Communications and Marketing Specialist

Communications and Marketing Specialist

YFU - Youth For Understanding

Brussels, Belgium

Position

The Communications and Marketing Specialist reports to the Director of Public Affairs and is responsible for all communications related activities of YFU’s Global Office, supported by an ESC volunteer. Based in Brussels, this recently established role will increase visibility and understanding of YFU, in Europe and globally, and its members, products, services and impact.

Responsibilities

Increase visibility and understanding of YFU

• Collaborate in developing and upgrading YFU’s internal and external global communications strategy and plan and take responsibility in implementing it;
• Maintain and update YFU’s global social media channels and website in line with the communications strategy;
• Coordinate all activities of the Global Office related to communication and media relations, including position and policy papers and campaigns to influence policy in line with YFU’s advocacy strategy;
• Work in close cooperation with other staff members to carry out communication activities related to their projects and working areas (i.e.: consultations, member surveys, workshops, announcements, impact reports etc.);
• Drive the development and implementation of a global communications campaign to celebrate YFU’s 75th anniversary throughout 2026.

Establish and support the implementation of a marketing and communications strategy for the YFU network

• Contribute to the development and rollout of YFU’s global marketing and communications strategy in collaboration with fellow marketing staff on the national level;
• Pilot creation of campaigns and content tailored to different audiences, including students, families, volunteers, and partner organizations;
• Support the work of the YFU network and its member organizations through animation of our global communication channels;
• Help ensure consistent use of YFU’s branding and messaging across digital channels, publications, and promotional materials;
• Collect data, track analytics, and provide reports to measure the effectiveness of communication activities.

Coordinate and disseminate communications across the YFU network to ensure consistency and alignment

• Act as coordinator and first point of contact for communications and marketing activities around the YFU network and facilitate the creation of synergy effects, sharing of best practices and exchange of knowledge and resources;
• Support the spread of content developed by the Global Office for use across the network;
• Maintain regular communication with member organizations to ensure alignment and provide assistance on branding and messaging;
• Support the development and implementation of outreach tools in the YFU network.

Foster engagement with target audiences

• Work with the Director of Public Affairs on preparing communication plans and key messaging to critical stakeholders;
• Develop and share communication materials for the different target audiences (such as newsletters, annual reports, presentations, impact stories, and others);
• Help ensure that important information and materials are delivered to the right audiences in a clear and timely manner;
• Support the writing of funding grant applications.

Candidate profile and qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in communications and marketing-related discipline;
• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience, ideally in an international environmen;
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in English, other languages (e.g. Spanish, French) are an asset;
• Proven track record of results in strategic communication and marketing;
• Up to date with the latest social media techniques to create integrated campaigns as part of a global communication strategy;
• Knowledge of and experience with common design tools and software;
• Adept at managing relationships with external stakeholders;
• Eagerness to construct processes and structures and to shape the position;
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, a good sense of humor, a team player, open-minded, creative and innovative, a quick learner, entrepreneurial and culturally sensitive;
• Detail-oriented and efficient organizational, project and time management skills, experience in working with and coordinating (virtual) teams;
• Willingness for occasional international travel;
• An EU work permit.