Deputy Head of Communication Management

Role Overview

ICF Next is one of Europe's leading integrated communication agencies, combining strategic consulting, creative services, digital expertise, and stakeholder engagement to help clients address complex communication challenges. With a strong presence across EU institutions and public sector organizations, we deliver impactful 360° communication campaigns that inform, engage, and inspire audiences across Europe.

The Deputy Head of Communication Management supports the Head of Communication Management in the delivery of large-scale EU communication projects and services managed by the Communication Management Team. The role combines operational leadership, team development, project oversight, and financial monitoring to ensure the successful delivery of high-quality 360° communication campaigns. Working closely with Communication Managers, Account Directors, Service Leads, and expert teams across ICF Next, the Deputy Head helps drive excellence in project management, collaboration, client satisfaction, and team performance.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Capability Development

• Promote project management best practices across the Communication Management Team through coaching, guidance, monitoring, and knowledge sharing.
• Identify training needs and coordinate annual training plans, including internal workshops and external learning opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture by encouraging professionalism, teamwork, and continuous development.
• Provide coaching and feedback to team members, support newcomer onboarding, assist with goal setting, and contribute to performance reviews.
• Support recruitment activities and workforce planning for the Communication Management Team.

Project Delivery & Quality Assurance

• Ensure the consistent application of processes, methodologies, and quality standards across projects.
• Monitor strategic, complex, or high-visibility projects to ensure delivery excellence and client satisfaction.
• Support the resolution of critical project issues and risks in a timely and effective manner.
• Work closely with Service Leads and expert teams to establish project task forces and ensure seamless cross-functional collaboration.

Financial Oversight & Performance Monitoring

• Support Communication Managers in the financial management of selected projects and contracts.
• Oversee budget tracking, cost control, profitability monitoring, and financial KPI reporting, in collaboration with Line of Business Leads and the Finance Team.
• Ensure projects are managed efficiently and contribute to the overall performance objectives of the business.
• Provide regular reporting and insights to the Head of Communication Management.

Client Relationship & Business Growth

• Collaborate with Account Directors to maintain high levels of client satisfaction and service quality.
• Identify opportunities for account growth, service expansion, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure Communication Managers provide regular and accurate project status updates to Account Directors.
• Contribute to the development of new services and innovative client solutions.

Strategic Support to the Head of Communication Management

• Proposing improvements to project management methodologies, tools, and ways of working.
• Facilitating strong collaboration between Account Directors, Communication Managers, Service Leads, and other ICF Next teams, particularly Strategy and Creative.
• Supporting the design, development, delivery, and management of communication activities across key accounts.
• Contributing to team performance management and talent development initiatives.

Profile We Are Looking For Experience

• 8+ years of professional experience in EU communications, public affairs, strategic communications, campaign management, or a related field.
• At least 3 to 5 years' experience managing large-scale EU-funded communication projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven track record delivering integrated 360° communication campaigns, including digital communications, media relations, stakeholder engagement, events, and content development.
• Strong experience in project financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, profitability monitoring, and KPI reporting.
• Experience coaching, mentoring, or leading communication managers and project teams within a matrix environment.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent project and account management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple complex contracts simultaneously.
• Strong leadership and people development capabilities, with a focus on team engagement and performance.
• Sound knowledge of pro