Senior Communications Advisor / Spokesperson

Who are we?

The RVS is an independent advisory council to the government and parliament. The Council consists of ten independent members, with Jet Bussemaker serving as chair. In preparing its recommendations, the Council is supported by a staff of approximately 30 advisors and support staff. The staff is led by the director/secretary-general.

About the team

The communications team consists of five people and is led by the communications coordinator. The team ensures the impact and effectiveness of all communications from the RVS. As a senior communications advisor/spokesperson, you will work independently but in close collaboration with your colleagues. Within the team, you’ll work alongside two trainees, a political/monitoring advisor, a senior communications advisor/spokesperson, and the coordinator. It’s a small team, characterized by close and pleasant collaboration. You and the other senior communications advisor/spokesperson will divide the advisory work and other tasks between yourselves. With the new 2024–2028 work agenda on the horizon, the communications team aims to expand the reach of the RVS’s recommendations, including enhancing the relevant skills of the staff and council members.

Who are we looking for?

To strengthen our communications team, we are looking for an all-around senior communications advisor/spokesperson with experience and an interest in public relations and media relations, preferably in the public sector. An affinity for online communication is desirable, as a large portion of the RVS’s communications take place online. As a communications advisor/spokesperson, you are a networker with a strong awareness of the broader context: in our work, we engage with social and political developments. Furthermore, strong planning and organizational skills are essential for this role.

What are you going to do?

Your duties and responsibilities are:

• Providing independent advice, coaching, and support in the development of recommendations. This includes, among other things, developing communication strategies. You will do this in collaboration with communications colleagues, advisors, and council members.
• Preparing council members for external (media) appearances.
• Developing and implementing media relations and stakeholder management strategies.
• Identifying advertising opportunities through a proactive (social) media approach.
• Coordinating numerous events (including presentations to government officials and the annual conference with over 200 participants) with appropriate communication and the corresponding allocation of resources.

In addition to duties at the RVS, this position also involves work at the Center for Ethics and Health (CEG). The CEG is a partnership between the RVS and the Health Council of the Netherlands. It identifies and reports on new developments in the fields of ethics, health, and policy. You will be responsible for the CEG’s communication policy, including content management for the website. Following the 2012–2021 evaluation, the CEG has developed a new strategy to increase its visibility. You will play a key role in this effort.

Job Requirements:

• University-level work and thinking skills. Relevant education in the fields of communication, media, politics, and/or public policy.
• At least two years of work experience in a spokesperson role within a political and administrative setting.
• Strategic insight and the ability to tailor communication to different target audiences, taking into account current political and social realities.
• Experience in developing creative online and offline communication concepts that effectively reach diverse target audiences.
• Experience in copywriting and content production.

What do we offer?

• Terms of Employment
• Salary level 12
• Minimum number of hours per week: 32
• Maximum number of hours per week: 36
• Flexible options for working both in the office (The Hague) and from home.

Other Terms and Conditions of Employment

In addition to your salary and vacation pay, you can count on a flexible spending account (16.37% of your gross salary) and time off (vacation hours beyond the statutory minimum and any age-based hours). At RVS, we place great value on flexibility and team interaction. Wednesday is our fixed office day; other days are flexible. In addition to in-office meetings, we organize workshop days approximately four times a year focused on team learning, leadership, and fostering individuality within the organization. There are also opportunities for personal growth and career development. Secondary employment benefits include up to 55% paid parental leave (subject to conditions), educational support, an additional leave scheme for older employees, and a commuting allowance. You can partially customize your benefits package yourself.

Details

• Please submit your resume and cover letter by October 1 via this page.
• For more information about the position, please contact Marlies Hanifer, Communications Coordinator, at mk.hanifer@raadrvs.nl or 06-11797496. For more information about the RVS, please visit www.raadrvs.nl.
• Have you been designated as a mandatory "Work-to-Work" candidate? If so,please include a copyof the designation letter with your application.
• The process consists of a resume screening, two rounds of interviews, and, if necessary, contacting references. We aim to complete the process within six weeks of the application deadline.