Party of European Socialists is looking for a PES Press & Communications Adviser

Location: Brussels (On-site + Hybrid)
Deadline Applications: 19 January 2025 (midnight)
Contract Duration: Indefinite Term Contract (CDI under Belgian social legislation)

About the PES

The Party of European Socialists (PES) brings together the Socialist, Social Democratic and Labour Parties. The PES is our common platform, where our members come together: activists, party executives, Secretary Generals, Leaders, youth organisations, MPs, MEPs, European Commissioners, Ministers and Prime-Ministers of socialist, social-democratic, labour and democratic parties and organisations within Europe. We also exchange best practices and engage in political campaigning. Our main aim is to support our member parties and organisations. The PES acts as an important network organization for our member parties by providing policy advice, assistance and organization of EU-related events.

Your Mission

We are looking for a highly skilled and dynamic communications professional to join our team as a Press & Communications Adviser. This pivotal role involves enhancing and safeguarding the public image of the PES through strategic external and internal communications. The position is responsible for managing media relations, as well as developing and implementing PES’s communication strategy across a wide range of policies and initiatives. A key aspect of the role is crafting compelling political speeches, preparing speaking points for PES events and meetings, and ensuring clear, impactful messaging at all levels. The ideal candidate will bring both expertise and creativity to amplify the PES’s voice and influence.

Key Responsibilities

• Media Relations: Cultivating strong relationships with international journalists and media outlets through targeted communication tools, including mass mailings, media advisories, registration platforms, and various other channels. The role focuses on enhancing the PES's media presence by maintaining regular contact, both online and in person, with prominent journalists and key media representatives in Brussels and across Europe. By strategically engaging with media professionals, this position aims to elevate the PES's visibility and influence in key political and public spheres.

• Written Communications: Develop, edit, and distribute high-impact press releases, op-eds, and political articles that align with PES's strategic objectives. Craft compelling speeches and speaking points for key events, ensuring clear and persuasive messaging. Additionally, write and refine event anchoring scripts to engage and inform diverse audiences effectively.

• Events Coordination: Plan, organize, and oversee press conferences and media events for the PES, ensuring seamless execution and maximum media impact. Manage all logistics, coordination, and outreach to ensure the successful promotion of PES initiatives and policies. This includes working closely with the PES statutory unit and the EU policy unit to design and implement dynamic campaigns and initiatives. This includes collaborating on content creation, strategy development, and execution, ensuring that PES's messaging is coherent, impactful, and resonates with target audiences.

• Coordination with the PES Political Family: Foster and strengthen productive working relationships with colleagues across the PES political family, including the S&D Group in the European Parliament, the PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions, the Foundations for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), PES member parties, as well as the teams of progressive European Commissioners and heads of state and government. By cultivating strong partnerships, this role ensures a unified approach to advancing the PES’s agenda across various political and institutional platforms.

What We Are Looking For

• A master’s degree in communications, Journalism, Political Science, or a related field.

• And/or at least 5 years of experience in a similar role, preferably within a political organization, international institution, NGO, or a comparable setting.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English, with proficiency in additional European languages being a significant advantage. Extensive experience in writing political speeches, op-eds, interviews, anchor scripts, and other high-profile content.

• In-depth understanding of the European political landscape and media environment, with the ability to navigate complex political and media dynamics.

• Proven track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.

• A collaborative team player who loves working in diverse multi-cultural and cross-functional teams.

• Advanced proficient in Microsoft Office, mass mailing tools, and standard CMS platforms.

What we Offer

• Be a Changemaker: You’ll be at the heart of shaping transformative policies for Europe’s future.

• Work-Life Balance: We value flexibility and offer a full-time (38h/week) contract based in Brussels with excellent public transport links. Still, this position offers the chance to travel regularly for work.

• Dynamic Environment: Our office is a melting pot of ideas and cultures, located in the vibrant European Quarter.

• Professional Growth: Gain hands-on experience in EU policymaking, attend exciting high-level events, and network with European leaders.

• A salary package: A competitive salary and benefits package including meal-vouchers, hospitalization insurance, pension fund and full public transport reimbursement.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Interested candidates should send their CV, cover letter, and a sample of recent work (e.g. press release, article, or other relevant content) to pes.communication@pes.eu with the subject line “Press and Communications Adviser Application – [Your Name]” by midnight on 19th January 2024.

Selected candidates will be invited to an online interview via videoconference, followed by a live job interview at the PES offices in Brussels.

We Believe in Equality

The PES is committed to diversity and providing equal opportunities for everyone. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, background, or identity.