Head of Press

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

Job Description - Head of Press (261336)

Head of Press - 261336

NATO Body

NATO International Staff (NATO IS)

Salary (Pay Basis)

Grade NATO Grade G20

Schedule

Full-time

Application Deadline

13-Sep-2026, 9:59:00 PM

1. SUMMARY

The Office of Strategic Communications (OSC) provides communications direction and guidance to stakeholders across the NATO enterprise and coordinates strategic communications activities across all NATO civilian and military bodies. The Office carries out full-spectrum communications, analysing the information environment, designing and creating content, managing communications technology and platforms, overseeing media relations, and engaging audiences through a wide range of channels.

Within the Press and Media Section in the OSC, the post holder manages the work of the Press Office. The Head of Press supports the OSC leadership, by overseeing the drafting of media products for the NATO Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General, handling journalists’ queries, and supporting the organisation of media engagements together with the Head of Media Operations and Monitoring.

The post holder may be required to travel occasionally and work beyond standard office hours.

2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• have a university degree in a relevant field;
• have at least 7 years’ experience in a media / communications environment;
• have experience in managing or leading teams;
• have excellent drafting, editing and communications skills and political judgement;
• have the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): VI ("Proficiency") in one; I ("Beginner") in the other.

The following would be considered an advantage:

• familiarity with the international press corps;
• familiarity with or experience in international organisations and/or the security and defence sector.

3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

Expertise Development.

Ensure the timeliness, quality, consistency and newsworthiness of media products. Deal with media queries, corrections and rebuttals in a proactive and accurate way within the news cycle. Keep up-to-date with NATO’s political agenda and help to craft key messages for the media. Ensure timely and accurate transcripts of media engagements by the Secretary General and other NATO officials. Brief on media issues and travel with the Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General and the North Atlantic Council, as required.

Knowledge Management.

Draft and review press conferences and statements for the Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General and the Spokesperson demonstrating sound political judgement, organisational awareness and newsworthiness. Write and review products and updates for the NATO website and relevant social media channels. Support the delivery of the OSC’s communications strategy and plans.

Representation of the Organisation

Brief journalists, visitor groups and other audiences on NATO's policies, responsibilities and activities. Represent the Press and Media Section in internal and external meetings. Support the organisation of press conferences, briefings, press tours and media interviews together with the Head of Media Operations and Monitoring.

People Management.

Ensure that all staff under their responsibility are clear on organisational and OSC objectives. Create a motivating and effective workplace. Provide mentoring, coaching and training opportunities, and direct the work of the team. Provide regular and fair feedback on performance.

Financial Management:

Oversee the management of the section’s budget in compliance with NATO’s financial regulations and procedures.

Perform any other related duty as required.

4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS

• Reporting Line: The Head of Press reports to the Deputy Director, OSC.
• Interactions: The post holder works closely with the leadership and team members across the OSC, other IS and IMS Divisions/Offices, the military chain of command, members of national delegations, other NATO entities, service providers, and representatives from the media.
• Direct reports: 12
• Indirect reports: N/a

5. COMPETENCIES

• Achievement: Creates own measures of excellence and improves performance;
• Change Leadership: Personally leads change;
• Clarity and Accuracy: Monitors data or projects;
• Conceptual Thinking: Applies learned concepts;
• Flexibility: Adapts own strategy;
• Impact and Influence: Takes multiple actions to persuade;
• Initiative: Plans and acts up to a year ahead;
• Leadership: Promotes team effectiveness;
• Organisational Awareness: Understands or