Communications and Marketing Specialist

Company Description

Youth For Understanding (YFU) advances intercultural understanding, life-long learning, global competence, mutual respect, and social responsibility through transformational educational exchanges for generations of youth, families, and communities, supported by dedicated volunteers and professional staff. YFU is a global non-profit community driven by the passion of people, consisting of 45 member organizations across six continents. As a leader in intercultural exchange and educational programs for almost 75 years, YFU has impacted more than students – and their host families, schools and networks – and more than volunteers.

YFU's Global Office, composed of the legal entities
European Educational Exchanges - Youth for Understanding (EEE-YFU) and Youth For Understanding International Educational Services (YFU IES)
, is the global structure that works to enable the YFU membership worldwide to achieve our mission by providing leadership, critical services and opportunities to grow and thrive as (a) sustainable and quality organization(s).

To support the Global Office in further developing and boosting our global communications, visibility, outreach and identity, we are looking for an ambitious and creative Communications and Marketing Specialist based in Brussels, to start as soon as possible.

Role Description

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, the role will increase visibility and understanding of YFU, in Europe and globally, and its members, products, services and impact. This position is full-time, working from Brussels and to be filled as soon as possible.

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
• Coordinate all activities of the Global Office related to communication and media relations, including position and policy papers to influence policy in line with YFU's advocacy strategy.
• Support the creation and implementation of advocacy campaigns on topics relevant for YFU to promote positive change in legislation, policy and programs.
• 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.).

2.     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.
• 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.

3.
Ensure amplification of YFU

• Maintain and update YFU's global social media channels and website in line with the communications strategy.
• Develop and share communication materials for the different target audiences (such as a newsletter, annual report, presentations, impact stories, and others).
• Act as the first point of contact for external information requests from researchers, think tanks, etc. and coordinate with other staff as needed to provide responses.

4.    
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

• Support the Director of Public Affairs in preparing communication plans and key messaging to critical stakeholders.
• Support the development and implementation of a global communications campaign to celebrate YFU's 75th anniversary in 2026.
• 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 environment
• 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
• 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

Framework: What we offer

• An
  unlimited fulltime contract (38 hours/week), subject to Belgian Employment laws
• A competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• An attractive level of autonomy and responsibility in an intercultural, collaborative and energetic working environment
• Work in a small organization with a diverse and committed team to deliver impact
• The opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization with global operations
• Starting date: as soon as possible; work location: Brussels (hybrid)

Please submit a complete application that includes your CV, a motivation letter, your salary expectations, and examples of your previous communication and marketing work by email to Kea HOPPE, Director of Public Affairs (eee-), reference "Communications and Marketing Specialist".