Director of Institutional Relations and Communications
7 days ago
Castelldefels
ppICFO is seeking an outstanding and internationally minded leader to serve as bDirector of Institutional Relations and Communications /b. /p pReporting directly to the Executive Leadership, the successful candidate will serve as a close strategic partner to the Director and the Managing Director on matters relating to communications, reputation, institutional positioning and stakeholder engagement. /p pThe Director of Institutional Relations and Communications will support the implementation of the Institute’s priorities through communication, outreach, events and institutional relations activities, while leading, developing and integrating the teams responsible for these functions. The role requires extensive interaction with the Director and Managing Director, research group leaders and external partners, and calls for the judgement, discretion and strategic perspective associated with a senior leadership role. /p pThe successful candidate and their team will contribute to strengthening ICFO’s visibility and reputation, fostering a vibrant scientific culture and a strong sense of community across the Institute and among the broader network of people and organizations connected to ICFO. /p pThis position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the continued development and international presence of one of the world’s leading research institutions. /p h3Main Responsibilities /h3 pExecutive Leadership Support and Strategic Implementation /p ul liServe as a close strategic partner to the Director and Managing Director on matters relating to communications, institutional positioning and stakeholder engagement. /li liSupport the communication and implementation of the Institute’s priorities and long‑term ambitions, translating them into coherent communication, engagement and institutional relations activities. /li liSupport high‑level interactions involving governments, funding agencies, academic institutions, industry, foundations and international organizations. /li liEnsure coherence between ICFO’s mission, culture and external positioning. /li /ul pCommunications, Institutional Relations and Community /p ul liStrengthen ICFO’s visibility, reputation and influence within the international scientific, innovation and policy ecosystem. /li liDevelop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and cultivate long‑term engagement with researchers, students, staff, alumni, partners and supporters. /li liPromote awareness of ICFO’s activities and achievements across internal and external audiences, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose. /li liOversee media relations, science communication and public engagement activities, ensuring that ICFO’s external presence reflects the quality and ambitions of the Institute. /li liExplore opportunities to strengthen philanthropic engagement and expand ICFO’s network of ambassadors and supporters. /li /ul pInstitutional Identity, Culture and Events /p ul liFoster a vibrant scientific culture and contribute to institutional cohesion and engagement across the ICFO community. /li liLead initiatives aimed at strengthening ICFO’s identity, visibility and institutional presence, including the evolution of its external image and communication platforms. /li liPromote a coherent experience across physical spaces, digital platforms and institutional interactions. /li liPromote and support scientific, institutional and outreach events, including seminars, colloquia, workshops, distinguished visits and major ceremonies. /li liAct, when appropriate, as institutional host and moderator for major ceremonies and strategic events involving senior stakeholders and internationally recognized guests. /li /ul pLeadership and Organizational Development /p ul liLead and develop the teams responsible for communications, outreach, events and institutional relations, fostering a collaborative, service‑oriented and high‑performance culture. /li liLead the continued development and integration of the communications, outreach, events and institutional relations functions and, in close collaboration with the Executive Leadership, assess their capabilities and define priorities and a strategic roadmap for the coming years. /li liStrengthen coordination across functions and promote effective collaboration and alignment across activities and teams. /li liFoster talent development and continuous improvement in support of ICFO’s long‑term ambitions. /li /ul h3Candidate Profile /h3 pWe seek an exceptional leader with strategic vision, creativity and strong interpersonal skills, capable of combining institutional thinking with operational execution and of building communities and relationships around a shared mission, while fostering collaboration and enabling others to excel. /p h3Essential Qualifications /h3 ul liUniversity degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, Political Science, International Relations, Humanities, Business Administration or another relevant discipline. A postgraduate qualification is desirable. /li liAt least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, institutional