Head of Communications

• Start date: As soon as possible

• End date: Initially fixed term until 30 April 2029, with potential for renewal subject to European Commission mandate and funding

• Location: Central Brussels office, with flexible work arrangements

• Type of contract: In accordance with Belgian labour regulations

• Benefits: Includes extra-legal leave days, meal vouchers, commuting and teleworking allowances, in addition to Belgian annual leave days and allowances

• Salary: Negotiable based on experience

About the Work of SAPEA and the Communications Team

SAPEA is part of the European Commission’s Scientific Advice Mechanism. Together with the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors, we provide independent scientific advice to European Commissioners to support their decision-making.

Our mission includes communicating widely about the work of the SAM, raising awareness, and stimulating debate about the role of scientific evidence in policymaking. The SAPEA communications team, consisting of a Head of Communications, a Communications Manager, and a Digital Communications Officer, leads these activities.

We prioritize transparency and accessibility in all aspects of our work, with the communications team playing a key role.

About ALLEA

ALLEA is the European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities, representing almost 60 academies from 40 countries in Europe. Since its foundation in 1994, ALLEA advocates for its members on European and international stages, promotes science as a global public good, and facilitates scientific collaboration across borders and disciplines. As one of the Academy Networks that make up SAPEA, ALLEA leads on SAPEA communications activities and employs the SAPEA communications staff.

About This Role

The Scientific Advice Mechanism to the European Commission conducts a wide range of communications activities, including leading conversations about scientific advice among European policymakers, the scientific community, stakeholders, and the public. The Head of Communications leads a team of two other full-time communications staff and works closely with colleagues in the European Commission, academies, and academy networks across Europe. This role combines hands-on communications delivery with strategic leadership and involves coordinating internal and external stakeholders. It also provides communications guidance and support to colleagues engaged in scientific work impacting policy across the European Union.

This post will inherit a lively ongoing communications programme but can also refine and redevelop the project’s communications strategy for 2025–2029. For the right applicant, this role offers considerable opportunity to develop.

Responsibilities and Tasks

• Coordinate and lead communications activities for SAPEA on behalf of the SAM

• Work with colleagues in SAPEA and the European Commission to prepare communication plans for each advice topic delivered by the SAM

• Represent SAPEA and the SAM in strategic relationships with third parties regarding communications activities

• Manage the SAM brand and voice, ensuring consistent use across all channels

• Update and maintain the SAM communications strategy for 2025–2029

• Develop and maintain relationships with journalists and editors to raise awareness of the SAM’s work

• Respond to media queries and act as a first point of contact for journalists

• Provide guidance, advice, and training to members of the SAPEA Board and the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors

• Participate in third-party events relevant to SAPEA’s work

• Produce and deliver a wide-ranging communications programme on scientific topics

• Maintain a consistent and efficient approach to SAM communications to maximize visibility

• Head the SAPEA communications office, supervise and support the Communications Manager and Digital Communications Officer

• Oversee and manage team workflows and office operations, manage the project budget, and contribute to financial reporting

Personal Profile

• Strong track record in communications work, including policy, government, or not-for-profit organisations

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in science communication or public engagement

• Strong academic background in a relevant field

• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English

• Strong interpersonal skills and experience in building relationships with stakeholders

• Experience in leading and supporting a small team

• Confidence to navigate an informally structured team and work autonomously

• Experience in managing budgets and delivering communications activities within agreed budgets and timelines

• Skills in media relations, print layout and design, social media, scientific writing, audio and video editing, website design, graphic design, event planning

• Interest in the role of science in policymaking

• Patience, good humour, and a positive attitude

• Willingness to travel within Europe

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV, a short motivation letter, and further application documents and/or references, as well as salary expectations to [email protected]. Examples of past communications work relevant to the job description, in the form of links or PDF work samples, are welcome for this post.

We will close applications on 30 April 2025, but applications will be processed on a rolling basis, and we may approach suitable candidates earlier for an initial conversation. For interviews, reasonable travel expenses can be reimbursed. We will also consider an online interview process for candidates currently based outside Belgium.

We apply an equal opportunities policy. Please let us know in your application if you require any adaptations to the interview process because of a disability or other circumstances.