Head of Marketing and Communications

Job Posting Organization:
NATO DIANA, the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic, is a NATO body established to accelerate innovation in defense and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. It aims to provide decisive effects for the Alliance while fostering deep-tech innovation. NATO DIANA operates with a Board of Directors representing all 32 NATO nations and an operational team known as the DIANA Executive (DX). The organization has offices in Europe and North America and leverages a network of military end users, accelerator sites, test centers, and experts to promote innovative technologies. DIANA is committed to creating a dynamic and inclusive workplace that values innovative thinking and performance excellence.

Job Overview:
The Head of Marketing and Communications is responsible for providing strategic leadership for DIANA's communications, marketing, brand, and stakeholder engagement activities. This role aims to enhance awareness of DIANA's mission and programs across the Alliance and the broader innovation ecosystem. The incumbent will lead a distributed team located in London, Halifax, and Tallinn, serving as the principal advisor to senior leadership on communications and reputation management. The position involves overseeing campaigns, media relations, digital communications, events, and corporate messaging, ensuring that DIANA's objectives are met effectively and efficiently. The successful candidate will be expected to refine marketing and communications strategies, manage issues related to reputation, and strengthen DIANA's visibility and public profile.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Head of Marketing and Communications include leading and refining NATO DIANA's marketing and communications strategies, managing issues related to reputation and advising senior leadership on communications challenges, overseeing media relations, and enhancing DIANA's public profile. The incumbent will also manage digital communications strategies, including social media and website content, advise on public engagements and stakeholder communications, and develop strategic narratives and multimedia products. Additionally, the role involves overseeing communications for organizational events, identifying engagement strategies with key audiences, maintaining branding standards, collaborating with HR on internal communications, leading a distributed team, managing external suppliers, and establishing communications metrics to assess impact and inform future planning.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, International Relations, or a related field, along with 5 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree with 8 years of experience. Candidates must have at least 5 years of experience in senior roles within marketing and communications, demonstrated knowledge of defense and military innovation, and experience leading multidisciplinary teams in complex environments. Strong media relations skills, experience with digital channels, and the ability to assess communications impact through analytics are essential. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required, along with proficiency in NATO's official languages (English/French).

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree from a nationally recognized university in a relevant field such as Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or International Relations. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree with significant relevant experience is acceptable. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in communication strategies and practices relevant to the defense and innovation sectors.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of work experience in senior roles that combine marketing and communications. This experience should include leading communications functions, managing teams, and working within a complex, fast-paced, multinational environment. Proven experience in developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies for diverse audiences is crucial, as is a strong background in media relations and issues management.

Languages:
Candidates must possess advanced proficiency (Level V) in one of NATO's official languages (English or French) and at least beginner proficiency (Level I) in the other. This language requirement is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a definite duration contract of three years, with the possibility of extension. Successful candidates will receive a tax-free salary, household and children's allowances, excellent private health insurance, and a NATO pension scheme. The role includes generous annual leave of 30 days plus official holidays, flexible working conditions, and opportunities for learning and development. NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal access to employment for all candidates. The recruitment process requires candidates to be nationals of NATO member countries, and applications must be submitted through the e-recruitment system. The appointment is subject to security clearance and medical approval.