Managing Director, Communications

Managing Director, Communications

EBRD - European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

London, United Kingdom

Purpose of Job

The Managing Director, Communications is accountable for leading and overseeing the development of the Bank’s external and internal communications strategy.

This role drives an innovative and strategically aligned approach to communications and is critical to strengthening the Bank’s visibility, profile and reputation among key stakeholders and the wider public, both in its countries of operation and internationally. It promotes awareness of the EBRD’s transition mandate, mission and activities, while helping to safeguard and enhance the Bank’s reputation.

The role closely interacts with other members of the senior management, including the President, as well as Board members and all the key external and internal stakeholders. The role has an Observer status within the Bank’s Executive Committee (ExCom), and is involved in taking wider Bank decisions, beyond those in the Communications sphere.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic adviser to the President on the Bank’s internal and external communications, positioning and reputation;
• Lead the development and delivery of the Bank’s communications strategy across media, external stakeholders and internal audiences, ensuring consistent, engaging and impactful communications aligned with the Bank’s strategic priorities, transformation agenda and workplace behaviours;
• Provide leadership across the Communications Department, ensuring cohesion of approach, alignment of messaging and effective delivery of communications services, products and events that support the Bank’s mission;
• Advise senior leadership on building, enhancing and protecting the EBRD’s reputation and image, including leading the Bank’s response to communications-related crises and reputational risks;
• Build and maintain relationships with Board members, ministers and other key stakeholders to strengthen understanding and support for the Bank’s activities and investments;
• Act as the Bank’s senior spokesperson, ensuring communications reflect the Bank’s strategic direction and business objectives;
• Contribute to the Bank’s strategy and decision-making as an observer member of the Executive Committee;
• Lead the evolution of the Communications Department, including organisational design, transformation initiatives and the adoption of emerging communications practices, technologies and AI-enabled capabilities, supported by appropriate governance frameworks;
• Set the Department’s strategic objectives, manage its resources and budget, and ensure the effective delivery of high-quality communications activities and outcomes;
• Lead, develop and inspire a diverse team, fostering a high-performance culture and creating opportunities for professional growth and development;
• Champion and role model the Bank’s Workplace Behaviours, ensuring the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct across the department.

This job description is not limited to the responsibilities listed above and the successful candidate may be required to undertake other duties in line with business needs.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Extensive experience and expertise in corporate and/or governmental communications and media, with a proven ability to strengthen organisational reputation, build stakeholder confidence and advance strategic objectives through effective communications;
• A well-developed understanding of geo-political and economic issues affecting economies, particularly those within the EBRD’s regions;
• Proven ability to think strategically and shape innovative, forward-looking communications strategies that advance the Bank’s objectives and reputation;
• Demonstrable judgement in dealing with sensitive communications and PR issues;
• Strong track record of providing strategic communications counsel in a complex and politically sensitive environment, underpinned by exceptional political acumen and judgement in determining the most effective messaging, timing, channels and stakeholder engagement approaches to advance the Bank’s objectives and profile;
• Excellent ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Very strong interpersonal skills and able to build and manage relationships with people at all levels within the Bank’s constituencies;
• Ability to interact and operate at a high level, within the Bank and with ministers from shareholder countries;
• Strong networks across media and communications, in areas relevant to the Bank’s strategy and operations;
• Able to inspire, lead and manage a large department and provide wider leadership within the Bank;
• Experience of leading and embedding innovation in communications, leveraging digital channels, emerging technologies and new engagement approaches to enhance the Bank’s reach, impact and effectiveness.