and related areas
- Design and further development of creative, practice-oriented, and interdisciplinary outreach programs (including workshops and digital formats, particularly outside the Foundation’s locations) and educational materials
- Independently facilitating and conducting workshops and other educational programs (training sessions, city tours), including, where appropriate, in simple language and in English
- Preparation and, in the long term, overall coordination of a mediation project with nationwide impact
- Research and analysis of complex social issues with legal implications, and monitoring of current academic debates in the fields of democracy education, political education, and education on the rule of law
- Development of task plans and process flows for individual projects
- Scheduling, planning, and coordination, as well as schedule management and monitoring, for the preparation and implementation of local and multi-location formats and projects
- Coordination of and communication with experts, freelancers, project partners, agencies, and local governments
- Briefing, Oversight, and Coordination of External Service Providers
- Strategic evaluation and further development of outreach programs; identification of optimization measures
- Development and substantive support for the planning and implementation of the Federal Forum on Legal Education and the Rule of Law
Your profile:
They are known for their strong organizational skills, sense of personal responsibility, sense of humor, and entrepreneurial spirit, and they always work in a goal-oriented and assertive manner.
- A successfully completed college degree (at least a bachelor’s degree; HH diploma or equivalent) in the fields of political education, cultural education, pedagogy, didactics, political science, law, cultural studies, social sciences, or the humanities, or a comparable field of study
- Professional experience in applied education, e.g., in a school, museum, or other cultural or political education institution working with diverse target groups, as well as in the development and independent implementation of educational programs
- Knowledge of current social issues and discourses, as well as a strong interest in the foundation's areas of focus
- Sensitivity to different target audiences and the ability to explain complex topics in an understandable way
- Experience in project management and organizing complex events
- Confident, polished writing style and excellent written and spoken English skills
- a strong ability to see things from different perspectives
- A structured, responsible, and results-oriented approach to work
- Strong communication skills, flexibility, and the ability to work well with others
- Excellent knowledge of MS Office; experience with design and content management software is a plus
- Willingness to work flexible and mobile hours at two locations, including evenings and weekends, as well as willingness to travel for work
We offer:
You can look forward to an exciting role at an institution that operates at the intersection of law, politics, culture, business, and civil society, plenty of opportunities to shape your role, an employer-sponsored retirement plan (VBL), an open and welcoming work atmosphere within a highly qualified team, the chance to work independently, and a creative work environment. We offer a secure salary and vacation time in accordance with the TVöD regulations. For more information about the Forum Recht Foundation, please visit www.stiftung-forum-recht.de.
The Forum Recht Foundation has set itself the goal of increasing the diversity of its workforce and promoting professional equality and therefore welcomes applications from all professionals, regardless of gender, ethnic, cultural or social background, age, religion, ideology, disability or sexual identity.
The application deadline is June 16 2026, Please summarize your comprehensive application materials (cover letter, resume, transcripts) as follows: in a PDF file (max. 10 MB) and name them as follows:
SFR_2610_Yours, Last Name_Application
Then send the file by email to bewerbungen@stiftung-forum-recht.de.
If you have any further questions, please contact Thomas Stelzl, Head of the Outreach and Education Department (stelzl@stiftung-forum-recht.de) as well as the foundation's HR representative, Holly Kalmes, at the email address provided.
Any costs you may incur as a result of the interview will not be reimbursed.
I agree to the storage and processing of my data for the purpose of my application.
For more information, see our Privacy Policy. This consent can be revoked at any time.
Building Code Officer (m/f/d) – Applications due by June 24, 2026
We are looking for a [position] to join us at our Karlsruhe office as soon as possible.
Building Code Officer (m/f/d)
Remuneration is in accordance with pay group E 13 TVöD Bund. This is a permanent full-time position (39 hours/week).
As a Construction Specialist, you will be responsible for providing technical construction support and oversight during the preparation, planning, and construction of the Forum Recht Foundation’s buildings in Karlsruhe and Leipzig. The Foundation is the occupant of the buildings, which are to be constructed under the supervision of the BImA.
