Communications Manager

European Transport Workers' Federation

Hours
34 hours per week

About the Organisation

European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) is a pan-European trade union federation representing more than 5 million transport workers from more than 200 transport unions in 38 European countries in railways, road transport and logistics, maritime transport, inland waterways, civil aviation, ports & docks, tourism and fisheries.

About the role

Do you want to help amplify the voice of transport workers across Europe through strategic and impactful communications?  We are currently seeking to recruit a Communications Manager.

Responsibilities

Strategic Communications and Campaigns:

• Lead the development and implementation of ETF communication strategies with the political team;
• Coordinate the communication pillar of ETF campaigns, ensuring effective collaboration with relevant stakeholders;
• Provide strategic communication advice on sensitive political, social and industrial relations issues;
• Develop internal communication flows and tools to strengthen coordination and information-sharing across the organisation and its membership;
• Build, maintain and coordinate an active network of communicators within the ETF membership;
• Monitor, evaluate and report on the effectiveness and impact of communication strategies, activities and campaigns;
• Uphold and further develop the coherence and visibility of the ETF visual identity across all communication channels and materials.

Media Relations and Communication Management:

• Line manage the work of the Senior Communications Officer;
• Coordinate proactive media work by establishing and maintaining relationships with journalists and media outlets, to maximise national and international coverage;
• Strengthen media outreach through close cooperation with ETF affiliates, the ETUC and other European trade union organisations;
• Coordinate external service providers and consultants, including designers, photographers, printers and web developers;
• Oversee the production of a wide range of communication tools and materials, including videos, publications, campaign materials and events;
• Organise press conferences, media briefings, public actions and other communication events.

Content and Digital Communication:

• Draft and edit press releases, statements, briefings, articles, newsletters and other media materials and ensure their targeted distribution;
• Oversee the production of audiovisual and digital content for social media and online platforms, in line with ETF’s visual identity and communication objectives;
• Design and implement digital engagement strategies to strengthen online visibility and community engagement across platforms;
• Oversee ETF’s social media accounts to maximise outreach and audience engagement;
• Monitor and analyse website and social media performance and propose improvements based on data and trends;
• Coordinate closely with the Senior Communications Officer to ensure consistency between digital communication, political priorities and overall communication strategy.

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in a communications manager or similar senior communications role
• Proven experience in developing and implementing communication strategies and campaigns
• Experience with advocacy, campaigning or movement-building communications and/or communication related to EU policy and legislative processes
• Previous experience in a European, international and/or trade union environment is highly desirable, including knowledge of EU Institutions and Brussels media landscape
• Ability to translate complex political and policy issues into clear, accessible and engaging messages tailored to diverse audiences;
• Strong commitment to trade union values and a good understanding of communication needs of trade unions and social movements
• Strategic mindset combined with creativity and strong political awareness
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Excellent written and spoken English (native or equivalent proficiency). Knowledge of additional European languages is an asset
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and work under tight deadlines
• Excellent drafting, editing and proofreading skills with a strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Proven experience in managing social media channels and digital campaigning
• Experience in producing engaging visual and multimedia content for digital and print communication
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small and multicultural team
• Strong sense of responsibility, initiative and commitment to high-quality work
• Availability to travel occasionally.

Required Qualifications

• University degree in journalism, communications, or another relevant field

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Salary + Representation 110 € net 
• Internet at Home Allowance €30 net
• Meal Vouchers of €8  
• Mobile Phone + Subscription, Laptop, Group Insurance (6% of gross salary),
• Hospitalisation (Discounted rate for family), 100% Public Transport Reimbursement;
• 25 Plus Paid Holidays
• Up to 2 days of teleworking/week
• A Multicultural Dynamic Team of 22
• Weekly Team Meetings, 1-1 Coachings, Trainings with External Experts, Yearly Development Appraisals, Team Building Events

Working locations

• Brussels, Belgium

How to apply

• We invite any interested candidate to send a CV and a short motivation letter in English to Agathe Smyth, ETF Senior Operations Manager, at [email protected] by 17th July 2026.

Interviews

• Only applications sent by e-mail will be considered.

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