Director of External Communications

Job Title: Director of External Communications

Location: Netherlands (other EU locations will be considered)

Job Type: Fully Remote

Reporting to: Chief Communications Officer

Position Overview

The Director of External Communications will be responsible for elevating Tilt Collective's profile and impact across the philanthropy sector. This role will lead media relations, digital engagement, brand strategy, and executive communications, while directly supporting the organisation's fundraising objectives. Working closely with the Chief Communications Officer and Director of Strategic (Programmatic) Communications, it will shape how Tilt Collective tells its story and engages key stakeholders across climate, health, and nature. This role reports into the Chief Communications Officer. 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications

• Work closely with the Chief Communications Officer to develop and implement Tilt Collective's communications strategy as it grows. 

• Design targeted communication plans for key audiences across climate, health, and nature sectors.

• Lead cross-functional communications initiatives, working and coordinating with teams across the wider  organization. 

• Manage external agencies, including comms agencies, graphic designers, and content creators, to ensure their contributions align with Tilt Collective’ strategic communications goals.

Media Relations & External Engagement

• Lead on developing and executing communications profile building for Tilt and its CEO. 

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with media and drive proactive media opportunities, and manage reactive media enquiries 

• Manage Tilt's media strategy and reputation, ensuring consistent messaging and brand across all channels and content 

• Cultivate relationships with communications counterparts at partner organizations in the climate, health, and nature space

Brand, Marketing & Digital Engagement

• Develop brand guidelines and ensure consistency across all markets and touch points

• Oversee digital presence including website and social media channels is aligned to wider communications objectives. 

• Lead marketing and communications efforts for flagship initiatives and events such as Food Day (at Climate Week NYC) 

Narrative Development & Storytelling

• Help shape Tilt Collective's core narrative around food systems transformation, ensuring storytelling is compelling, evidence-based, and impact-driven

• Develop adaptable messaging frameworks that maintain consistency while allowing for cultural sensitivity across global markets

• Create messaging and content that resonates with diverse audiences including donors, partners, and sector leaders

Fundraising Communications Support

• Craft high-impact communications materials that support fundraising objectives and articulate Tilt's value proposition

• Develop content that demonstrates impact and builds confidence in the organization's work

• Collaborate with fundraising team to ensure messaging is aligned 

Monitoring and Reporting

• Track, analyse, and report on communications effectiveness using relevant metrics and insights

• Present regular reports on communication activities and impact to the Leadership Team 

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field (or equivalent professional experience)

• Minimum 8+ years of experience in strategic communications roles

• Native / Fluent English language ability; both written and verbal. Other languages are advantageous

• Proven track record in media relations, brand (and senior exec profile) building, and stakeholder engagement at a senior level

• Experience managing teams and external partners/agencies

• Proven experience leading international communications for a global organisation operating across multiple regions

Sector Knowledge

• Strong understanding of sustainability, climate, health, or food systems issues (highly desirable)

• Experience working in or with philanthropic organisations, foundations, or NGOs and leading on executive profile building (highly desirable)

• Understanding of policy environments related to food systems, climate, health, or sustainability desirable

Core Competencies

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to craft compelling narratives for diverse audiences

• Strategic thinker with proven ability to translate organisational goals into effective communications plans

• Strong media relations skills 

• Proficiency in digital communications, social media platforms, and content management systems

• Experience with communications analytics and performance measurement

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under deadline pressure

• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to influence and build relationships across all organisational levels

Personal Attributes

• Collaborative leadership style with ability to work effectively across cultures and geographies

• Entrepreneurial mindset suited to a growing organisation

• Comfort with ambiguity and rapid iteration in a start-up style environment

• Adaptability and creative problem-solving skills