External Relations and Communications Advisor

Do you see opportunities to strengthen the connection between public broadcasting and society through proactive communication? Then you’re the External Relations & Spokesperson we’re looking for!

As a provider of high-quality and diverse media content, the Dutch Public Broadcasting Service (NPO) plays an important role in the daily lives of millions of Dutch people. Together with its member broadcasters, the NPO has developed a new strategy to give their shared ambitions an extra boost in the coming years. Social relevance and meaningful impact are key concepts in this strategy. An open, fruitful connection with society is crucial to this. To strengthen that connection, the NPO is seeking an External Relations & Spokesperson Advisor. This is a new position that you can help shape yourself.

Who We're Looking For

As External Relations & Communications Advisor, you will be responsible for establishing the strategic framework and developing a solid plan for stakeholder engagement, as well as overseeing its implementation. In addition, you are the one who oversees and understands the complex environment in which the NPO operates, and you know how to best represent the NPO’s interests in interactions with the media and other external stakeholders. You work closely with the Board of Directors, management, and other internal teams to help realize the public broadcaster’s joint strategy and objectives on behalf of the NPO. In your role, you will be responsible for general organizational and media policy, which falls directly under the Board of Directors. You will serve as the primary point of contact for the media and will advise and support the members of the Board of Directors in their external (media) communications. You will work closely with your colleagues on the Corporate Communications team, including the spokespersons assigned to the NPO’s various content channels.

Here's what you'll be doing with us

• You will develop and implement a strategic communications policy in the area of stakeholder management (including media).
• You proactively monitor developments, trends, and issues that could affect the NPO and its reputation, and formulate appropriate recommendations and communication messages accordingly.
• You will advise the board, executive board, and management on communication regarding strategic issues and the management of potential reputational risks.
• You will write press releases, talking points, Q&As, speeches, and other texts for or on behalf of the Board of Directors (including blogs and forewords).
• You will support communication activities and campaigns aimed at implementing the public broadcaster’s overall strategy.

You'll recognize yourself in this

• You must have at least a relevant associate's or bachelor's degree.
• You have extensive experience (at least 8 years) in a similar role, preferably in the media or public sector.
• You are someone who can both devise the strategy and carry out the plan.
• You have excellent communication skills, including strong writing skills, and are able to build and maintain strong relationships and networks, both internally and externally.
• You have strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex information into clear and compelling messages.
• You are a strategic thinker who can adapt quickly in a dynamic environment and convey your vision and recommendations with conviction.
• You have a knack for spotting newsworthy stories and know how to turn them into creative, impactful communication messages and press opportunities. A short speech or a snappy news article comes easily to you.
• You have a strong affinity for media (radio, TV, online) and feel right at home in a constantly evolving environment.
• You are a positive team player who values collaboration within a close-knit team. You are confident, driven, results-oriented, flexible, and a hard worker.
• With your experience and analytical skills, you are a strong partner for the NPO’s senior management and project confidence and stability.

Terms of Employment

• Everyone with different needs or work styles is welcome;
• At the NPO, we have a hybrid work model and offer flexible working hours;
• You will receive a fixed year-end bonus equal to 6% of your annual salary;
• You will receive 200 vacation hours (based on a 36-hour workweek);
• We have an NPO Academy that supports your professional development, but you can also take part in other courses and training programs.

The position of Communications and External Relations Advisor is a permanent, full-time role (36 hours per week). You will be offered a one-year contract, and the salary ranges from €4,007 to €6,485 gross per month based on a 36-hour workweek. We determine the salary based on education, experience, and equal pay for all genders.

Interested?

If you would like to learn more about the role of spokesperson, please contact Michiel Hendrikx, Manager of Corporate Communications at 06 31 74 92 27. You can also send a message or call Jolanda Janssen, recruiter, at 06 23 63 71 31. If you have no questions and are enthusiastic, send an email to recruitment@npo.nl (attn: Michiel Hendrikx).

When will you receive a response?

You can apply until Sunday, September 10, 2023.

September 12, 2023: Job Application Feedback

September 13, 2023: First job interviews (afternoon)

September 14, 2023: Feedback on the first job interviews

September 19, 2023: Second job interviews (afternoon)

September 20, 2023: Feedback on the second round of interviews

September 21, 2023: Offer of employment terms (by phone and email)

Open to everyone

The NPO has a public mission: to serve the interests of every individual and society as a whole. The needs of our audience—with all its diverse backgrounds and perspectives—are our guiding principle. We want this to be reflected in our organization’s workforce. We believe in an inclusive organization that harnesses the power of diversity to achieve even better results. Because it is precisely because we differ from one another that we can arrive at new insights and better solutions. And that is exactly what we, as the NPO, are looking for. We are curious to learn who you are and what qualities and experience you bring to the table. Our job openings are therefore open to everyone.