Communications and Marketing Director, Europe

Overview

Put your passion and skills to work for the planet. Climate change is the most urgent issue of our time, and we need people like you to help us build a vital Earth — for everyone.

We’re Environmental Defense Fund, a fast-paced nonprofit with a growing staff of more than 1,000 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut climate pollution and strengthen people’s ability to thrive despite the effects climate change is already having. We work wherever we can have the most impact, from local communities to top companies to governments worldwide, and even in space.

Our culture, values and commitment to diversity make EDF an exciting and meaningful place to work. Every job here makes a difference. Won’t you join us?

Responsibilities

Location: this role can be remote, hybrid, or in office in Brussels, London, Berlin.

Application Deadline: June 4th, 2023 - Early applications are strongly encouraged and will be processed upon receipt.

Overall Function

The Director of Communications and Marketing in Europe is responsible for developing and implementing strategic communications, marketing and media relations plans that help Environmental Defense Fund Europe achieve its goals.

Working in close cooperation with the Europe-based senior management team as well as colleagues in the United States and across EDF's global regions, you will represent the communications and marketing function in Brussels. As EDF Europe seeks to expand its portfolio and raise its profile, audiences include the European Institutions and Member State governments as well as business leaders, influencers, politicians, and potential donors. You bring a strategic perspective and strong abilities to take complex, often technical issues and make them accessible and inspiring to decision-makers and media.

You will spearhead the overall EDF Europe communications and marketing effort, including earned, paid and owned channels. In addition, you will lead the EDF Europe website and blog strategy, speaking engagements, thought leadership activities, events and collateral development. You will be a member of the strategic, global leadership team to ensure we are speaking as one EDF, allowing for local interpretation where required, helping us cultivate third-party validators to our work and amplifying that validation and ensuring key European achievements and milestones are communicated across all EDF brand channels.

This position requires knowledge of international environmental issues, key partners, cultures, and influences in Europe, with particular emphasis on EU policy and Brussels, and strong networks of policy makers, politicians and media. You possess excellent communication and high-level writing skills, and an ability to execute multiple projects simultaneously. You will also need to establish effective relationships internally and externally to gather and present information in compelling ways.

The Direct of Communications and Marketing in Europe will report to the VP Global Communications and in full alignment with the Executive Director of Environmental Defense Fund Europe (hiring in process). This position also collaborates closely with the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer and the EVP of Regions. The successful candidate will work closely with colleagues in Europe and across EDF's global regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the principal lead for communications and marketing in Europe, working closely with colleagues in core program work areas such as: Hydrogen, EU Transport, Climate Smart Agriculture, Agricultural Methane, Energy demand reduction (in Eastern Europe) and Sustainable Finance. Build EDF’s potential to expand work to new areas where agreed and relevant.

• Ensure internal coordination and message consistency across all brand and program communications in Europe and that these messages are appropriately reflected in our multi-lateral events.

• Help develop, refine and execute a communications and marketing strategy and plan for Europe with a focus on earned media and digital strategies and tools.

• Develop brand-level messaging and collateral materials, collaborating closely with marketing and communications colleagues.

• Identify influencers, politicians, government officials, policy experts, global business leaders and potential donors and the channels that reach them.

• Write high-quality speeches, op-eds, reactions, blogs and other materials; maximise promotion of these materials with credible reporters.

• Position the organisation as a thought leader in Europe, arranging media interviews, public speaking opportunities and opinion pieces for the Executive Director and other senior staff.

• Pitch stories actively to a variety of media, develop and maintain targeted media lists, initiate and maintain regular contact and strong relationships with targeted reporters.

• Maintain oversight of the EDF Europe social channels.

• Plan and execute events such as press conferences, announcements, speeches and in-person meetings with media and other influential stakeholders.

• Participate in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values

• Direct PR/communications agency support, including setting objectives and tracking results.

• Monitor and report on their output, coverage and progress towards their communication goals.

• Edit and proofread written, online and video materials against tight deadlines.

• Produce quarterly reports of earned, paid and owned media activities.

Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of experience in a communications role.
• Excellent networking skills and an established network of contacts within the communications and marketing sector in Brussels.
• Excellent verbal, written and digital communications skills.
• Proven experience developing and delivering effective communications strategies to achieve policy and advocacy goals, incorporating use of the latest digital tools.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Strong experience pitching and developing productive relationships with appropriate media channels in Brussels, London and other European capitals as necessary.
• Deep knowledge of Brussels andthe European political and policy landscape and of European business leaders and influencers.
• Knowledge of international environmental issues and dynamics.
• Track record of producing international, national and regional media coverage.
• Proven ability to integrate and coordinate communications efforts on multiple channels across a global organisation.
• Fluent in English; professional proficiency other European languages a plus.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience

Pay Ranges

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. We take into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.

The pay range for this role is shown below.

Please note that pay ranges are country specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant be converted into any other currency.

Minimum Salary

EUR €90,000.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

EUR €98,000.00/Yr.

EEO Information

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.