Strategic Communications Lead – Quality of Life

Main responsibilities / Major Activities

• Lead the development and implementation of aholistic communication strategy for EORTC’s QoL assets – integrating scientific publications, educational programmes, digital communications/campaigns, and media outreach – in close collaboration with experts from EORTC’s QoL Group (EORTC Network) & QoL Department within EORTC Head Quarters (HQ);
• Ensure alignment with EORTC strategy across disease/research areas, through regular liaison with the various Disease-Oriented Groups (DOGs) of the EORTC Network;
• Identify key communication themes & messages, and lead storytelling for QoL – providing communications expertise and offering strategic & tactical advice to QoL stakeholders for effective audience engagement;
• Working with EORTC’s QoL experts, derive a scientific publication strategy in line with EORTC’s scientific strategy, aimed at leveraging the Group’s reach within the scientific community and the impact of EORTC QoL research across cancer research & treatment;
• Develop strategic digital communication & media outreach plans to target identified audiences, and ensure dissemination through appropriate channels (e.g., websites, digital newsletters, social/media) to maximise visibility of EORTC’s QoL work and raise engagement with our stakeholders (ranging from our network of researchers to the scientific/oncology community to patients & the general public);
• Propose a plan for QoL-focussed communication/educational events (in-person or virtual) as an integral part of EORTC’s QoL communication strategy, and support its implementation;
• Develop communication content – including (not limited to) news releases, newsletter articles, social media posts, web content – as per defined plan and with input from EORTC QoL experts; work with EORTC Communications colleagues &/or external resources to ensure delivery of communications where applicable;
• Ensure quality control of all QoL communicationsdeliverables by applying appropriate format and ‘branding’ in line with EORTC style guide & EORTC QoL identity;
• Ensure linkage between different forms of communication, through an integrated strategy & plan, and interconnected tactics;

Profile

• University degree (MSc minimum) in Communications &/or Life Sciences; scientific background is highly desirable;
• 5-10 years of demonstrated work experience in communications (including digital) in an international/European environment; high-level strategic communications experience, ideally in the health sector;
• Excellent strategic thinking & (written & verbal) communication skills – ability to translate complex information into accessible content for all audiences;
• Excellent writing/drafting skills for a variety of different outlets (e.g., articles, website & social media content); proven ability to produce high-quality communications deliverables;
• Understanding of good publication practice & related guidelines e.g., ICMJE, GPP, & other global guidelines related to scientific data communication & transparency standards;
• Good knowledge of the social media landscape; experience in working with media is a plus;
• Strong interpersonal skills – keen to work in a multidisciplinary team, and to develop & nurture effective working relationships with various stakeholder groups;
• Strong organisational, time management, & project management/planning skills; flexibility & high sense of priority setting – ability to work independently on multiple projects in parallel and deliver on agreed timelines;
• Excellent command of English (written & spoken), and strong attention to detail;
• IT literacy / technical skills – proficient in the use of MS Office, and social media; knowledge of digital communications tools (e.g., mailing platforms, editing software) is a plus;