Head of Communications (m/f/d)

The Transparency International Secretariat is looking for an entrepreneurial, creative and opportunity-driven Head of Communications (m/f/d) to lead on TI’s global communications in order to substantially and effectively promote TI’s profile and brand at global level.

The Head of Communications will plan, lead, and oversee the strategic direction of communications and will provide strategic leadership to the Communications Team, ensuring effective, efficient and timely delivery of results that are strategically aligned with the organization and TI’s Global Strategy 2030 – Holding Power to Account. This is an exciting position that plays a fundamental role in TI’s ability to have influence and impact and enable systemic change. The successful candidate will be joining a highly motivated and talented team of communications professionals and will have responsibility for building on current successes to ensure the continued impact of communications in delivering our strategic priorities, including in the online space and in support of our 100+ national chapters.

Based in the Communications Team and reporting to the CEO, the Head of Communications will:

• Lead, develop and implement TI’s communications strategy and effectively promote TI’s profile and brand at global level
• Lead and oversee TI’s outreach online and digital engagement with the public; drive the design of TI’s online presence and media/advocacy activities to ensure that they clearly and accurately promote and disseminate the organisation’s global and regional/programmatic work within the framework of the TI Strategy 2030
• Work in partnership with the Head of Fundraising to develop and deliver a fundraising communications and marketing strategy that is fully integrated with the fundraising strategy and with the broader organisational objectives to help raise awareness with key audiences, increase engagement, recruit supporters, increase donations and communicate impact
• Drive expert use of a variety of communications technologies, including online communications, information technology, social media, website architecture and administration, web programming, and graphic design to maximise communication, engagement and income generation opportunities
• Manage and produce editorial content and lead TI editorial production by reviewing major TI publications and providing strategic guidance for launches of publications
• Develop and lead compelling, integrated communications campaigns to support TI projects and influencing and engagement aims
• Identify opportunities to convey TI’s brand and messages to new and existing audiences
• Act as TIs “brand champion” and protect the TI brand from reputational risks associated with the tone, messaging, design standards and overall quality of print and online publications and communications
• Oversee TI’s media strategy and ensure effective, strategic engagement with media outlets globally
• Lead crisis communications to ensure the safety of colleagues in the TI movement in at-risk situations and to counter the effects of disinformation campaigns and “fake news”
• In cooperation with other TI-S relevant teams, assist National Chapters in effectively managing their strategic communications and responses to crisis situations
• Strengthen internal communications creating a sharing culture enabling a better flow of information and stories within the movement
• Use data and analytics to constantly improve the performance of TI’s online communications across all platforms
• Provide effective leadership to the Communications team
• Develop high-level work plans, set goals, set work priorities, and manage the performance of direct reports against plans and objectives

In order to succeed in this role, candidates will need to meet the following:

• University degree in communications, marketing, journalism, political science, international affairs and/or other relevant fields
• 10+ years of professional experience in communications, with particular experience in media engagement, public relations, marketing, online platforms and content strategy in an international or media organisation, and of which at least 5 years at a senior level
• Understanding of current best practices in online communications, and demonstrated experience in integrating communication and marketing strategies with advocacy planning
• Combination of strategic thinking and hands-on approach to get results under deadline and within budgets
• Political awareness and ability to handle sensitive issues with diplomacy in many different cultural settings
• Experience managing crisis communications and responding rapidly to opportunities and threats in the news cycle and within/to a global movement or equivalent
• Excellent communications skills in English (to native speaker standard) required; additional languages, in particular French and/or Spanish, an asset; excellent writing and editing skills essential
• Strong organisational skills and ability to effectively manage priorities in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, with extensive leadership skills
• Knowledge of and considerable interest in corruption, governance and development issues and international affairs; commitment to Transparency International’s values

Joining the Transparency International Secretariat candidates can expect:

• the opportunity to become part of the global movement against corruption and make a positive contribution to the work of TI in the field of transparency and accountability working on a wide range of relevant and challenging issues
• a role with purpose, working in a team of engaged and enthusiastic experts in the field of anti-corruption, driven and united by the desire to fight corruption and achieve significant and large-scale replicable impact
• a dynamic, flexible and international working environment with peers representing 45+ different nationalities
• a high degree of collaboration and autonomy in a lean and agile organisation with streamlined decision-making processes and a shared leadership culture with servant leadership philosophy
• opportunities to learn and grow, including regular Show & Tell meetings and visits by external experts

Staff at TI-S enjoy a competitive compensation & benefits package designed for staff well-being and work life balance, incl.:

• a relocation package incl. sponsorship of work permit if needed and eligible
• financial contribution to German language classes
• generous time off with 30 days of annual leave per year and flexible working times around core hours
• Remote-hybrid working model from within Germany
• the possibility of Work from Abroad for periods of time (currently for up to 10 working days at a time for a maximum of 20 working days per calendar year)
• Friday afternoons alternately free or meeting-free during the summer months
• Restaurant Checks with plenty of options nearby the office for reduced prices for meals
• reduced membership fees with Urban Sports Club
• Mental wellbeing and counselling support by OpenUp
• a centrally located office in a vibrant metropolitan city with excellent public transportation connectivity at the river Spree