relations, public affairs, stakeholder engagement or related fields. /li liDemonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and complex initiatives, preferably in periods of organizational growth or transformation. /li liDemonstrated experience working closely with senior leadership and supporting strategic decision‑making. /li liExperience within research institutions, universities, international scientific organizations, foundations, innovation ecosystems or similarly knowledge‑intensive environments. /li liExperience leading communication, institutional relations or stakeholder engagement activities, with demonstrated experience in several of the following areas: science communication, media relations, public affairs, branding, alumni engagement, philanthropy or fundraising. /li liProven ability to build and maintain relationships across diverse institutional and external stakeholders. /li liOutstanding written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with scientific, institutional and public audiences. /li liExcellent interpersonal, diplomatic and influencing skills. /li liExcellent command of English (minimum CEFR C1), both written and spoken. /li liKnowledge of Catalan at level C1 or equivalent, or commitment to demonstrate equivalent proficiency through an internal test conducted under the standards of the Consorci per a la Normalització Lingüística (CNL), in accordance with Catalan public‑sector requirements. /li /ul h3Desired Qualifications /h3 ul liInternational experience and multicultural awareness. /li liFamiliarity with the research and innovation ecosystem in Catalonia, Spain and Europe. /li /ul pThe successful candidate will demonstrate: /p ul liStrategic vision and sound judgement. /li liIntegrity, discretion and a strong sense of responsibility. /li liLeadership and team‑building capabilities. /li liCreativity and intellectual curiosity. /li liExcellent communication and relationship‑building skills. /li liInitiative, flexibility and execution capacity. /li liCommitment to excellence and continuous improvement. /li liAbility to inspire trust and foster a sense of community and shared purpose. /li liSensitivity to cultural diversity and appreciation for international environments. /li /ul h3What ICFO Offers /h3 pAt ICFO, we offer a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the world’s leading research institutions and to play a key role in shaping its future development and international presence. /p pThe position provides: /p ul liA highly stimulating and international environment. /li liA senior leadership role with close interaction with the Director and the Managing Director. /li liThe opportunity to contribute to the visibility and impact of frontier science. /li liDirect interaction with world‑leading scientists and strategic partners. /li liSignificant scope for creativity, institutional development and long‑term impact. /li liThe opportunity to lead and develop a highly capable multidisciplinary area with broad institutional reach and impact. /li liCompetitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications. /li liA unique location in Barcelona, one of Europe’s most vibrant scientific, cultural and innovation hubs. /li /ul pICFO is an equal opportunity employer. We hire based solely on merit and potential, regardless of gender, nationality or disability. ICFO fully endorses the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, ensuring a transparent and supportive recruitment process. /p h3Conditions /h3 pThis is a full‑time position. /p pThe contract offered will be a permanent contract (contracte indefinit) linked to the approved Public Employment Offer (Oferta Pública d’Ocupació – OPO) of ICFO and governed by the applicable public‑sector labour framework. /p pA probationary period of 6 months will apply, in accordance with ICFO’s internal labour regulations and the applicable public‑sector labour framework. /p pA salary according to ICFO’s approved salary scales will be offered, commensurate with the level of the position and the candidate’s experience. /p pThe selected candidate will join ICFO under a permanent contract and will benefit from ICFO’s attractive working conditions, including a hybrid work model, flexible working hours, and access to professional development opportunities. /p h3Selection Procedure /h3 pTo apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your experience and contact information for two professional references. /p pThe selection process will follow open, transparent, and merit‑based recruitment (OTM‑R) principles. It will consist of: /p ul liEligibility check of applications. /li liAssessment of merits (education, experience and language). /li liWritten test to assess technical knowledge related to the job position. /li liInterview with shortlisted candidates. /li /ul pThe Evaluation Committee will include at least three members and ensure gender balance and impartiality. /p pEach phase will be documented and candidates will be notified of the outcome within 15 days of the interview. /p pThe application deadline is August 31, 2026. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr
38 Carrer d'Arcadi Balaguer, 08860, Castelldefels
