Principal Specialist, External Communications

Randstad Enterprise; Diemen; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad is seeking a Principal Specialist, External Communications to elevate our global reputation, drive high-impact thought leadership campaigns, and champion proactive media relations.

This hybrid role in Diemen, NL, requires 2–5 years of experience in external communications. You will lead media pitching, develop flagship reports, and craft compelling content across press releases, op-eds, and social copy, while integrating AI tools to enhance efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, PR, or Business or equivalent.
• 2–5 years of external comms or media relations with proven media placements.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with key journalists and manage media inquiries.
• Draft reactive statements and support issues management during crises.
• Co-create flagship research reports and white papers aligning with priorities.
• Write press releases, opinion pieces, and social copy to tell Randstad’s narrative.
• Collaborate on equity@work initiatives highlighting equity and inclusion.
• Track press coverage and measure campaign reach and share of voice.

Skills

Copywriting

Business Acumen

Report Development

Resilience

Problem Solving

Collaborative Spirit

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or Business

Job description

Principal Specialist, External Communications

Summary: Randstad is seeking a Principal Specialist, External Communications to elevate our global reputation, drive high-impact thought leadership campaigns, and champion proactive media relations and measure our impact.

• Location: Diemen. NL (Hybrid)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: junior to mid level (2–5 years of experience)
• Department: Corporate Affairs / External Communications

What is the Core Focus of This Role?

This is a media relations, thought leadership, and reputation management position focused on building and protecting our reputation. You will pitch stories, find the media angle in market intelligence, co-create thought leadership reports, track performance metrics, and leverage AI tools to maximize our impact.

What You Will Achieve

1. Reputation & Media Relations

• Build and maintain direct relationships with key journalists, manage incoming press inquiries, and organize targeted media pitching.
• Protect brand reputation by drafting reactive statements and supporting issues management during sensitive or urgent situations.

2. Thought Leadership & Content Strategy

• Co-create, package, and launch flagship research reports and white papers that align with business priorities.
• Write high-impact press releases, opinion pieces, report summaries, and social copy that bring to life Randstad’s narrative.
• Collaborate on equity@work initiatives to highlight real-world impacts on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

3. Measurement, Analytics & AI Integration

• Use AI tools to research, outline, and streamline content creation workflows efficiently.
• Track press coverage, evaluate campaign reach, monitor share of voice, and translate data into business-focused recommendations.

What Do You Need to Succeed?

Experience & Education

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Business) or equivalent practical experience.
• Track Record: 2–5 years of experience in external communications, media relations, or PR agency roles. Proven hands-on experience placing stories with media, drafting press releases, and creating thought leadership campaigns.

Key Capabilities & Competencies

• Copywriting & Business Acumen: Exceptional written English skills with a strong understanding of corporate strategy, market dynamics, and business growth.
• Report Development: Ability to distill complex research data into clean, publish-ready thought leadership materials that catch media interest.
• Resilience & Problem Solving: Thrives in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines, maintaining composure and a practical "can-do" mindset.
• Collaborative Spirit: Comfortable partnering cross-functionally with Legal, Marketing, Public Affairs, Business Unit Leaders, and external PR agencies.
• Bonus Skill: Hands-on experience or interest in visual asset creation (social graphics, short videos, infographics).

Why Join Randstad?

When you join Randstad, you join the world’s most equitable and specialized talent company. We provide a fast-paced environment that prioritizes your growth through mentorship, skill-building, and career advancement.

• Competitive Compensation: Base salary plus performance-based variable pay.
• Equity & Ownership: Option to participate in Randstad’s employee Share Purchase Plan.
• Flexibility with Intentionality: A work environment promoting balance across CET time zones.
• Inclusive Culture: A culture guided by our leadership pillars: We Set Direction, We Achieve, We Care, and Lead by Example.