Communications & Marketing Specialist
YFU Global Office (Brussels)

Background

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 since 75 years, YFU has impacted almost 310.000 students – and their host families, schools and networks – and more than 70.000 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.

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 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 communications
  • 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

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

    Application

    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-yfu@yfu.world), reference “Communications and Marketing Specialist”.

    YFU encourages any person with the required qualifications to apply, without distinction to gender, disability, social or ethnic origins, religion, convictions or sexual orientation. YFU recognizes different types of experience, including professional and volunteering.