OverviewHead of Communications, The Lutheran World Federation (LWF)Place of Assignment: Geneva Communion Office (Geneva, Switzerland)Contract period: 5 years renewable onceWork time: 100%Start date: ideally January 2026Average travel days per year: limited 7-19 daysClosing dates for applications: 30 September 2025OrganizationThe Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is a communion of churches living and working together for a just, peaceful, and reconciled world. The role of the Communion Office (CO) in Geneva is to serve these churches in different ways. The Office of the General Secretary (OGS) is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the Communion Office as it fulfils the Strategy of the LWF. It has a dual mandate: Relationships; Coordination and support.ResponsibilitiesReporting to the Chief of Staff, the Head of Communications develops and implements the LWF communication strategy, leads the Office for Communication and communication projects in the LWF.Ensure that LWF's communication makes the global communion and its work visible, strengthens relations with key stakeholders, contributes to the sustainability of the communion, strategically amplifying stories of hope, connecting local voices with global impact, and strengthening LWF's image as a trusted, faith‑based communion working for justice, peace, and dignity.Manage a team of experts located in Geneva and remotely in the regions of the LWF; liaise with communicators in member churches and partner organizations.Advise the General Secretary, Chief of Staff, Leadership Team, and the two programmatic departments on all aspects of communication, brand and reputation; serve as communication lead in the Crisis Management Team.Balance strategic leadership (brand development, narrative framing, stakeholder relations) with operational oversight (team management, content production, campaign management, media relations, digital platforms).Be a member of the Extended Leadership Team (COLT+) with other senior roles; participate in Crisis Management Team as applicable.Lead brand development and manage LWF's reputation, building a recognizable and trusted identity.Organize media coverage, produce press releases, and support colleagues in responding to press queries.Monitor and assess the effectiveness of communication strategies, outputs, and campaigns using qualitative and quantitative indicators.Lead and manage the communications team in Geneva and remotely, ensuring effective planning, reporting, and collaboration across the team and the organization.Strengthen internal communications to foster organizational culture and alignment with the LWF mission.Ensure all communications reflect the LWF's values and align with the LWF Strategy; develop new technologies and tools to tell stories of hope and impact.Serve as editor-in-chief for publications, news, visuals, and digital outputs, ensuring high quality and consistency.Integrate communications with fundraising and campaigns to contribute to LWF's sustainability.Qualifications and SkillsEducation: University degree in communication, journalism, liberal arts, political science or related field; certification in management preferred.Experience: Significant experience in senior communication roles including people management; preferably in a faith-based or ecumenical organization with international exposure; knowledge of Lutheran churches worldwide, LWF, and ecumenical networks.Strong planning, managerial and operational experience; excellent writing and editing skills in English; strong spoken and written communication; ability to work in a complex international setting; professional English; knowledge of German, French, or Spanish is an asset.Experience in communication and fundraising campaigns; expertise in public relations and relationship building.Experience managing teams and collaborating with multiple departments and external stakeholders (member churches, donors, ecumenical partners).Strong interpersonal skills, strategic mindset, and ability to adapt to changing contexts.Member church endorsement required for this position.Knowledge of digital platforms and storytelling to amplify messages of hope and impact.Additional DetailsType of contract: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)Duration: 5 yearsWorking hours: 80-100%Education level: Master\'s degree (preferred) with intercultural communication focusMacro-area: SwitzerlandLevel of experience: Senior Professional, more than 5 yearsArea of work: Advocacy, Media and CommunicationTelecommute: NoHow to ApplyClose date: 30 September 2025. Applications should be submitted per the organization’s official process. The page contains additional informational sections and notices unrelated to the job content; only relevant application details should be considered for submission.
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