Head of Communication Chile

ESO is looking for an experienced communications leader to manage, guide and contribute to the work of the Communication team in Chile. You will join ESO's Department of Communication (COMM), which is responsible for internal and external communication for the organisation. We provide information about ESO's activities, with the mission of increasing the awareness of ESO, astronomy and the impact of the organisation on society in its Member States and Chile. We cover the whole spectrum of communications, including media relations, content production, public and local outreach, digital communication and internal communication, and engage with a broad range of audiences ranging from scientists and the astronomy community over decision-takers and industry partners, to journalists and members of the public. The Department comprises 20 staff with a range of complementary expertise ranging from astronomy, writing, image processing, video production, publishing, web production and design to event organisation. COMM is based partly at the ESO Headquarters in Garching near Munich, Germany, and partly in Santiago, Chile. We are an international, friendly and motivated team with ties to scientists and professionals throughout ESO and to the broader science communication community.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Developing ESO's communication strategy for Chilean audiences, guided by ESO's overall communication strategy, and overseeing its execution by the COMM Chile team.
• Managing, guiding and developing the COMM Chile team and coordinating the work of staff and contractors.
• Developing, overseeing and managing the COMM Chile budget.
• Procuring and managing service contracts required for COMM Chile's operations.
• Promoting ESO's public visibility in Chile, including in the media, social media and at outreach events.
• Overseeing and strategically guiding the development of ESO's programme of media and public visits to the observatory sites.
• Overseeing, guiding and, where appropriate, contributing to content production for outreach, social media and media activities in Chile.
• Coordinating the team in the organisation of strategic communication events, including at the observatory sites.
• Coordinating crisis communication activities in Chile.
• Acting as ESO media spokesperson in Chile and attending interview requests as required.
• Identifying opportunities and promoting collaborations with other actors in Chile's astronomy, science communication and outreach landscape.
• Attending media and special visits to ESO's observatories (La Silla, Paranal, ELT and ALMA), as required.

Reports to:

Head of the Department of Communication, based in Garching, Germany.

Key Competences and Experience:

Essential Competences and Experience

• At least three years of experience leading, motivating and managing a team of communication professionals, ideally in a scientific institution
• Proven experience in developing and executing communication strategies and managing projects in the science communication area
• A good understanding of the workings of the Chilean science community, media landscape and cultural and political contexts
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to negotiate complex topics
• Staying abreast with evolving communication trends, tools and approaches
• Ability to deal with sensitive communication matters with tact and diplomacy
• Very good organisational skills and the ability to plan and manage multiple projects
• Ability to work effectively in a team in an international environment and collaborate with colleagues from different disciplines and cultures
• Can-do spirit, problem-solving skills and the ability to flexibly adjust to changing contexts and requirements

Desirable Competences and Experience

• Knowledge of physics or astronomy, experience working in a scientific organisation and an interest in science and its impact on society
• Experience producing written science communication in English and in Spanish, and in particular, experience with communicating astronomy or other physical sciences to the public
• Experience with crisis communication
• Experience in event organisation
• Enjoying the combination of giving guidance to others with hands-on content production and operational communication work

Qualifications:

Masters degree or higher-level education in communication, journalism or similar with relevant experience in physical sciences or astronomy, or a background in astronomy, physics or related sciences and work experience in communication.

Language skills:

The position requires fluency in English and Spanish.

Remuneration and Contract:

We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family. ESO aims to support members of personnel in maintaining a good work-life balance via its flexible working and mobile working policies For any further information, please visit https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/localstaff/

The initial contract is for a period of two years with the possibility of an indefinite extension, subject to performance evaluation and operational needs. The title or grade may be subject to change according to qualifications and the number of years of experience of the selected candidate.

Duty Station:

The duty station is Santiago. Applicants should be resident in Chile, in or around Santiago.

Career Path:

This position has been assessed to be in Career path IV which covers A5-B2 grades.

Application:

If you are interested in working in areas of frontline science and technology and in a stimulating international environment, please visit http://www.eso.org for further details.

Applicants are invited to apply online at http://jobs.eso.org/. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and CV. Please additionally provide the contact information (email and phone number) of three professional references in your application who should be able to comment on your work, and who may be consulted as part of this hiring process. You will be informed beforehand in this case.

Deadline for applications is 20 June 2025.

Interviews are expected to take place between 9 and 16 July 2025.

ESO Values

An important element in any successful employment relationship is harmony in values between an organisation and its people.

The ESO values are:

ESO strives for excellence through innovation.

ESO provides outstanding services to its communities.

ESO fosters diversity & inclusion.

ESO believes in the key role of sustainability for its future.

Achieving the above are recognized as only possible on the basis of personal values and attitudes that we expect from our employees: respect, integrity, accountability, commitment, collaboration, and clear & open communication. Applicants to any ESO role are asked to reflect on their affinity with these values and advised they may be asked about them if called for interview.

Diversity

ESO has established diversity as an important value of the Organisation, is committed to providing an equal opportunities environment and is actively seeking to promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Please visit https://www.eso.org/public/about-eso/sustainability/dei-at-eso/ for further details.

Nationality

No nationality is excluded, however non-Chilean applicants must have a pertinent working permit, according to Chilean regulations, at the time of the application. The post is equally open to suitably qualified candidates irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity or religion.