Director of Communications and Community Relations

About the position

The director of communications and community relations serves as a strategic partner to the rector, vice-rectors and other members of the University leadership in matters relating to communications, advocacy and community relations. You will lead the University’s Communications and Community Relations sector and ensure that its activities support the University’s strategic plan, enhance the University’s international profile and promote the societal impact of research.

You will oversee a sector of more than 100 specialists and be responsible for goal-oriented development. The Communications and Community Relations sector’s remit covers communications about strategic projects, the University brand, media relations, marketing, public engagement, alumni activities, fundraising, activities of the Think Corner venue and the organisation of major events at the University.

You will be a member of the University Services management group and report to the director of administration. This is a permanent position starting on 1 January 2027 or as agreed.

What kind of leader are we looking for?

We are looking for an experienced and visionary leader with the ability to lead communications and community relations comprehensively in line with strategic objectives. You understand how research-based knowledge, public debate and policy-making are interconnected. You actively follow changes in the operating environment and anticipate their impact on the University of Helsinki.

You use data, analytics and research knowledge to support decision-making. You understand the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on communications and continuously develop your expertise and that of the organisation. You interact naturally with audiences ranging from the University community to the media, policy-makers and other stakeholders in society. You know how to strengthen the global visibility of the University and research.

To succeed in this position, you must have:

• