Deputy Head of Communication Management
ICF Next is one of Europe's leading integrated communication agencies, combining strategic consulting, creative services, digital expertise, and stakeholder engagement to help clients address complex communication challenges. With a strong presence across EU institutions and public sector organizations, we deliver impactful 360° communication campaigns that inform, engage, and inspire audiences across Europe.
Role Overview
The Deputy Head of Communication Management supports the Head of Communication Management in the delivery of large-scale EU communication projects and services managed by the Communication Management Team. The role combines operational leadership, team development, project oversight, and financial monitoring to ensure the successful delivery of high-quality 360° communication campaigns.
Working closely with Communication Managers, Account Directors, Service Leads, and expert teams across ICF Next, the Deputy Head helps drive excellence in project management, collaboration, client satisfaction, and team performance.
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Capability Development
Promote project management best practices across the Communication Management Team through coaching, guidance, monitoring, and knowledge sharing.
Identify training needs and coordinate annual training plans, including internal workshops and external learning opportunities.
Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture by encouraging professionalism, teamwork, and continuous development.
Provide coaching and feedback to team members, support newcomer onboarding, assist with goal setting, and contribute to performance reviews.
Support recruitment activities and workforce planning for the Communication Management Team.
Project Delivery & Quality Assurance
Ensure the consistent application of processes, methodologies, and quality standards across projects.
Monitor strategic, complex, or high-visibility projects to ensure delivery excellence and client satisfaction.
Support the resolution of critical project issues and risks in a timely and effective manner.
Work closely with Service Leads and expert teams to establish project task forces and ensure seamless cross-functional collaboration.
Financial Oversight & Performance Monitoring
Support Communication Managers in the financial management of selected projects and contracts.
Oversee budget tracking, cost control, profitability monitoring, and financial KPI reporting, in collaboration with Line of Business Leads and the Finance Team.
Ensure projects are managed efficiently and contribute to the overall performance objectives of the business.
Provide regular reporting and insights to the Head of Communication Management.
Client Relationship & Business Growth
Collaborate with Account Directors to maintain high levels of client satisfaction and service quality.
Identify opportunities for account growth, service expansion, and continuous improvement.
Ensure Communication Managers provide regular and accurate project status updates to Account Directors.
Contribute to the development of new services and innovative client solutions.
Strategic Support to the Head of Communication Management
The Deputy Head will support the Head of Communication Management by:
Proposing improvements to project management methodologies, tools, and ways of working.
Facilitating strong collaboration between Account Directors, Communication Managers, Service Leads, and other ICF Next teams, particularly Strategy and Creative.
Supporting the design, development, delivery, and management of communication activities across key accounts.
Contributing to team performance management and talent development initiatives.
Profile We Are Looking For
Experience
8+ years of professional experience in EU communications, public affairs, strategic communications, campaign management, or a related field.
At least 3 to 5 years' experience managing large-scale EU-funded communication projects and multidisciplinary teams.
Proven track record delivering integrated 360° communication campaigns, including digital communications, media relations, stakeholder engagement, events, and content development.
Strong experience in project financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, profitability monitoring, and KPI reporting.
Experience coaching, mentoring, or leading communication managers and project teams within a matrix environment.
Skills & Competencies
Excellent project and account management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple complex contracts simultaneously.
Strong leadership and people development capabilities, with a focus on team engagement and performance.
Sound knowledge of project management methodologies, resource planning, quality assurance, and risk management.
Strong commercial awareness and ability to identify growth opportunities within existing accounts.
Ability to influence senior stakeholders and build effective relationships across teams and service lines.
Excellent organizational and prioritization skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Solution-oriented mindset with excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Education
Master's degree (or equivalent) in Communications, Public Relations, Political Science, European Studies, Business Administration, Marketing, Journalism, or a related discipline.
Languages
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (C1/C2 level).
Additional EU languages are considered an asset.
Right to Work, Location & Sponsorship (Belgium)
We welcome applications from candidates based in any country. This role is in Belgium, and successful candidates must:
Have the legal right to work in Belgium, or be eligible for sponsorship on a case-by-case basis, and
Be physically located in Belgium by Day 1 of employment (or shortly before your start date).
Please ensure you can meet the right-to-work and location requirements or would qualify for sponsorship where applicable.
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Bot and Third-Party Applications
Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration. Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact [email protected] for assistance.
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair and equitable interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodations that involve the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at [email protected]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