Your diverse tasks include, among other things
- Compiling the Foundation’s architectural and technical needs and requirements for dissemination to the parties involved in the „Forum Recht“ construction projects, in coordination with the Deputy Director
- Planning, organizing, and coordinating the foundation’s internal clarification and coordination processes; documenting the results and preparing them in a manner appropriate for the construction industry for dissemination to external project participants
- Internal coordination of planning and construction activities, expert oversight, and technical review and evaluation of the plans for these activities within the overall context, taking user needs into account
- Client-side oversight of construction work and monitoring of results, taking into account technical and economic objectives, through to successful commissioning
- Representing the Forum Recht Foundation at the project level and, when necessary, serving as the deputy director’s representative at the coordination level
- Point of contact for all construction-related questions for internal and external partners, acting on behalf of the user, in consultation with the Deputy Director
- Communication of technical construction findings and requirements to the foundation; acting as an interface between users and project or program managers on all technical construction matters during the planning and implementation phases
- Client-side support, coordination, and oversight of the planning and execution of all new construction, repair, and modernization projects with regard to quality, scheduling, and cost management
- Management of expert groups on construction-related topics – Involvement of all stakeholders affected by construction issues at the process and project levels
- Support for decision-makers: Development of, among other things, an operations and a facility management plan for the new buildings
- Contributing to the development of effective communication with the public regarding construction projects, preparing construction-related documents for the foundation’s committee meetings, and overseeing the reporting process
- Contributions to and Participation in the Budget Preparation Process
You bring with you:
- A completed college degree (Diplom or Master’s degree) in architecture, civil engineering with a focus on structural engineering, urban planning, or building services engineering with a focus on construction, construction management, or a comparable field
- Several years of professional experience in comparable positions, as well as experience in construction project management and the successful execution and oversight of medium- and large-scale public building construction projects, preferably museums, cultural facilities, or convention centers
- In-depth knowledge of construction project management and construction project oversight, as well as experience representing clients in complex construction projects
- Proficiency in MS Office and industry-specific software, as well as relevant construction platforms
- Practical experience in the planning and execution of building construction projects, including the related laws governing planning, procurement, and construction contracts
- Several years of experience managing construction projects during service phases 1–9
- Excellent knowledge of and confidence in applying the relevant standards governing the operation of real estate and its facilities (such as building codes and planning laws, VOB, VgV, VOL, and HOAI)
- Knowledge of the requirements and legal basis of the relevant regulations issued by the federal contracting authority Bundesbau, such as RBBau, the Federal Procurement Manual, budget law, and relevant guidelines; ideally, this should also include experience in building services engineering (TGA) planning
- A strong ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and communicate effectively, as well as a collaborative work style
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and focus on goals; structured, analytical thinking; strong assertiveness and communication skills; self-motivation; reliability; a strong commitment to customer service; confidence in public speaking; negotiation skills; and sound judgment
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Excellent knowledge of German and English
- Ability to deliver excellent work even under significant time pressure and to remain friendly at all times
- Strong IT skills specific to the construction and real estate industries
- Willingness to travel, organizational skills, and the ability to handle stress
We offer:
You can look forward to an exciting role at an institution that operates at the intersection of law, politics, culture, business, and civil society, plenty of opportunities to shape your role, an employer-sponsored retirement plan (VBL), an open and welcoming work atmosphere within a highly qualified team, the chance to work independently, and a creative work environment. We offer a secure salary with an annual bonus and vacation time in accordance with the TVöD regulations. For more information about the Forum Recht Foundation, please visit www.stiftung-forum-recht.de.
The Forum Recht Foundation has set itself the goal of increasing the diversity of its workforce and promoting professional equality and therefore welcomes applications from all professionals, regardless of gender, ethnic, cultural or social background, age, religion, ideology, disability or sexual identity.
The application deadline is June 24, 2026. Please summarize your detailed application materials (cover letter, resume, transcripts) as follows: in a PDF file (max. 10 MB) and name them as follows:
SFR_2612_Your last name_Application
Then send the file by email to bewerbungen@stiftung-forum-recht.de.
If you have any further questions, please contact the Foundation's HR department, Holly Kalmes, at the e-mail address provided.
Any costs you may incur as a result of the interview will not be reimbursed.
I agree to the storage and processing of my data for the purpose of my application.
For more information, see our Privacy Policy. This consent can be revoked at any time.
