Network Director, Strategic Communications Europe (Europe location)

European Climate Foundation BXL Belgium Strategic Communications
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Company Description

About the European Climate Foundation

The European Climate Foundation (ECF) was founded in 2008 as a major philanthropic initiative to help tackle climate change by fostering the development of a low-carbon society at the national, European and global level.

We support over 280 partner organisations to carry out activities that contribute to the public debate on climate action, drive urgent and ambitious policy in support of the objectives of the Paris Agreement and help deliver a socially responsible transition to a net-zero emissions economy and sustainable society in Europe and around the world.

As towns, cities and countries around the world declare climate emergencies, seas rise, forests burn, glaciers melt, increasing numbers of people take to the streets demanding urgent action and our societies begin to wake up to what the science has been saying for many years, there has never been a more important time to be working on climate change.

Position

About the role

ECF is currently accepting applications for an experienced and highly driven team leader to direct the European arm of an international network of strategic communications professionals in the field of climate and energy. The role offers a unique opportunity for an individual with a sincere interest in European politics and climate issues to work with a talented team and play an active role in helping speed up the low carbon transition across Europe and beyond.

The Network Director should be an experienced and highly driven communications strategist in both social and traditional media, as well as a team leader who can oversee and direct country desks in the UK, Germany, France, Poland, Spain, Turkey as well as in Belgium, and helping partners across the region interface with an international network of communications experts.

We are looking for someone who has extensive experience of management across different geographies and cultures and a proven ability to build and maintain trust with colleagues. The ideal candidate will be someone with a track record of having developed teams via remote management. The Director will support colleagues to achieve impactful results through developing and implementing creative strategies that shift the political debate and public discourse on energy and climate issues. A considerable amount of work is focused on building alliances and alignment with new and existing partners, so strong diplomatic and negotiation skills are important. Further information will be provided to candidates selected for interviews.

Key responsibilities

The Network Director will report to the Managing Director, Strategic Communications and will be responsible for:

  • Participating in high-level strategic discussions to ensure political and communications strategies are aligned and effective in supporting shared priorities
  • Being an active member of the management team of an international network of communications specialists who work to enhance the wider public debate on climate issues
  • Creating an inspiring team environment and proactively supporting professional development and growth of team members
  • Building and maintaining relationships with a wide range of partners across Europe, in support of efforts by country desks working at a national level, as well as at the EU level
  • Capacity-building on strategic communications planning and delivery for the wider climate community
  • Internal and external monitoring and reporting

Requirements

Experience and competencies

  • A genuine interest in the mission and values of the organisation

  • 10+ years of professional experience in the fields of strategic communications, political campaigning and/or journalism
  • A solid understanding of the political, media and climate landscape across Europe
  • Multiple years of experience in managing diverse teams in an international environment
  • Outstanding communication and leadership skills
  • A solid experience of developing and delivering digital communication strategies
  • Far-reaching and active networks relevant to the role across Europe
  • Strong diplomatic skills and interpersonal relations, ability to quickly build trust with partners and colleagues
  • Gravitas sufficient to work directly with high profile individuals and partners from diverse backgrounds at all levels
  • Strong vision and the ability to make sound decisions in highly pressured environments
  • Excellent time and priority management, high level of self-motivation, independence and can-do mentality, good team-player with a passion for excellence
  • Excellent command of English, plus proven cultural skills in a European context, additional European language skills a benefit
  • The disposition to work generously with colleagues in a high-trust and values based global community of peers
  • The versatile and adaptable skills necessary to flourish in a fast-paced and wide- ranging work environment and work across phone/video conferencing, time zones, etc.
  • A commitment to an inclusive and empowering approach to climate and energy issues

Other information

What we offer

  • The unique opportunity to work as part of a highly dynamic, international group of individuals who combine their passion to make a difference with a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work;
  • A flexible work environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself;
  • A full time, permanent contract (subject to location);
  • A competitive remuneration (relevant to location).

Location

Negotiable within Europe, co-location with colleagues depends on location, working from home is an option and could be required in light of COVID measures.

You must be in possession of the relevant work permit for your work location.

Start date

As soon as possible

How to apply

Please upload below: 

  1. CV (maximum 2 pages)
  2. short cover letter (maximum 1 page) expressing your motivation for this role
  3. As part of your application, please provide an example, in no more than 300 words, of what you find has been the most effective piece of climate communications over the past 12 months, and why.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. All applications will be treated confidentially.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our organisation. We strongly encourage candidates from historically disadvantaged or marginalised groups to apply.