External Communications Officer

ESSE - European Spallation Source ERIC; Lunds kommun; On-site; SEK 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research infrastructure organization in Lund, Sweden, is seeking a Communications and External Relations Manager to lead outreach initiatives and media relations. The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree in communications, 5+ years of experience, and be fluent in Swedish and English. This full-time, permanent position offers a collaborative work environment and competitive salary.

Benefits

Market competitive compensation

Monthly pension contributions

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in communications or media relations.
• Professional fluency in Swedish and English.
• Experience with media in the Swedish context.

Responsibilities

• Lead external communications and media relations for ESS.
• Develop and manage relationships with key stakeholders.
• Produce content for external communication projects.
• Monitor and analyze external perceptions of ESS.

Skills

External communications relations

Public relations

Media relations

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master's degree in communications or related field

Job description

Overview

Reference number ESD-46900

The European Spallation Source (ESS) is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. Our goal is to become the brightest source of neutrons for science and technology and be operational by the end of this decade. A state-of-the-art suite of neutron scattering instruments will be made available to address a wide range of scientific fields in fundamental and materials science. Powered by the world’s most advanced linear proton accelerator, ESS will enable cutting-edge research in materials science, energy, health, and the environment for decades to come.

Join us in shaping the future of science - from the ground up.

About the role

As a major research infrastructure project within the European Union, ESS enjoys very strong interest from the scientific community, the public, media, industry and other research facilities. You will lead ESS’ participation in communicating with these and other audiences, working in collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders to ensure the success of communications projects and initiatives as per ESS Communications and Engagement Strategies and plans.

Reporting directly to the Head of Communications and Engagement, you will collaborate closely with colleagues in the team as well as other relevant stakeholders.

Day-to-day

Day-to-day, you will:

• Strategically establish, develop, and nurture relevant external communications relations locally, regionally, and internationally to address ESS’ external communication needs, in line with the ESS Communication and Engagement Strategy.
• Curate and nurture relations with key external stakeholders, including managing enquiries from other research organisations, In-Kind partners, suppliers, the public, and - in particular – media.
• Provide strategic input into ESS messaging and secure consistency across all channels and activities.
• Monitor and analyse perceptions of ESS in external environments, translating these into insights that will inform strategic plans and priorities.
• Lead on all media relations locally, nationally and internationally, to ensure alignment with ESS communication and engagement priorities.
• Act as the point of contact for the execution of external communication projects and initiatives.
• Produce content for a variety of external communication projects and initiatives across a variety of channels and formats.
• Identify and manage suppliers of tools and technical infrastructure that track the progress of external communications, e.g. media coverage and references from other stakeholders.
• Participate in the development and maintenance of the ESS Crisis Communications plan, which will include training colleagues as well as participating in both internal and external crisis planning exercises and establishing a network with the relevant regional and national authorities.

This is a full-time, permanent position based at the ESS Campus in Lund, Sweden.

About you

First and foremost, we need a team-player who is suitably qualified and experienced in the field of Communications and External Relations. You therefore need to have a Master’s degree in communications science, public relations, journalism, media, marketing or communication studies as well as at least 5 years prior experience of communications or media relations, including at national, international and strategic levels. You must have significant, prior experience in external and media relations in Sweden - preferably within an international organisation - as well as a demonstrated network of professional contacts within the Swedish media landscape. A good understanding of media related to science, technology, innovation, and sustainability is essential.

For this role, we need someone who is professionally fluent in written and spoken Swedish and English, and who has excellent writing skills for public relations and media purposes. You should have the capability to build and maintain strong relationships and networks with key stakeholders both internally and externally. The ability to independently plan and structure your work while effectively collaborating as a member of the Communications and Engagement Team is crucial. Sharing competence and creating learning opportunities for yourself, the team and the organisation should be a natural part of your work ethic.

As an individual, you value diversity in every form and thrive in an international environment. You should enjoy navigating both the academic and corporate worlds, identifying opportunities for effective and efficient communications. Believing in team delivery, you celebrate successes and embrace learnings together with your colleagues.

To apply

A career at ESS gives you the opportunity to contribute to the future discoveries within neutron science at a stunning, brand-new workplace filled with innovative minds and brilliant people from across the globe. We offer market competitive, individualised compensation which is differentiated according to role, responsibilities, individual skills, abilities and achievements as well as monthly pension contributions on top of your salary.

If you see yourself in what we’re looking for, please provide your CV and motivation letter in English by following the instructions on the ESS website and quoting the job reference number ESD-46900 in your application. We can only accept direct applications via the ESS website.

This role requires additional background screening processes and health and safety checks, which will be performed during the recruitment process.

For further information regarding the position, please contact Talent Acquisition Specialist Daniel Nordin Baker at [e-mail].

For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Mikael Johansson at [e-mail] or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at [e-mail].