Managing Director, Communications

Purpose of Job

The Managing Director, Communications is accountable for leading and overseeing the development of the Bank’s external and internal communications strategy.

This role drives an innovative and strategically aligned approach to communications and is critical to strengthening the Bank’s visibility, profile and reputation among key stakeholders and the wider public, both in its countries of operation and internationally. It promotes awareness of the EBRD’s transition mandate, mission and activities, while helping to safeguard and enhance the Bank’s reputation.

The role closely interacts with other members of the senior management, including the President, as well as Board members and all the key external and internal stakeholders. The role has an Observer status within the Bank’s Executive Committee (ExCom), and is involved in taking wider Bank decisions, beyond those in the Communications sphere. 

Facts/Scale

• Three direct reports, span of control of 50-55 staff.
• Responsible for an annual department budget circa £5 million pounds a year.
• Advising the President as well as other ExCom members and the Board.
• Responsible for both the Communications Strategy and helping to draw up and influence the Bank’s wider strategy. 

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic adviser to the President on the Bank’s internal and external communications, positioning and reputation.
• Lead the development and delivery of the Bank’s communications strategy across media, external stakeholders and internal audiences, ensuring consistent, engaging and impactful communications aligned with the Bank’s strategic priorities, transformation agenda and workplace behaviours.
• Provide leadership across the Communications Department, ensuring cohesion of approach, alignment of messaging and effective delivery of communications services, products and events that support the Bank’s mission.
• Advise senior leadership on building, enhancing and protecting the EBRD’s reputation and image, including leading the Bank’s response to communications-related crises and reputational risks.
• Build and maintain relationships with Board members, ministers and other key stakeholders to strengthen understanding and support for the Bank’s activities and investments.
• Act as the Bank’s senior spokesperson, ensuring communications reflect the Bank’s strategic direction and business objectives.
• Contribute to the Bank’s strategy and decision-making as an observer member of the Executive Committee.
• Lead the evolution of the Communications Department, including organisational design, transformation initiatives and the adoption of emerging communications practices, technologies and AI-enabled capabilities, supported by appropriate governance frameworks.
• Set the Department’s strategic objectives, manage its resources and budget, and ensure the effective delivery of high-quality communications activities and outcomes.
• Lead, develop and inspire a diverse team, fostering a high-performance culture and creating opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Champion and role model the Bank’s Workplace Behaviours, ensuring the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct across the department. 

This job description is not limited to the responsibilities listed above and the successful candidate may be required to undertake other duties in line with business needs. 

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Extensive experience and expertise in corporate and/or governmental communications and media, with a proven ability to strengthen organisational reputation, build stakeholder confidence and advance strategic objectives through effective communications.
• A well-developed understanding of geo-political and economic issues affecting economies, particularly those within the EBRD’s regions.
• Proven ability to think strategically and shape innovative, forward-looking communications strategies that advance the Bank’s objectives and reputation.
• Demonstrable judgement in dealing with sensitive communications and PR issues.
• Strong track record of providing strategic communications counsel in a complex and politically sensitive environment, underpinned by exceptional political acumen and judgement in determining the most effective messaging, timing, channels and stakeholder engagement approaches to advance the Bank’s objectives and profile.
• Excellent ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Very strong interpersonal skills and able to build and manage relationships with people at all levels within the Bank’s constituencies.
• Ability to interact and operate at a high level, within the Bank and with ministers from shareholder countries.
• Strong networks across media and communications, in areas relevant to the Bank’s strategy and operations.
• Able to inspire, lead and manage a large department and provide wider leadership within the Bank.
• Experience of leading and embedding innovation in communications, leveraging digital channels, emerging technologies and new engagement approaches to enhance the Bank’s reach, impact and effectiveness.

Please note that we are working with an external search firm in the recruitment for this position. By applying for this position you are consenting to your details being shared with this third party. If you have any queries in relation to this role, please submit enquiries to Belinda.Beck@saxbam.com and mention "EBRD MD Communications" in the email subject line. 

What is it like to work at the EBRD? / About EBRD 

Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, and use your talents to make a real difference to people's lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in.  

At EBRD, our Values – Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility – are at the heart of how we work. We bring these to life through our Workplace Behaviours: listening well and speaking up, collaborating smartly, acting decisively with full commitment, and simplifying to amplify our impact. These principles shape our culture and define our success. We seek individuals who not only share these values but are also committed to embedding them in their daily work, fostering a positive and high-performing environment. 

The EBRD environment provides you with: 

• Varied, stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial, political, public and private sectors across the regions we invest in. 
• A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity. Our workforce reflects a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and innovation and enhancing our ability to serve our clients, shareholders, and counterparties effectively.
• A hybrid workplace that offers flexibility to teams and individuals; that is based on trust, flexibility and connectedness. 
• An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do. 
• A workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing and provides a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits. 

Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does.  As such, the EBRD seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities and works in an inclusive environment. The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic background or disability.   

Please note, that due to the high volume of applications received, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted (for further consideration).