Head of Communications, The Lutheran World Federation (LWF)Place of Assignment: Geneva Communion OfficeContract period: 5 years renewable onceWork time: 100%Start date: ideally January 2026Average travel days per year: limited 7-19 daysClosing date for applications: 30 September 2025Lutheran World Federation, The Office of the General SecretaryThe Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is a communion of churches working together for a just, peaceful, and reconciled world. The Communion Office in Geneva serves these churches in various ways.ResponsibilitiesThe Office of the General Secretary (OGS) ensures the smooth operation of the Communion Office aligned with the LWF Strategy. It has a dual mandate:Fostering relationships with and among LWF member churches;Promoting Christian unity, ecumenical relations, and strategic international partnerships.Coordination and supportOverseeing strategy implementation, governance processes, and ensuring robust systems in finance, HR, communication, and IT. Upholding institutional integrity through compliance, policies, and accountability. Maintaining archives.The Head of Communications reports to the Chief of Staff and develops and executes the LWF communication strategy, leading the Office for Communication and related projects. The role aims to enhance the visibility of the LWF’s work, strengthen stakeholder relations, and promote the organization’s image as a trusted faith-based entity committed to justice, peace, and dignity.The position manages a team based in Geneva and remotely across regions, liaising with member churches and partner organizations. The Head of Communications advises senior leadership on all communication, branding, and reputation matters and leads in crisis communication.This role combines strategic leadership—brand development, narrative framing, stakeholder relations—with operational oversight—team management, content creation, campaigns, media relations, and digital platforms.The incumbent is part of the Extended Leadership Team (COLT+) and the Crisis Management Team.Required QualificationsUniversity degree in communication, journalism, liberal arts, political science, or related fields, with management certification.Extensive experience in senior communication roles with people management, preferably in faith-based or ecumenical international organizations.Knowledge of Lutheran churches, the ecumenical movement, and the LWF mission.Strong planning, managerial, and operational skills.Proficiency in current communication tools, internal/external communication, and branding.Experience with communication campaigns and public relations.Excellent English writing/editing skills; proficiency in spoken and written communication. Knowledge of German, French, or Spanish is an asset.Member church endorsement required.Additional ExperienceProject management experience, e.g., agile/lean methodologies.Expertise in online platforms, CMS, social media tools.LWF Core SkillsAnalytical thinking, initiative, leadership, results orientation, accountability, teamwork—at a resource level.Required SkillsCommunication, stakeholder management, information management, brand management, digital marketing, people management, stress management—at an advanced level.Position Environment and DimensionsThe role requires a comprehensive toolkit for effective communication and branding, sensitive to stakeholder needs and attitudes, and capable of building bridges between media, churches, organizations, and the public. The incumbent contributes to the sustainability of the global communion through strategic communication, campaigns, and resource mobilization. Internally, manages a team of 9 staff and consultants, and externally interacts with churches, donors, ecumenical bodies, UN, INGOs, NGOs, and other stakeholders.Main DutiesAlign all communication with LWF strategy and mission, ensuring visibility of priorities and work.Develop and utilize new technologies to tell impactful stories.Serve as editor-in-chief for publications, visuals, and digital content, ensuring quality and consistency.Manage brand development and reputation.Advise leadership on communication and messaging.Integrate communication with fundraising and campaigns for sustainability.Organize media coverage, press releases, and respond to press queries.Lead and manage the communication team, ensuring effective planning and collaboration.Enhance internal communication to foster culture and efficiency.Monitor and evaluate communication effectiveness using qualitative and quantitative indicators.Oversee digital platform projects like websites and apps.Special Duties: as assigned by supervisor.Major ChallengesPosition LWF as a trusted voice in a polarized world, counter misinformation, strengthen brand recognition, and build communication capacity across the organization.
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