Strategic Advisor

About NEWS

NEWS is a new and dynamic center dedicated to strengthening the connection between science and society through improved science communication (see also the Action Plan). We advise and support researchers, policymakers, and communication professionals with strategies, tools, and insights that improve science communication and make it more accessible. NEWS is small in size (approx. 5–7 colleagues) but big in ambition. The organization is currently in the midst of development and is seeking a Strategic Advisor to help build its foundation and maintain its course toward the outside world.

What will you be doing?

As a Strategic Advisor, you will play a crucial role in both NEWS’s internal development and our external positioning. Your responsibilities will include:

• Public Affairs: You will develop strategies to increase NEWS’s discoverability and visibility and strengthen our position among our target audiences. You will work to firmly establish the organization’s position and help build bridges between worlds that do not naturally find common ground.
• Policy Improvement: You will build and maintain relationships with relevant stakeholders in politics, think tanks, and civil society. You will identify opportunities to increase our impact and advance NEWS’s mission.
• Organizational Development: You will help build and structure the internal processes of our new organization. You have experience designing evaluations and take a thorough approach to (improvement) processes. 
• (Science) Communication: You will take on an active role within the team in the area of external communication. You will advise stakeholders on methods for bringing science and society closer together.
• Evaluation and Positioning: You contribute ideas on how to evaluate internal processes and translate these insights into strategic improvements. You are ready to represent NEWS and contribute ideas on external accountability.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Professional network: You are well-connected within political circles, knowledge organizations, and social institutions, and you bring a valuable network with you. You quickly establish new connections and think outside the box.
• Strategic insight: You have experience developing strategies for public affairs, policy advocacy, or organizational development. You don’t shy away from difficult conversations and find satisfaction in skillfully navigating complex dynamics.
• Consulting experience: You are skilled at drafting contracts and providing both strategic and practical advice. Your advice is clear and straightforward, and you do not simply tell people what they want to hear. 
• Communication skills: You are a persuasive communicator and can clearly explain complex issues. 
• Flexibility and initiative: You thrive in a dynamic environment and aren’t afraid to take on responsibility during the development phase of a new center.

What do we offer?

• The opportunity to play a key role in establishing a new national center of expertise with an important social mission.
• A challenging position within a close-knit, knowledgeable, and dedicated team that offers plenty of room for initiative. 
• A full-time position (0.8–1.0 FTE) with a salary in pay scale 13 (Central Government Collective Bargaining Agreement).
• Attractive benefits package, including a comprehensive travel allowance and a pension plan through the ABP.
• Based in Utrecht, a good reason to get out of the house and plenty of opportunities for hybrid work.

Diversity and Inclusion

At NEWS, we believe that science communication only truly works when it is inclusive. That starts with us: who we are, how we work together, and whose voices we include. We value diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, and we actively work to build a culture where everyone feels safe, seen, and valued.

Interested?

NEWS works with the executive search firm Colourful People for its recruitment and selection needs. Does this sound like you? If so, please apply via the application form on the Colourful People website and send your cover letter and resume no later than Friday, April 18.

If you have any questions, please contact Fatima Bouhriani, a partner at Colourful People, at f.bouhriani@colourfulpeople.nl or 06-50500747Please note that the first interviews will take place in person at NEWS in Utrecht on Tuesday, April 29, and the second on Thursday, May 8.