Senior Communications Consultant – German Media & Strategic Communications

ISD is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organisation dedicated to safeguarding elections, freedom, national security, public safety and individual rights by reversing the rising global tide of polarisation, extremism, foreign interference and authoritarianism. Combining research and analysis with government advisory work and the design and delivery of training, education and communications programs, ISD works to implement real-world, evidence-based responses to these challenges.

Why work for ISD?

ISD is not your ordinary think tank. We turn research into action that changes the world. Our insights don't gather dust on shelves - they power the fight to protect democracy and human rights on the front lines. We're committed to delivering real change, from the grassroots to the highest levels of global institutions. And we're looking for passionate individuals who share our commitment to making a difference. Join us and be part of an organisation that's making an impact.

ISD's Guiding Principles of integrity, collaboration, agility and courage define who we are as a team and an organisation. These principles reflect our culture and guide the way we work and the choices we make.

Location

Remote; occasional attendance at ISD’s Berlin office.

Contract type

Consultancy agreement (self-employed). Fixed term, part-time.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

ISD is committed to promoting diversity throughout its workforce and aims for its team to be truly representative of all sections of society. We make a concerted effort to ensure our workplace, employment policies and organisational culture creates an inclusive, positive and progressive environment in which all members of our team are treated with dignity and respect. For further information about this policy or our recruitment practices, please email [email protected].

We strongly encourage applications from people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, carers, and people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

Consultancy Purpose

ISD Germany is seeking a senior communications consultant to lead proactive German-language media engagement and strategic communications at a pivotal moment for our work in Germany. Working closely with leadership and communications colleagues in Germany and elsewhere, the consultant will:

• raise the profile of ISD’s research and analysis in the German-language media landscape (especially Austria and Germany), with increased European/EU exposure desirable
• position ISD as a trusted expert voice on violent extremism, information operations and authoritarian threats to democracy
• enhance existing internal systems to enable ISD to better respond and proactively drive media engagements
• provide communications expertise to ISD Germany’s fundraising efforts.

This is a flexible engagement suited to an experienced communications professional who follows the German news cycle closely and can act quickly and credibly within it.

To view full consultancy terms of reference, please click here.

Key responsibilities include:

Proactive German Media Outreach \& News Monitoring (approx. 40%)

• Build and maintain relationships with German journalists, editors and producers across print, broadcast and online, proactively pitching ISD’s research, analysis and experts
• Monitor and interpret the German news cycle and political agenda daily, identifying timely opportunities for ISD to contribute expert commentary and respond at speed.
• Draft and place German-language press releases, statements, op-eds, comment lines and reactive media materials, translating complex research findings into accessible formats.
• Manage crisis and reactive communications in German when needed, including advising leadership, preparing key materials, supporting spokespeople, and mitigating reputational risks.
• Add to and maintain ISD’s database of media contacts on Monday.com.

German Strategic Communications (approx. 40%)

• Develop and steer ISD Germany’s communications strategy, aligning German-language messaging with organisational priorities and campaigns.
• Provide senior strategic counsel to ISD Germany’s leadership and researchers on positioning, narrative and audience engagement in the German context.
• Shape and quality-assure German-language messaging, talking points and key communications products so they are accurate, accessible and on-brand.
• Support the development of donor-facing materials, proposals and reports in German and English, ensuring clarity and consistency of message.

Relationship \& Stakeholder Management (approx. 20%)

• Cultivate long-term relationships with key journalists and editorial desks.
• Coordinate with partner organizations, civil society networks, and EU/national institutions to amplify reach.
• Conduct regular landscape analysis of how competitors and peer organizations are positioned in German-language media.

The ideal candidate

The ideal candidate will be a native or fluent German speaker with excellent written and spoken English, a strong and up-to-date understanding of the German media landscape, political environment, and news agenda, and a working knowledge of ISD’s core issue areas, along with the ability to quickly build further subject-matter expertise.

Please review our consultancy terms of reference for essential criteria, and keep in mind that no candidate will meet every requirement in the advert. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified, but you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to hear from you.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted by 15th July 2026. ISD reserves the right to conduct interviews and make appointments prior to the stated deadline. Applications may be submitted in English.

If you have any further questions about this vacancy or want to speak to a member of our recruitment team, please contact [email protected].