Student Temporary Staff (m/f/d) – Apply by September 29, 2026
For our Administration department, we are looking to fill a position at our Karlsruhe headquarters as soon as possible
Two Student Temporary Staff Members (m/f/d)
Compensation is based on Pay Grade E 5 of the TVöD Bund. This is a through December 31, 2026 temporary Part-time position on a "minijob" basis. The average weekly work hours are 6 hours.
Your diverse tasks include, among other things
- Creation, Digitization, and Maintenance of Personnel Files
- Database Maintenance
- Preparation of documents (employment contracts, certificates, etc.) based on a template
- Support with the preparation and implementation of onboarding and offboarding
- Support with administrative tasks in day-to-day operations
You bring with you:
- Proficiency in common Microsoft Office and Internet applications (e.g., Excel, Word, MS Project, OneNote), with a willingness to learn new systems
- Strong verbal communication skills in German
- Proven ability to work in a team, organizational and social skills
- A high degree of reliability and a strong sense of responsibility
- Ability to work independently
- Flexibility
- Enjoys interacting with people and has a friendly demeanor
We offer:
You can look forward to an exciting role at an institution that operates at the intersection of law, politics, culture, business, and civil society, plenty of opportunities to shape your work, a company pension plan (VBL), an open and welcoming work atmosphere within a highly qualified team, the chance to work independently, and a creative work environment. For more information about the Forum Recht Foundation, please visit www.stiftung-forum-recht.de.
The Forum Recht Foundation has set itself the goal of increasing the diversity of its workforce and promoting professional equality and therefore welcomes applications from all professionals, regardless of gender, ethnic, cultural or social background, age, religion, ideology, disability or sexual identity.
The application deadline is September 29, 2026. Please summarize your detailed application materials (cover letter, resume, transcripts) as follows: in a PDF file (max. 10 MB) and name them as follows:
SFR_2616_Your last name_Application
Then send the file by email to bewerbungen@stiftung-forum-recht.de.
If you have any further questions, please contact the Foundation's HR department, Holly Kalmes, at the e-mail address provided.
Any costs you may incur as a result of the interview will not be reimbursed.
I agree to the storage and processing of my data for the purpose of my application.
Further information can be found in our Privacy Policy. This consent can be revoked at any time.
Lawyer who has passed the first examination under Section 5(1) of the DRiG (m/f/d) – applications accepted on an ongoing basis
For our office in Karlsruhe, we are always looking to fill a temporary position for a:
Lawyer who has passed the first examination under Section 5(1) of the DRiG (m/f/d).
Compensation is based on Pay Grade 12 of the TVöD Bund (Federal Public Service Collective Bargaining Agreement). This is a full-time, fixed-term position (39 hours per week) to provide substantive and organizational support for projects in the areas of activity of the Stiftung Forum Recht (specifically strategy, knowledge management, administrative development, programs, and outreach).
If you have passed your first law exam with above-average results, are a compelling and creative individual with strong communication and organizational skills, enjoy strategic and conceptual thinking, and have experience with project work, then please apply!
We offer an opportunity for professional development at the intersection of politics, education, culture, business, and civil society, a fixed-term position as a research assistant, and flexible work hours and arrangements.
Note: This job posting is intended exclusively for applicants who have not yet taken their second state examination and who intend to complete their preparatory service and wish to gain practical experience at our foundation as a temporary position prior to that.
The Forum Recht Foundation has set itself the goal of increasing the diversity of its workforce and promoting professional equality and therefore welcomes applications from all professionals, regardless of gender, ethnic, cultural or social origin, age, religion, ideology, disability or sexual identity
Please submit your application by [date] with a complete set of application materials (cover letter, resume, transcripts). Please combine these into a single PDF file (max. 10 MB) and name it as follows:
SFR_2608_Your Last Name_Application
Please send the file by e-mail to bewerbungen@stiftung-forum-recht.de.
If you have any further questions, please contact the Foundation's HR department, Holly Kalmes, at the e-mail address provided.
Any costs you incur as a result of the interview will not be reimbursed.
I agree to the storage and processing of my data for the purpose of my application.
Further information can be found in our Privacy Policy. This consent can be revoked at any time.
Administrative Specialist: Administration, Budget, Finance, Procurement, Organization, IT (m/f/d) – Applications due by June 25, 2026
We are looking for a [position] to join our Karlsruhe headquarters as soon as possible to work in the areas of Housekeeping, Finance, Controlling, Procurement, and IT.
