Organisation/Company Universitat Pompeu Fabra Department Political and Social Sciences Research Field Political sciences Researcher Profile Other Profession Positions Undergraduate Positions Application Deadline 3 Mar 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
Job title:1 Communication Manager – Join hire between the DIVERSE Project and the John Hopkins Public Policy Center UPF
Position: Full-time Duration: 4 years (aligned with project timeline and PPC funds)
Start date:As soon as possible 2026
Application deadline: 03/03/2026
About the DIVERSE Project
The DIVERSE ( Digitalisation for Environmental Justice and Biocultural Diversity) project is funded by the European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant) to investigate how grassroots transformative initiatives around the world use digital tools, data, and processes to foster environmental justice and biocultural diversity. Over five years, the project will combine global-scale analysis, in-depth case studies across continents, and biographical research on digital leaders to theorise an alternative, relational model of digital transformation emerging from the grassroots. The project involves an interdisciplinary team including the Principal Investigator, postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, research assistant, project manager, and collaborates with activists, communities, and scholars worldwide. Communication, dissemination, and public engagement are central to ensuring the project’s scientific and societal impact. We are therefore seeking a dedicated Communication Manager to lead this dimension.
About the JHU-PPC-UPF
The Johns Hopkins University-Universitat Pompeu Fabra Public Policy Center (JHU-UPF PPC), is a Center of Studies of the Department of Political and Social Sciences of the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona. The Center is located at Ciutadella Campus of the UPF, near Barcelona seaside, which is specialized in social sciences and humanities. Researchers at JHU-UPF Public Policy Center actively participate in critical social environmental science debates, in Barcelona and globally. The JHU-UPF Public Policy Center is a highly internationalized, inclusive, and accessible work environment
Role Summary
The Communication Manager will design, implement, and manage the internal and external communication strategy of both the DIVERSE project, and JHU-UPF PPC in general. The role of the communication manager is to help translate complex scientific and fieldwork insights into accessible and engaging content, increase visibility among academic and non‑academic audiences, coordinate multi‑format outreach, and support networking activities, including the organisation of the hybrid events (e.g. three “Digital Fairs”). The role requires both strategic planning and hands‑on content production across digital platforms.
Key Responsibilities
For the DIVERSE project
Objectives:To promote scientific, societal, and policy impact while fully aligning with the principles of excellence, openness, and responsibility promoted by the European Union. Communication, dissemination, and engagement activities will be integrated throughout the project lifecycle. Thus, DIVERSE’s communication officer will collaborate with the PI and her team for: (i) strategic dissemination of high‑quality scientific results of the group to different audiences, (ii) engaging broader stakeholders and the public with the project’s updates and key insights, and (iii) conducting external public relations and long‑term visibility and reuse of project outputs beyond the funding period.
The Communication Manager will be responsible for:
* Communication and engagement planning and overseeing
o Planning and implementing a comprehensive communication strategy for the project, aligned with its scientific objectives and societal goals.
o Stakeholder and Public Engagement: The project will actively seek dialogue with stakeholders through policy briefings, and interactive events. Feedback from these engagements will inform ongoing research and help refine dissemination messages. Particular attention will be paid to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that communication materials are understandable and relevant to non‑specialist audiences.
* Media content creation and management
o Leading the development and management of the project website, based on a blog‑style communication platform.
o Producing and publishing accessible content (articles, posts, visuals, videos, infographics, policy briefs) about project updates and research insights.
o Managing social media accounts (including, e.g., LinkedIn, BlueSky, Instagram) and coordinating dissemination through UPF’s and other suitable communication channels.
o Helping produce a podcast series and editing podcast episodes created from expert interviews conducted by the research team.
* Event coordination and external public relations
o Coordinating external dissemination, communication, and engagement events (e.g., targeted workshops, hybrid events, support to conference organization).
o Supporting the preparation of press releases in coordination with the UPF Media Area.
o Coordinate the publication of outreach articles for different audiences relevant to the project’s thematic scope (e.g., policy and practice stakeholders, media experts, NGOs, early‑career scientists and interdisciplinary scholars).
o Ensure long‑term dissemination of key outputs, following open‑science, ethical, and data‑protection standards (using, e.g., the project website and public repositories).
For the JHU-PPC-UPF
Main tasks: To lead the communication of the JHU-UPF Public Policy Center through the design, implementation, and monitoring of institutional communication and science outreach strategies that strengthen its positioning, expand the reach of knowledge it generates, and consolidate relationships with key actors in the academic and social spheres. aligned with the Center’s institutional plan. Prepare materials about projects and initiatives carried out at the PPC for the publication and dissemination of their results (e.g., the LEARN‑UEJ project or the 2nd International Congress of Ecological Humanities).
The Communication Manager will be responsible for:
* Strategy and Positioning
o Design and implement communication strategies aligned with the Center’s institutional plan.
o Define, strengthen, and adapt key messages for strategic audiences in the academic and social sectors.
o Manage the Center’s public reputation and support the dissemination and visibility of projects.
* Media relations
o Develop and maintain an active portfolio of partner media outlets.
o Draft and distribute press releases and articles for the institutional website.
o Coordinate press activities linked to institutional milestones and scientific results.
* Digital Communication
o End‑to‑end management of social media (e.g., X, Bluesky, Instagram, YouTube): planning, content creation, publication, monitoring of interactions, and user engagement.
o Maintain and share an updated editorial calendar with the involved teams.
o Dissemination of results from finalised projects (MSCA, completed conferences).
* Monitoring and Analysis
o Review impact and reach metrics to optimize strategies, content, and communication channels.
* Design and Production
o Layout and design of institutional documents and dissemination materials using Adobe Suite.
* Web Management
o Content updates and maintenance using CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress)
On Event Management
DIVERSE project: Co-organise the project’s three digital fairs (online hybrid scholar‑activist events), including logistics, communication, participant engagement, and follow‑up activities.
Support the organisation of conference presentations, workshops, and public events. Liaise with international partners, activists, community representatives, and responsible tech organisations.
JHU-PPC: Coordinate and support outreach and events of the JHU-UPF PPC, including audiovisual coverage of activities (photography, video, live social media). Propose and develop creative formats that translate research findings to non‑specialised audiences. Maintain an up‑to‑date editorial calendar of publications and ensure its regular circulation among the teams involved.
On Internal Communication & Support
DIVERSE project: The communication officer will support the PI in maintaining internal communication workflows, together with the Project Manager. The communication officer will assist researchers (MSc, PhD students, postdocs) in communicating fieldwork updates and outputs, e.g., helping prepare visual and communication material for presentations, reports, and stakeholder engagement.
JHU-PPC: Facilitate smooth and effective communication among Center team members and principal investigators by coordinating information flows, aligning communication needs across projects, and providing ongoing support to research teams. Attend project‑related meetings as required to ensure alignment between research activities and communication strategies, and to proactively identify opportunities for dissemination and visibility.
* Technical studies or equivalent. Very valuable university degree in Communication or Social Sciences, Journalism, Marketing, Digital Media, Public Relations or related fields.
* A high level of English, Catalan and Spanish (written and spoken) is required. Knowledge of other languages will be valued.
* Demonstrated experience, desirably up to 2 years, in media planning and implementation, such as:
o Brand & communication strategist, desirably in science communication contexts
o Science communication, digital communication, or communications management in research centres or institutional settings.
o Social media management and content creation. Experience in social media management (e.g., Bluesky, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube & Website).
* Knowledge of video and audio editing is a must (Adobe Premiere Pro or similar softwares).
* Knowledge in graphic design (Adobe Creative Suite, Illustrator, InDesign, Audition). Adobe After Effects is also valuable.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills and storytelling.
* Organisational skills, such as:
o Experience in communication for conferences and international projects
o Strong organisational and interpersonal skills.
o Attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and as a team member in an interdisciplinary, multicultural research environment.
Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent
Languages SPANISH Level Good
Languages CATALAN Level Good
Research Field Political sciences
Additional Information
* Contract type: A full time 35h/week, indefinite contract for the duration of the DIVERSE project (up to 4 years) in accordance with the provisions of Article 23 bis of Spanish Law 14/2011 on Science, Technology, and Innovation.
* Group scale: PSR3U
* Probationary period of 6 months.
* Integration in a dynamic international research team at a leading university.
* Opportunities for professional development in science communication, digital media, and academic‑activist networks.
* Flexible working environment and possibility of hybrid work arrangements.
* Participation in global‑level events and exchanges related to digitalisation, environmental justice, and social transformation.
* Access to Spain’s public health and social security system.
Eligibility criteria
Applications from candidates who fulfill at least five of the requirements listed above will be evaluated. Eligible applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
* Disciplinary fit with project: 1-5 points
* Relevant experience and expertise: 1-5 points
* Communication and digital media skills: 1-5 points
The recruitment will follow the HR excellence in research policy that guarantees open, transparent and merit‑based recruitment (OTM‑R) for all candidates and all phases of the process. UPF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, under‑represented groups, and candidates with diverse backgrounds.
Selection process
The selection committee will short‑list candidates who pass an average score of 8.0 points for an online interview.
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