Vacancy: Head of Communications and Public Affairs

EBF (the European Banking Federation) works at the heart of the European banking sector. Our daily activities are determined by the dynamics between European integration, finance, public policy and financial regulation. It is our job to bring together 33 national banking associations in Europe and represent some 3,500 banks – large and small, wholesale and retail, local and international.

We create a platform for representation and for a constructive exchange of ideas and expertise between banks, regulators, supervisors and other entities that drive the innovation and sustainability of the banking sector. As a team, we tend to aim higher and work, deliver and learn together in an informal, impact-driven manner.

The position

The European Banking Federation seeks to recruit, for a full-time position based in Brussels, a Head of Communications and Public Affairs to lead the Communications and Public Affairs team developing and delivering a proactive and innovative communication and public affairs strategy.

This is a rewarding and demanding role.  You will line manage the EBF Communications and Public Affairs team and deliver a variety of high quality and professional communications products and services, including advocacy campaigns and marketing projects across appropriate communications channels; forge strong and effective relationships with senior stakeholders both at EBF, EU institutions, the media and more widely and act as a EBF media spokesperson.

Detailed responsibilities

• Design and oversee a coherent EBF’s communication strategy plan and implementation across various workstreams, including media relations, public affairs, content creation and digital communication;
• Work collaboratively with the senior leadership team providing strategic communication and public affairs advice to the departments, supporting the management team and ensuring the departments feel empowered to deliver effective advocacy in alignment with the organisational strategy;
• Stay up-to-date on policy topics, aligned with EBF’s priorities and develop a strong understanding of our audiences;
• Actively build and maintain media relations in close cooperation with EBF advisors and senior staff;
• Actively build and implement an effective social media presence;
• Build and maintain good working relations with colleagues, senior management, and other stakeholders to support communication and public affairs outcomes;
• Guide and support team members from other functions in creating effective communication tools and products;
• Draft written materials, including press releases, blog posts, articles, speeches as well as copy for social media posts;
• Oversee the design, drafting and production of printed and digital publications;
• Support the organisation of in-person, online and hybrid events, lead the concept and programme development of EBF’s annual flagship events;
• Create opportunities for convening others e.g., forums, interesting partnerships and working with others to amplify our messages and positions;
• Gather and implement best practices to ensure constant innovation and relevance of the communication mix;
• Be responsible for developing and reporting against team metrics, ensuring the department achieves impact and desired outcomes and this is communicated effectively internally;
• Manage the team budget in coordination with the finance team, working with colleagues in fundraising team to explore opportunities for restricted funding where relevant;
• Share political analysis and recommendations internally to senior leadership and where relevant with Trustees;
• Coordinate communications team activities and provide guidance to junior team members.

Successful candidates fit the following profile

• Minimum 3 years of experience in a similar role in the private sector (preferably at a bank or another financial institution), at a European institution, or in financial journalism;
• University degree in a relevant field (communications, public affairs and/or marketing, journalism or political science);
• Superb and proven verbal presentation and writing skills in the English language;
• Fluency in at least one other European language;
• Proven strategic communication, multimedia and web management skills;
• Established leadership and project management skills;
• Good understanding of the EU decision making process;
• Effective interpersonal and team working skills;
• Excellent influencing skills and natural authority in own field of expertise;
• Ability to blend the different views and inputs provided by EBF members to draft joint communication statements;
• Expert at combining strategic and technical aspects in communication, whilst keeping it simple and accessible;
• Hands-on mentality to assume responsibilities on a variety of activities and projects;
• Be a flexible, communication team-player – willing to lean into and support on communication issues as required;
• Thrives under pressure and knows how to set priorities and maintain deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Start date

September 2023

How to apply

Please send your application with curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation clarifying why you are interested in this position, to EBF Recruitment at email address: recruitment@ebf.eu

Deadline: 21 July 2023

Disclaimer: Please note that, due to high interest in positions at the EBF, we may not be able to respond to every application. If you have not heard from us before 31 August  2023, you may assume that we will not move your application forward. We really appreciate your interest in working with us and wish you best of luck in your search. Thank you for your understanding.