At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic communications for Open Society's mission across Europe and globally.
- Company: Join the Open Society Foundations, a leader in advancing justice and human rights.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous time off, health insurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a diverse, inclusive environment with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global issues while shaping public discourse and policy.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education in communications and substantial relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
About the organization
The Open Society Foundations (OSF) is one of the world’s largest private funders of organizations advancing justice, democratic governance, and human rights. Active in more than 120 countries, OSF works to build vibrant, inclusive democracies whose institutions are accountable, transparent, and responsive to the participation of all people.
Role Purpose
The Communications Officer, Europe serves as a senior strategic leader of external communications engagement for Open Society’s priorities across Europe, with a mandate that extends globally as needed.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and execute high-impact, regionally grounded communications strategies aligned with institutional priorities.
- Shape compelling organizational narratives and positioning on issues central to Open Society’s mission.
- Lead proactive risk assessment and reputational strategy, anticipating communications and media risks across the region and develop mitigation strategies; serve as the lead during crisis situations, ensuring values-aligned response management.
- Shape and drive strategic communications opportunities aligned with institutional priorities—leveraging both real-time news cycles and long-term advocacy opportunities to advance Open Society values, influence public discourse and shape policy-relevant narratives.
- Strategically position key Open Society leadership, experts and thought-leaders across top-tier domestic, regional and international media, cultivating relationships with influential journalists and editorial boards to expand reach, credibility and thought-leadership impact.
- Author and oversee high-impact written communications, including Op-Eds, policy commentaries, thought-leadership pieces and other press materials—ensuring clarity, narrative coherence and alignment.
- Design and lead strategic media engagements, including press briefings, editorial meetings, high-level media convenings and background discussions that deepen understanding of Open Society work and priorities.
- Oversee integrated content strategy and production across digital and print platforms, ensuring strategic coherence, audience targeting and performance impact; manage and coordinate external creative and PR partners to deliver high-quality outputs.
- Co-design and deliver communications trainings for program staff, leadership and partners to strengthen message discipline, media readiness and narrative alignment across the network.
- Contribute to global communications leadership initiatives, partnering with communications colleagues across regions to drive cross-portfolio collaboration, institutional consistency and shared strategic objectives across the highly-matrixed global environment.
Key external relationships
- Media partners including journalists and editors
- Public Relations firms
- Grantees and partners
- Human rights and legal experts
- Public intellectuals and academics
Essential Qualifications
- Educated to a degree-level (or equivalent) relevant to communications.
- Evidence of continued professional development in media strategy, crisis communications, geopolitical analysis, or digital strategy.
Essential Experience
- Substantial relevant communications experience driving strategic communications in complex political and international environments, including journalism OR experience as a communications professional in the not-for-profit or private sector.
- Established and active network of high-level media, editorial, and digital influencers across regional and international levels.
- Experience managing crisis communications and high-risk reputational environments.
- Experience leading integrated communications strategies across media, digital, and stakeholder engagement platforms.
- Proven track record advising senior leadership on reputational risk, media engagement, and public positioning.
Desirable Qualifications
- In-depth media knowledge of open society issues.
- Established relationships with journalists, editors, producers and creative partners.
- Proven skills in the development of communications strategies in regional and/or international contexts.
- Excellent skills in writing for and pitching to media.
- Demonstrable social media and digital campaign and management expertise.
- Ability to provide strategic guidance around communications opportunities (media interviews, public events, campaigns) for senior officials and others.
Personal Competencies
- Demonstrates commitment to OSF’s core values of humility, commitment, collaboration, respect, inclusivity and integrity.
- High level of self-motivation, initiative, and creativity.
- Willingness to travel extensively for work.
- Substantial knowledge of organisational and project management.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision and solve problems independently or collaboratively.
- Diplomatic manner and ability to adapt to a range of cultures and experiences in interacting with program management, colleagues at all levels, contacts, and the public.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge of English.
- Knowledge of French or Spanish (desirable).
What we offer
- Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.
- Generous time off and flexible work arrangements.
- Employer-paid health insurance and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).
- Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.
- Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.
- A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.
Strategic Communications Officer, Europe employer: Open Society Foundations
The Open Society Foundations (OSF) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and impactful contributions to justice and human rights. With generous benefits including employer-paid health insurance, a robust retirement plan, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, OSF empowers its employees to thrive while making a meaningful difference in society. Located in Europe, this role provides unique opportunities to engage with influential media and thought leaders, shaping narratives that resonate across the globe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Communications Officer, Europe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Open Society Foundations. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to make those valuable connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's values and recent projects. We want to see you align your answers with their mission. Show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who truly understands and believes in what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You never know when you might bump into someone from OSF. Have a concise and compelling summary of your experience and how it relates to their work ready to go. Make it memorable!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Communications Officer, Europe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Strategic Communications Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in strategic communications and how it aligns with Open Society's mission. We want to see your passion for justice and democratic governance shine through!
Showcase Your Writing Skills:Since this role involves a lot of written communication, include samples of your best work. Whether it's Op-Eds, policy commentaries, or thought-leadership pieces, we want to see how you craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Avoid jargon and keep your language straightforward. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point while still showcasing your personality and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Open Society Foundations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Open Society Foundations
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Open Society Foundations' mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and communications strategies. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Craft Your Narrative
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in strategic communications, especially in complex political environments. Think of specific examples where you've shaped narratives or managed crisis communications. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Build Connections
Since the role involves cultivating relationships with media and influencers, be ready to talk about your existing network. Highlight any established connections with journalists or PR firms that could benefit Open Society's outreach efforts.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Bring samples of your written communications, like Op-Eds or policy commentaries, to the interview. Discuss how you ensure clarity and narrative coherence in your work. This tangible evidence of your skills can set you apart from other candidates.
