Head of Communications

FSC works to take care of our forests and those who rely on them: by protecting plant and animal species, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, forest workers’ safety, and much more. They achieve this through FSC certification, ensuring forests around the world are responsibly managed. For more information on FSC, visit www.ic.fsc.org.

About the role 

FSC is dedicated to protecting the world’s forests by ensuring a skilled and passionate team works with them globally. Millar Cameron, in partnership with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is seeking a Head of Communications who will play a key role in advancing this mission by leading the global communications strategy. This includes positioning FSC as a leader in sustainable forestry and effectively engaging with various stakeholders, both within FSC International and externally. The role requires a professional who combines solid communication expertise with a deep commitment to FSC's goals. The Communications Director will work across multinational teams, ensuring alignment in policy, messaging, and outreach.

Key dimensions of the role

The Head of Communications, based in Bonn, Germany, will have responsibilities including, but not limited to:

Programme Lead:

• Directly manage the global communications team and coordinate regional communications staff.
• Develop and implement the global communications strategy.
• Oversee all communications activities, including storytelling, social media, media engagement, crisis communications, and support for regional offices.
• Measure the impact of communications activities.

Communications Coordination:

• Coordinate global communications planning and delivery, aligning activities with marketing.
• Collaborate with FSC network partners on campaigns, crisis materials, and skill development.

Executive Liaison:

• Advise leadership on communications during crises and sensitive times.
• Provide counsel to senior management and ensure communication strategies reflect organizational priorities.

Resource Management:

• Manage staff workloads and oversee budget planning for the communications programme.
• Ensure compliance with FSC rules and health/safety requirements.
• Lead staff development and training within the communications team.

Additional Tasks:

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Engagement Officer.

Skills and experience

The desired candidate will have, but not be limited to:

• University degree in a relevant field (e.g. Journalism, Media, Communications).
• 15+ years of professional communications experience, with at least 8 years in senior management.
• 2+ years in crisis communications, including 1+ year managing this function.
• Experience in developing and managing communications strategies.
• Strong time management, solution-oriented, and service-oriented approach.
• Proven project management skills with attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Leadership experience (5+ years supervising teams).
• Native-level fluency in English (spoken and written), with additional languages (Spanish, French, or German) a plus.
• Proficiency with MS Office and standard software packages.
• Exceptional writing and presentation skills, with the ability to tailor content for specific audiences across multiple media platforms.
• Creativity, excellent judgment on communication content and channels, and experience in sustainability communications a major plus.
• Proven ability in crisis communications and building strong interpersonal relationships.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Millar Cameron, we are dedicated to supporting our clients in building and supporting diverse and inclusive workplaces and culture, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Since 2007 Millar Cameron has specialised in sourcing leadership and keyperson talent across a number of industries, including agribusiness, international development, industrial, consumer, financial and professional services, private equity, and technology, media and telecommunications. Our mission and purpose is to positively contribute to the development of Africa, and other emerging markets, through the provision of people.