Administrative Specialist, Budget, Finance, Procurement, Organization, IT (m/f/d)
Remuneration is in accordance with pay group E 13 TVöD Bund. This is a permanent full-time position (39 hours/week).
Your diverse tasks include, among other things
- Coordinating an interdisciplinary team across the following areas: Administration, Budget, Finance, Procurement, Organization, and IT
- Support in establishing and further developing an effective and efficient IT-based financial management system in accordance with the legal framework set forth in the Federal Budget Code
- Support, among other things, in addressing policy issues in the aforementioned areas with a view to establishing an innovative and forward-looking institution
- Advising the Deputy Director on financial and organizational matters
- Collaboration with all levels of the foundation on topics in the following areas:
You bring with you:
They are known for their strong organizational skills, sense of personal responsibility, sense of humor, and entrepreneurial spirit, and they always work in a goal-oriented and assertive manner.
- a completed academic degree in business administration, law, or public administration
- Work experience in publicly funded administrative, cultural, educational, or scientific institutions
- Several years of experience in project management, preferably in the fields of administration, business/finance, culture, academia, or museums, is desirable
- Extensive knowledge and experience in organizational development and in establishing modern, IT-supported work structures are a plus
- Solid business management skills, as well as knowledge of the Federal Budget Act (BHO) and public accounting, are desirable
- Demonstrable experience in managing digital development processes is desirable
- Comprehensive knowledge of common computer applications, the Microsoft suite, and an ERP or CRM system (e.g., SAP, MACH, or similar)
- An understanding of the legal framework governing the work of an institution such as the Forum Recht Foundation
- Business-level English, both spoken and written
We offer:
You can look forward to an exciting role at an institution that operates at the intersection of law, politics, culture, business, and civil society, plenty of opportunities to shape your role, an employer-sponsored retirement plan (VBL), an open and welcoming work atmosphere within a highly qualified team, the chance to work independently, and a creative work environment. We offer a secure salary and vacation time in accordance with the TVöD regulations. For more information about the Forum Recht Foundation, please visit www.stiftung-forum-recht.de.
The Forum Recht Foundation has set itself the goal of increasing the diversity of its workforce and promoting professional equality and therefore welcomes applications from all professionals, regardless of gender, ethnic, cultural or social background, age, religion, ideology, disability or sexual identity.
The application deadline is June 25, 2026. Please summarize your detailed application materials (cover letter, resume, transcripts) as follows: in a PDF file (max. 10 MB) and name them as follows:
SFR_2607_Your last name_Application
Then send the file by email to bewerbungen@stiftung-forum-recht.de.
If you have any further questions, please contact the Foundation's HR department, Holly Kalmes, at the e-mail address provided.
Any costs you may incur as a result of the interview will not be reimbursed.
I agree to the storage and processing of my data for the purpose of my application.
For more information, see our Privacy Policy. This consent can be revoked at any time.
Legal Trainees (m/f/d) – Applications Accepted on an Ongoing Basis
To support the diverse and exciting challenges of our foundation work, we are always on the lookout for qualified
Legal trainees (m/f/d) in the elective stage.
Being a lawyer at a federal foundation that is currently being established means being able to work across interfaces and disciplines. The range of tasks includes developing legal content for a wide variety of formats such as exhibitions, panel discussions, talks and film evenings, book presentations, educational programs and artistic activities.
- Do you have a strong interest in interdisciplinary work at a federal foundation that operates on a variety of levels?
- Do you have a quick grasp of new concepts and the ability to explain complex issues in a way that’s easy to understand?
In that case, we'd love to get to know. With Interest you can DI with the Office ours Directors Dr. Cord Brügmann in Connection set. Please note: Unfortunately, we are currently unable to offer internships to law students.
direktorium@stiftung-forum-recht.de.
I agree to the storage and processing of my data for the purpose of my application.
Further information can be found in our Privacy Policy. This consent can be revoked at any time.
Find out more about us
The mission of the Stiftung Forum Recht and its team is to make law and the rule of law in all their diversity a topic of discussion. To this end, the foundation's team take up current impulses and develop formats so that people can experience law as a framework for our coexistence.
Read the mission statement of the Stiftung Forum Recht here (as of spring 2023):