Communications Manager Transport & Environment

Brussels, Belgium

Transport & Environment is the leading NGO voice on smarter and greener transport policies at the EU level in Brussels. Our advocacy work has contributed to a number of high profile policy changes including Europe’s first legally binding CO2 targets for new cars, the inclusion of aviation in the EU-ETS and smarter EU rules on road charging for lorries. T&E has also led calls for EU action to deal with the negative impacts of current biofuels targets and for a move away from high carbon oil.

We are looking for a Communications Manager to join our team in Brussels. This role is for an experienced media professional to help T&E achieve its advocacy and campaign objectives through media engagement. The successful candidate will be an energetic and enthusiastic team player with extensive experience of working within a communications and media environment. Some knowledge of EU and/or transport and environment issues would be a plus.

Principal duties and responsibilities:

• Taking the lead on T&E’s relations with EU-specific media outlets, newswires and Brussels-based correspondents from national media in other key countries including France, Germany and the UK - developing relationships with key journalists;
• Monitoring the media in Brussels, identifying trends and opportunities for T&E;
• Researching and pitching stories and interviews to print, broadcast and online media;
• Drafting and selling press releases; drafting and editing articles for publication, op.eds., letters to the editor etc.
• Managing development, editing, design and publication of key T&E reports;
• Managing web and social media content;
• Managing requests for media interviews;
• Managing the work of a small team (currently two part-time communications assistants);
• Working with communications teams in our member organisations to ensure a coordinated approach to EU issues in key countries.

Skills and competences required:

• Proven track record in delivering effective media outreach;
• Demonstrable creativity and a flair for identifying interesting and newsworthy stories and successfully pitching them to a range of media outlets;
• Well organised and able to deal confidently with media inquiries;
• A thorough understanding of the Brussels media market, as well as the requirements of different kinds of media i.e. print, newswire, TV, radio, and web. Social media experience is a plus;
• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills including the ability to synthesise complicated policy issues into digestible products;
• Excellent time management, forward planning, and prioritisation skills, with the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines;
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and strong interpersonal skills;
• Ability to exercise good judgment in managing risks;
• A commitment to T&E’s policy aims and a clear understanding of the links between policy, lobbying, campaigning and media work;
• Native-level or bilingual English is essential. French or German also strongly desirable. Other European languages are a plus.

To apply:

Please note that this position is for an experienced candidate.

If you are a recent graduate or do not have most of the skills and proven experience detailed above or if you are not a native / bi-lingual speaker of English, then this job is not for you.

Applications should be sent by email to vacancy@transportenvironment.org with a CV and a cover letter. The letter should explain your motivation and commitment to work towards Transport & Environment’s aims and also highlight examples from your previous work that show us that you have the skills and competencies outlined above.

You may also include examples of published articles but please include any such files in a single pdf file or Word document.

Please ensure the job title is shown in the subject line.

Deadline: 9.00am CET, Monday 18th June 2012.

We thank all candidates for their interest, however we are only able to contact those who have been shortlisted.

Only applicants with the existing right to work within the EU will be considered.