Media Relations Manager , European Chemical Industry Council

CEFIC - European Chemical Industry Council

Brussels, Belgium

Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council, is the forum and voice of the chemical industry in Europe. Representing some of the world’s largest multinational brands, it aims to maintain and develop a prosperous chemical industry in Europe by promoting the best possible economic, social and environmental conditions to bring benefits to society.

The chemical industry is a pillar of the European economy: a 527 billion Euro industry showing a 49 billion Euro trade surplus, providing over 1 million direct jobs and nearly 2.5 million indirect jobs in Europe. Yet, chemistry is all but invisible to most consumers, who don’t associate it with the everyday technology and healthcare on which they depend. Our industry’s products are essential to 95% of everything manufactured: hygiene, health, mobility, construction, computers and electronics all rely on the chemical industry. Our sector is also critical to meeting future needs, such as developing renewable energy sources or managing scare resources.

Cefic is looking for an energetic (M/F) Media Relations Manager to join its recently created Public Affairs Department, which develops and deploys integrated advocacy and communications strategies for representing the interests and views of the European Chemical Industry vis-à-vis the European institutions.

The position is based in Brussels (Auderghem).

Key responsibilities

Within the Public Affairs team, your role will be to:

• Cultivate and maintain strong media relationships;
• Help develop and roll out of Cefic external communications strategy with a strong focus on digital communications;
• Orchestrate face-to-face press activity, including interviews, press conferences and briefings;
• Engage in face-to-face meetings with commentators and other opinion-formers;
• Develop concepts choosing the appropriate media and style to reach the targeted audience and the set objectives;
• Develop clear, simple and concise messages;
• Ensure consistency of industry’s messaging throughout all communications channels;
• Devise specific communications materials based on the understanding of journalists’ interests;
• As a Community Manager, assist the Public Affairs Department by developing Cefic presence on social media;
• Bring e-communications to the next level by creating qualitative online newsletters and e-news with a high visual impact.

Desired profile

The successful candidate will be or will have:

• An experienced communicator with a proven reputation for understanding complex issues and explaining them;
• An energetic and enthusiastic personality with the drive to build constructive and stimulating relationships;
• A strong team-player making things happen in an international environment;
• A seeker of innovative communication practices;
• Well-versed in crisis communications;
• An existing network of accredited journalists to the EU in Brussels;
• A solid knowledge of the EU institutions’ decision-making processes and working methods;
• Someone who thrives in coordinating and liaising with numerous stakeholders to challenge industry’s positions;
• Able to work to tight deadlines and have the organisational skills to manage several projects at once.

Education

Higher degree in communications, journalism or political sciences.

Languages

An excellent command of spoken and written English is essential with fluency in at least one additional foreign language if English is your mother tongue.

Experience

3+ years of relevant experience.

Interested?

Please send your application with full curriculum vitae before 30^th September 2015 to: 

Cefic, Gert Roelandt, Human Resources Manager, Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, B-1160 Brussels. E-mail:gro@cefic.be.