Communications Manager

European Transport Workers’ Federation

Hours
34 hours per week

About the Organisation

European Transport Workers‘ Federation (ETF) represents over 5 million transport workers from more than 200 transport unions across Europe, from the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Central and Eastern Europe, in over 30 countries. ETF‘s work is driven by its vision for Fair Transport quality jobs with safe, reliable, affordable transport services.

About the role

European Transport Workers’ Federation is looking for a Communications Manager. Do you want to help amplify the voice of transport workers across Europe through strategic and impactful communications?

Why work for ETF

• Do you want to be the voice of 5 million + Transport Workers from 200 + Transport Unions in 38 countries?
• Do you want to promote equal opportunities as well as solidarity across borders?
• Are you pro Fair Transport?
• Are you committed to trade union values?

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 manages the work of the Senior Communications Officer.
• Coordinate proactive media work by establishing and maintaining relationships with journalists and media outlets, with the aim of maximising 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

Requirements:

• 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 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 the 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 the 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 plus Representation costs of €110 net and Internet at Home Allowance of €30 net, Meal Vouchers, €8 Mobile Phone plus 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, and Team Building Events.
• European Travels.

Working locations

• Brussels, Belgium

How to apply

• We invite any interested candidates to send a CV and a short motivation letter in English to Agathe Smyth, ETF Senior Operations Manager, at [email protected] by 12th June 2026. Only applications sent by e-mail will be considered.

Policies

ETF is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees, regardless of sex, marital status, nationality, religion, age, sexual orientation and any other characteristics unrelated to the performance of the job.

Return to listing