Press & Information Officer (Communications)

Press & Information Officer (Communications)

The European Union Delegation to the United States

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Washington, DC 20037

Job details

Salary

$93,000 - $98,000 a year

Full Job Description

The European Union Delegation to the United States of America, Washington DC is looking for:

Press and Information Officer (Communications) in the Press and Public Diplomacy Section

We are

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political partnership between 27 European countries. It plays an important role in international affairs through diplomacy, trade, development aid and working with global organisations. Abroad, the EU is represented through more than 140 diplomatic representations, known also as EU Delegations, which have a similar function to those of an embassy.

The EU Delegation to the United States of America in Washington DC works in close coordination with the Embassies and Consulates of the 27 EU Member States. We are a full-fledged diplomatic mission and represent the European Union in dealings with the U.S. government in areas that are part of the EU’s remit.

We offer

We offer the post of Press and Information Officer (Communications), Local Agent Group I, in the Delegation's Press and Public Diplomacy Section. The team consists of 18 people and there are occasional atypical working hours.

As a key member of the Press and Public Diplomacy Section, the Press and Information Officer (Communications) develops, implements and oversees the EU Delegation’s communications strategy. The successful candidate will be under the supervision and responsibility of the Head of the Press and Public Diplomacy Section and will be assigned the following main tasks and duties:

Project and event management:

Prepare, implement and oversee multiannual, annual, campaign and event-based communications and outreach plans and contracts, with a particular focus on policy communications.

Develop and implement outreach events such as policy discussions (defense, climate, trade, digital economy, death penalty etc.), high-level speaking engagements, conferences, and digital campaigns. Oversee the organization of large-scale conferences such as the EU Defense Washington Forum.

Strategic communications:

In close cooperation with the digital communications officer, serve as managing editor for all Delegation communications vehicles, including digital platforms and print publications.

Create social media content and news stories, primarily in relation to policy events and developments.

Assist with social media monitoring and analysis. Keep up-to-speed with the latest strategic communications trends and techniques.

Draft key messages and communications strategies in relation to major priorities, news developments, and campaigns.

Serve as a focal point for strategic communications and issues related to countering disinformation, and assist the EEAS Strategic Communications and Information Analysis divisions in that field.

Monitor key events and news developments in Europe and the United States impacting the Delegation’s work, and prepare weekly digital communications calendars and outlooks for colleagues and Member States’ embassy and consular networks. Keep track of all EU speaking engagements in the US to maximize exposure and assist when needed.

Public outreach:

Maintain close relations with think tanks and academic organizations all across the US, and oversee university-level engagement programs, in close cooperation with the cultural affairs officer.

Deliver briefings to diverse groups of US citizens. Update general EU-US presentations for other staff members.

Serve as a speechwriter for the Ambassador and other high-level EU officials; draft articles, statements, and briefings.

Assist with alumni relations, including through the organization of regular gatherings (in-person or virtual).

Planning and Reporting:

Draft the Delegation’s annual report and forward-looking press and public diplomacy plan.

Update the Delegation’s public diplomacy strategy.

Oversee the compilation and submission of the section’s monthly activity reports.

We offer an attractive position in a stimulating and supportive work environment; the opportunity to be involved in promoting EU priorities in the U.S.; being part of a multicultural team of highly skilled experts; working in close coordination with colleagues across the Delegation. The salary range is dependent on relevant and verified employment experience, typical ranges escalating from $93K (4 years' experience), $98K (8 years' experience) etc. and with excellent vacation, health and social insurances and retirement fund benefits.

We look for:

Minimum of University degree or equivalent in political or communications related studies;

Minimum of 4 years' full time work experience, post graduate, in any of the following fields: strategic communications, public diplomacy, policy related event management, or similar;

Excellent knowledge of transatlantic relations and EU policies;

Excellent knowledge on communicating policies to various US audiences;

Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to structure and deliver information in a clear manner;

Excellent communication skills; including clear manner of presenting information, chairing meetings, drafting and writing, public speaking;

Excellent team work skills;

Excellent prioritizing and organization skills, with the capacity to deliver results in a structured way, excellent planning and coordination capacity, ensuring successful planning and execution on several major projects simultaneously;

Excellent digital communications skills, experience with virtual events an advantage;

Fluency in English obligatory, working knowledge of other European languages an advantage;

Experience from working in an EU Member State embassy, an EU Delegation, other diplomatic mission or a think tank events team an advantage.

How to apply

It is important to note that the EU Delegation does not provide visas for Local Agents. Applicants must have an existing US work authorization that does not require EU sponsorship.

Please submit your application including a cover letter and resume via the Indeed.com website (Reference EUWAS 7/20) no later than COB 21 December 2020 (EST). Only applications received via Indeed.com will be considered.

The resume must also include the names and contact details of at least two referees who can attest to your professional and personal attributes in the event you are shortlisted for the post. References will only be taken up for those who are shortlisted. The successful candidate will be subject to a background check.

After the deadline for applications, the applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee set up for this purpose. The Selection Committee will prepare a short-list of candidates who are considered to be the most suitable for the post on the basis of a preliminary assessment of the information provided in their cover letter and resume. The short-listed candidates will be invited to an assessment phase which will include an interview and practical test. During this phase, the Selection Committee will assess the suitability of the candidates for the post. Those candidates who have not been short-listed will not be contacted individually; however, the Delegation will use the same means of publication as for this job advertisement to inform the remaining candidates once the recruitment procedure has been completed and that a candidate has (or has not) been recruited. The Delegation will not supply additional information or discuss the selection procedure.

During the selection process, please do not contact the members of the selection committee directly, but address your questions and comments to the Delegation’s administration.

Application Deadline: 21/12/2020

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $93,000.00 - $98,000.00 per year