Vacancy:  Open Science and Education Communication and Engagement Leader 

Vacancy: Open Science and Education Communication and Engagement Leader 

SPARC Europe is one of Europe’s key and long-standing voices advocating for unfettered open access to research and education — for the academic community, for education; for the whole of society. We are looking for an Open Science and Education Communication and Engagement Leader to explore more Open opportunities by communicating and collaborating with our partners and stakeholders to make Open the default in Europe. We want you to help build capacity through excellent communication and community management as you support those who want a more Open Science and Education future. 

About SPARC Europe 

SPARC Europe is a not-for-profit foundation and we are mission-driven. Our mission is to provide leadership to Europe’s Higher Education community to enable the conditions, opportunities and rights for more access to Europe’s research and education for all – making Open the default in Europe. 

SPARC Europe thrives on the variety of its activities and it has initiated many ideas, many of which are now coming into fruition across Europe. It is known for its action-orientated approach. This is an exciting time for our new communication and engagement leader. Apart from carrying out regular cutting-edge research to inform European policymaking (our most recent report was read more than 1,500 times) we advocate for Open by engaging with the open community, from Open Science and Education policymakers to advocates at international, national and local levels such as universities and their libraries. We also engage with open infrastructures and research funders. We aim to put their needs first before designing and implementing action to accelerate informed and meaningful change, whilst helping to create and sustain a healthy Open ecosystem. Building capacity in the sector is also core to our work and we do this by managing several important international networks on both high and grassroot levels. 

Job description 

As the SPARC Europe Communication and Engagement Leader, you will work closely with the SPARC Europe Director and with the Open Education Community Manager. You are responsible for effectively communicating and engaging on important Open Science and Open Education to a range of stakeholders to support our change efforts. 

You will do this by taking a targeted approach, strategizing and implementing that strategy in various communities, such as OA books, diamond OA, research data management, open infrastructure, open education and, of course, you will help disseminate the work of SPARC Europe and that of our partners to the relevant audience. 

Responsibilities and tasks 

• Disseminating the work of SPARC Europe and its projects in a concise, creative, engaging and targeted way. 
• Developing strategies to communicate and engage with our stakeholders effectively year on year. 
• Developing and implementing knowledge-sharing activities such as community meetings, webinars, and other events, and using social media and other platforms to share news and good practice. 
• Developing and implementing information campaigns to mobilise change or raise awareness. 
• Progressing and supporting our networks to develop them into thriving communities of practice. 
• Writing blog posts and newsletters as well as concise information materials. 
• Conducting some stakeholder research 

Education, experience, knowledge, skills and ability 

• A Bachelor degree or equivalent. 
• At least 5-10 years communications / marketing experience serving the academic community. Experience with academic libraries is preferred. 
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including strong writing, presentation, social media and meeting facilitation skills. 
• Experience with advocating for Open Science and/or Open Education. 
• Involvement in managing and growing networks or communities and in building trust in a changing environment. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects at the same time, with a result-orientated focus. 
• Driven yet empathetic, and flexible. 

In short, if you are interested in using your creativity with your strong communication skills and your passion for Open to support change on an international level for a more Open society, this position is for you. 

Remuneration and conditions of appointment 

We are offering a position of employment in an innovative sector for a respected Open policy and advocacy organisation. We are looking for support for 32-40 hours per week. You must be located in Europe. 

Initially it is a contract for one year with the prospect of an extension and a permanent contract. Salary depends on education and experience. We ask you to propose your expected net remuneration in your application. 

The post holder is required to work remotely 4-5 days a week between Monday to Friday, and may be expected to travel to certain meetings or conferences 2-3 times per year in Europe, although these will be limited. 

Further information and applications 

If you are interested in this position, then apply by sending your CV and please state why you are motivated to work with SPARC Europe and why you’re right for the position. How you communicate this motivation is up to you. 

Please send your application no later than Friday, 15 September 2023 to info@sparceurope.org 

The first round of interviews will take place online in September 2023. 

For questions about the vacancy, please contact: Vanessa Proudman, Director, SPARC Europe, info@sparceurope.org 

Note: Acquisition in response to this position is not appreciated.