Strategic Communications Advisor

As a strategic communications advisor, you will lay the foundation for the Memorial Committee’s visibility and public image by developing and implementing its communications strategy. From day one, you will help build the Committee and its identity, message, and significance from our office in The Hague. Through communication, you will seek to foster connections within society. In this way, you will contribute to the recognition and commemoration of this important part of our shared history.

Here's what you'll be doing as a strategic communications advisor

In the role of strategic communications advisor, you will help build a memorial committee from the organization’s inception, one that plays an important social role throughout the kingdom. It is up to you to develop the communication strategy. You will also oversee its implementation, guide colleagues in this process, and provide the Committee with both solicited and unsolicited advice. You will also frequently interact with journalists and the media to raise the profile of the Memorial Committee and its activities within the broader public. Additionally, you will be responsible for:

• developing a vision for how the Committee designs campaigns that contribute to education, historical reflection, and engagement among diverse target groups, including communities, schools, and government agencies;
  
• coordinating the content of press releases, social media, newsletters, the website, and events;
  
• building relationships with various civil society organizations, government agencies, cultural institutions, and media outlets to build support and strengthen partnerships;
  
• developing a communication strategy for national and local commemorative events and other activities, in consultation with NiNsee, which has organized the national commemoration of the history of slavery over the past decades and will continue to do so for the next three years;
  
• supporting internal communication within the Committee.
  

Commemoration Committee on the History of Slavery

“We share not only the past, but also the future. So today we are putting a comma, not a period.” These words are part of the speech in which the Dutch government, on December 19, 2022, offers an apology for the Netherlands’ role in the history of slavery. An important part of that “comma” is the establishment of the Committee for the Commemoration of the History of Slavery. The Committee ensures dignified commemorations of the history of slavery throughout the Kingdom of the Netherlands. At its inception, the Committee consists of seven members and reflects the diverse communities within the Kingdom. In consultation with descendants and experts, the Committee has been entrusted with various tasks. These include organizing the National Commemoration on July 1 and raising public awareness about the history of slavery and its impact on the present.

Work Organization

The Memorial Committee is supported by a working group of approximately 10 staff members, with offices on both sides of the ocean. The working organization is currently being established. In addition to the position of strategic communications advisor, there are also roles in areas such as policy issues and organizational support. Several staff members will be involved in communications matters, but you will set the direction in consultation with the chair and the other members of the Committee, as well as the coordinator/director of the working organization. The latter is your direct supervisor. Despite the geographical distance from some of your colleagues, you will all form a close-knit team. Because the operational organization is still being established, we will initially use temporary contracts as much as possible, preferably through secondments. A number of these temporary contracts may be converted to permanent contracts if performance is satisfactory.

You'll recognize yourself in this

You have knowledge of and an affinity for the history of slavery, diversity, equity, inclusion, and possibly other social issues. You can demonstrate sensitivity in dialogue with descendants and other stakeholders, with an eye for the diversity of needs and viewpoints surrounding this issue. You find it challenging to develop a new strategy rather than simply implementing something that already exists. This also applies to working at the intersection of communication and organization, where you bring cultural, political, and organizational sensitivity to the table. You have a clear understanding of which parties and communities to involve and when, as well as the appropriate tone to use. You are proactive and think from various perspectives. You do this to achieve the Committee’s goals. Furthermore, your intercultural communication skills are well-developed, and you are aware of the sensitivities surrounding the history of slavery. Additionally, you have:

• a university-level education and way of thinking, preferably demonstrated by a degree in communication (studies) or a related field
  
• At least 5 years of work experience as a communications advisor, with experience in positioning issues, high-level communications consulting, and project management
  
• Experience in developing and implementing communication campaigns, preferably within the heritage sector or for historical and social projects
  
• Do you have a relevant network, or are you able to build one quickly?
  
• knowledge of the latest developments in the field of communications
  
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in Dutch and English (knowledge of other languages, particularly Papiamentu and Papiamento, is a plus)
  

We value diversity. Different perspectives, backgrounds, and insights enhance our intellectual capacity and creativity, enabling us to better meet the needs of society. It doesn’t matter where you were born, what you believe in, how old you are, or who you love. Above all, we’re curious about you.

Astrid Elburg, Chair of the Committee for Commemorating the History of Slavery

“You will develop a communication strategy that reflects our core values. You’ll help us tell stories that shed light on the history of slavery and its impact on contemporary societies within the Kingdom. Together, we’ll ensure that the Committee’s mission and vision are widely supported throughout society. You’ll contribute to an inspiring work environment with dedicated professionals, where there’s plenty of room for your creativity, initiative, and professional and personal growth.”

Caring for one another

The history of slavery is not an easy topic to address. As a team, we realize that we are dealing with a painful and difficult history, the repercussions of which many people (including some of our team members) still experience on a daily basis. This history can evoke strong emotions and sometimes requires emotional labor. Although we primarily approach this history in a professional manner in our work, we are attentive to each person and any feelings that this may evoke while working. It’s okay to feel this way, and you’re welcome to take the space you need. We look out for one another.

Terms of Employment

Contract:

A one-year contract for at least 32 hours per week, with the possibility of extension. Secondments are preferred.

Salary: Depending on your experience and the duties involved, we can offer you a salary ranging from €4,691.71 to €7,747.70 based on a 36-hour workweek. This corresponds to the pay range for grades 12/13 under the Central Government Collective Labor Agreement (CAO Rijk).

Other terms and conditions of employment: In the case of secondments, the terms and conditions of the sending organization remain in effect for the duration of the secondment. In other cases, further arrangements will be made.

Your application

Are you interested in this position? If so, please apply by February 24 by sending a cover letter and your resume to herdenkingscomiteslavernijverleden@minbzk.nl*.

Do you have any questions about the job opening or the application process? Please contact Erik den Hoedt, project manager/director of the work organization. Erik.Hoedt@minbzk.nl; tel. 06-15 43 82 24.

(*The Foundation for the Commemoration of the History of Slavery is an independent foundation, but is currently still using email addresses provided by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.)