Director Public Affairs & MarCom

Introduction

We are an international impact-driven financier, funded with public funds from the Netherlands, working at the intersection of global challenges and Dutch innovation. Through strong partnerships with governments abroad and entrepreneurs in the Netherlands, we invest in solutions that foster sustainable economic growth, create fair and decent work (SDG 8), and support the global transition to a low carbon economy (SDG 13).

Invest-NL and Invest International join forces

With a targeted date of 1 January 2028, Invest-NL and Invest International will integrate to form a full-fledged National Promotional Institution. This integration increases the effectiveness of public investments and international cooperation, improves access to financing for entrepreneurs, and strengthens the economic resilience of the Netherlands. The new organization will become a strategic player that enables innovation and future-oriented growth – with impact both domestically and internationally.

The coming years will be pivotal. Political and societal debate around our role is strong, and we are preparing for a strategic merger with the peer organization. This merger will position us to grow significantly in both size and impact.

To be ready for this next phase, we are strengthening our leadership team with a new, highly strategic role of Director of Public Affairs & Communications.

The position

Responsibilities

As Director of Public Affairs & Communications, you will play a critical role in shaping how we are seen, understood, and supported by our clients, partner governments, shareholders, and policymakers.

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will be a member of our Management Team and take the lead in:

• Public Affairs Strategy & Delivery: Designing and executing a proactive strategy to strengthen our relationships with shareholder ministries (Finance, Foreign Affairs, Economic Affairs) and other stakeholders in The Hague, ensuring we are well-positioned in the ongoing societal and political debate.

• Press & Media Strategy: Leading both the design and implementation of our media strategy, safeguarding and strengthening our reputation, ensuring effective and solid positioning of the current organization as well as its future potential and building strong relationships with key Dutch journalists and opinion leaders.

• Marketing & Brand Strategy: Developing and delivering a clear, impactful marketing approach that raises visibility for our work and impact, both in the Netherlands and internationally, in close collaboration with business teams.

• Internal & External Communications: Driving consistent, transparent communication across our diverse workforce and with domestic and global stakeholders, ensuring our mission and results are clearly understood.

• Team Leadership & Collaboration: Leading a small but capable team, while working closely with business units and your counterpart in the peer organization we will merge with, to ensure strategies translate into tangible results.

You will not only design strategies but also ensure their successful execution together with your team and colleagues across the organization.

We are looking for a proven leader who thrives in complexity, can navigate political sensitivities, and is energized by the opportunity to help shape the future of our organization.

Specifically, you bring:

• A proven track record (15+ years) in public affairs and strategic communications, ideally in a context involving (Dutch) government, international cooperation, and/or the financial sector.

• A strong network in the Netherlands, particularly among journalists, media outlets, and the public affairs departments of our shareholder ministries.

• Engages seamlessly with senior stakeholders, delivering credible, strategic advice that drives alignment and accelerates decision-making.

• The professional demeanor to truly act as an ambassador for Invest International.

• Proven ability to engage with the Management Board and Management Team as a strategic and trusted sparring partner.

• Fluency in Dutch (mandatory) and excellent command of English, our working language.

• A solid understanding of global affairs and sustainable development, particularly related to SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth) and SDG 13 (climate action).

• Experience leading teams and delivering complex strategies through cross-organizational collaboration.

• The ability to think long-term, while also being hands-on and decisive when the moment calls for it.

What We Offer

• A highly strategic leadership role at the heart of an organization preparing for transformative growth.

• The opportunity to directly influence how the Netherlands positions itself in solving global challenges.

• An international working environment with passionate colleagues from diverse backgrounds.