(Senior) Manager Marketing and Communications, IRIS2

IRIS2 is the new European Union secure satellite constellation. This project is the European Union's answer to the pressing challenges of tomorrow to provide secure connectivity services and enhanced communication capacities to the EU and its Member States as well as to governmental users, private companies and European citizens while ensuring high-speed internet broadband to cope with connectivity dead zones.

SES – together with other consortium partners and core members - was selected by European Commission to build and to operate the IRIS2 multi-orbit satellite constellation.

The IRIS2 team enters the next project phase and there is a strong need for support for all the activities around service provisioning and products that the system can offer in the future.

ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

We are seeking a skilled Marketing and Communications Manager that is focused on shaping and executing high-impact communications strategies for IRIS2. With a strong track record in strategic communications and stakeholder engagement, particularly within complex institutional and governmental ecosystems, he/she will work closely with consortium partners, the space industry and European Commission to align the narratives and elevate visibility across Europe.

You will be part of an agile project organization where a flexible way of working, and an adaptive mindset is required.  

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

• Develop and implement strategic communication plans, particularly in sensitive or complex environments.
• Engage with and manage relationships with governmental stakeholders including the European Commission, ESA, EUSPA, and Member States.
• Ensure clear, consistent, and aligned institutional messaging across all communication channels.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners (including SMEs, commercial and institutional stakeholders) to support unified communication strategies.
• Prepare and deliver high-quality content including press releases, speeches, social media, briefing notes, and reports.
• Organise high-visibility events and leverage channels such as social media and industry forums to enhance project awareness and standing.
• Monitor regulatory, political, and reputational developments to actively contribute to public affairs awareness, ensuring messages are grounded in the relevant institutional context.
• Researches and understands key programme challenges, customer behaviour, target audiences, competitive activity and environmental factors that impact the programme.
• Contributes ideas for new communications initiatives to meet programme goals in close alignment with the IRIS2 Programme lead.

COMPETENCIES

• Strong ability to work independently and with limited supervision in complex environments, e.g. project or matrix organizations
  • Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing project's role, requirements and environments
  • Ability to think strategically and align project goals with organizational objectives
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Sound understanding of public affairs, institutional dynamics, and policy environments.
• Proven experience in communications roles involving EU institutions or space-related agencies (e.g., EC, ESA, EUSPA) and communicating on projects with complex legal and regulatory constraints.
• Strong skills in content creation, including writing, editing, and messaging development.
• Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and the ability to build trust across diverse stakeholder groups, and lead communications in challenging or high-stakes situations.

QUALIFICATION BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor or Master degree in journalism, strategic communications, public/institutional relations, corporate communications or equivalent
• Minimum of 8 years relevant experience
• Experience working in and managing project organizations is considered an asset
• Familiarity with event organisation, public engagement, and digital media strategy
• Sound understanding of public affairs, institutional dynamics, and policy environments
• Proven experience in communications roles involving EU institutions or space-related agencies (e.g., EC, ESA, EUSPA) and communicating on projects with complex legal and regulatory constraints.
• Excellent command of English (written and verbal); French, German, or Spanish are strong assets.

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS/COMMENTS

• Eligibility for ESA/EU SECRET personnel security clearances is essential. Candidates must be prepared to undergo a security clearance procedure, as this position may require holding such clearance

• Willing to work at least 60% onsite from office
• Travel as required for project realization purposes