Strategic Communications Manager, Italy

European Climate Foundation MILANO Italy 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 350 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.

The ECF is brings together diverse perspectives and backgrounds to find the best innovative solutions to tackle climate change. We are focusing on engaging and hiring great people from a wide diversity of backgrounds to strengthen the cause. If you share our values of respect, innovation, and collaboration, join us

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 communications specialist to perform the role of Strategic Communications Senior Manager in Italy. Working closely with the ECF’s portfolio of grantees and strategic partners, the successful candidate will navigate the complex political environment to help speed up the net-zero transition in Italy and at the European level.

The role offers a unique opportunity for a highly driven individual with a sincere interest in Italian politics and climate issues to work with a talented team and play an active role in delivering the transition and help avoid the worst impacts of global climate change.

Collaborating with the ECF programmes operating in Italy, the Strategic Communications Manager will deliver strategic advice, communications and outreach support to the ECF partners and work as part of a global network of communications experts to enhance the public debate on climate change and its solutions. The work will involve maintaining trusted relationships with key journalists and stakeholders in Italy.

This role would suit someone with a background in communications, campaigning, journalism or public affairs.

Key responsibilities

The Strategic Communications Manager, Italy, will be responsible for:

  • Developing a climate communications strategy for Italy covering key institutions and sectors, with a particular focus on political developments and regional challenges;
  • Collaborating with the ECF’s portfolio of grantees and strategic partners to deliver the materials, stories, voices and messaging to support this strategy;
  • Identifying and planning communications campaigns and activities that advance narratives and promote climate action, targeting key audiences and leveraging influential voices and constitutencies, and coordinating initiatives across partner organisations;
  • Collaborating with the ECF programmes staff to ensure strategic communications is incorporated into their grant-making work;
  • Developing communications projects through partnerships and grant-making to support this strategy;
  • Acting as a source of expertise on political communications to the Italian climate community and ensuring ECF priority projects are effectively communicated to target audiences in Italy;
  • Working hand-in hand with an international network of communications experts who seek to advance the momentum of the net-zero emission transition;
  • Maintaining trusted relationships with key correspondents and editors across mainstream and specialist media in Italy and working proactively with media contacts to shape the reporting around ECF priority issues;
  • Developing audience knowledge and elaborating digital communications strategies to best address key segments of the populations;
  • Monitoring, evaluation and reporting on strategic communications work.

Requirements

Experience and competencies

  • A genuine interest in the mission and values of the organisation;
  • 8+ years of professional strategic communications experience, including some experience in campaigning or public affairs;
  • A brilliant strategist with strong understanding of the processes and dynamics of Italian, European and international policymaking;
  • A proven ability to independently develop and implement robust communications plans;
  • Experience of developing and deploying communications initiatives tailored for specific voices, channels and audiences;
  • Strong diplomatic and networking skills that enable effective collaboration with a diverse group of partners;
  • Strong vision, confidence and a proven ability to bring others along on collective strategies;
  • Gravitas sufficient to work directly with high profile individuals and partners from diverse backgrounds at all levels;
  • Proven skills to produce engaging and impactful communications materials for the Spanish media and social media market;
  • Existing relationships with Italian journalists or demonstrating the ability to build these swiftly;
  • Effective monitoring and reporting skills as well as some project management;
  • Excellent command of the Italian language (both spoken and written), as well as fluency in English;
  • A team player and a natural collaborator with high levels of self-motivation, strong time and priority management and a passion for excellence, used to working flexibly at fast pace in remote settings across time-zones;
  • The disposition to work with colleagues in a high-trust community of peers, and a commitment to an inclusive and empowering approach and a spirit of generosity and mutual support.

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 ambition and a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work;
  • A flexible work environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself;
  • A full-time, 1-year contract with possibility of extension

Location

Milano, Italy.

Start date

As soon as possible.

How to apply – Internal procedure

Please send a maximum 2-page CV in English and a short cover letter.

All applications will be treated confidentially.