The Executive Director of Communications will serve as a key strategic partner to editorial leadership, dedicated to developing and executing a proactive communications strategy that elevates POLITICO's journalism and journalists and supports business initiatives and growth across Europe.
This role will drive efforts to significantly enhance POLITICO’s visibility across digital, broadcast, and audio platforms, with a strong emphasis on engaging influencers and amplifying our reporting. The Executive Director will relentlessly pursue opportunities to differentiate POLITICO’s coverage and products, positioning our journalists and executives as thought leaders in the European political landscape.
In addition to overseeing daily public relations operations, this role is critical in establishing POLITICO as a leading voice in European political journalism. The Executive Director will also act as the primary contact and point person for high-level strategic communications with internal stakeholders and POLITICO's European leadership, including on crisis management and other sensitive matters.
Reports to:
Brad Dayspring, EVP Global Communications & Brand
Other key relationships:
Lead Europe Editor
Executive Editor, Brussels
Executive Vice President
Chief Executive Officer
Regional Director, Europe
Chief Revenue Officer, Europe
VP Communications, U.S.
What You'll Do:
Develop and Execute Communications Strategy: Create and implement a comprehensive communications strategy for Europe that aligns with corporate goals and editorial priorities and objectives.
Manage Media Relationships: Cultivate and oversee high-level media relationships, ensuring effective strategic story pitching across the region.
Coordinate Communications Efforts: Streamline communications initiatives, including support for internal communications and addressing sensitive issues and/or crisis comms on pressing matters in coordination with/absence of EVP of Global Communications.
Cross Functional Collaboration: Work within a leadership structure to support business and editorial priorities and objectives through effective collaboration with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Collaborate on Transatlantic Strategic Alignment: Work closely with the Vice President of Communications in the U.S. to ensure alignment and effectiveness in our strategies and highlight POLITICO’s unique transatlantic strengths.
Lead and Mentor Communications Team: Provide leadership and mentorship to the communications team, fostering talent development and collaboration.
Oversee Media Partnerships: Manage media partnerships and speaking opportunities that enhance visibility for business leaders and executives.
Draft Communication Materials: Prepare various communication materials, including press releases, talking points, and media pitches.
Budget Management: Collaborate with the EVP of Communications and Brand to manage the communications budget, ensuring effective resource allocation.
What You'll Need:
10+ years of experience in communications, with expertise in media relations and crisis management.
Media or political communications experience is strongly preferred.
Policy communications experience a plus.
Strong network of media contacts.
Proven ability to manage and lead communications teams.
Deep experience in fast-paced, news-driven environments required.
Media or political communications experience is preferred.
Fluency in English; proficiency in French and/or German is a plus.
Critical Capabilities:
Lead People: Work within a matrixed business and newsroom structure to influence without direct authority. Strive for success by removing barriers and finding solutions.
Know News: Have deep knowledge of the political news ecosystem and its players. Must understand the pulse of the newsroom, what makes a good story and how to differentiate it.
Drive Results: Must always seek new opportunities and seize them, while navigating roadblocks challenges, be able to quickly prioritize and act to drive results.
About POLITICO
POLITICO is a global news and information company at the intersection of politics and policy. It is the essential online, mobile and print destination for the most influential people in the world. With publications based in Washington, D.C., New York, London, and Brussels, POLITICO boasts an enormous roster of the most talented reporters and editors in the world.
Equal Opportunity
It is POLITICO's policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, gender, age, or any other characteristic protected by local laws and regulations.
Application Instructions
If you are interested in this opportunity, please send a cover letter and CV in English using the Apply button. Please note that we will only consider complete applications.
For questions, please reach out to recruitment@politico.eu
Location: Brussels
Employment level: Full-time
Type of role: Manager
Updated: Dec 12, 2024
Job ID: 00592
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
Industries
Newspaper Publishing
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at POLITICO Europe by 2x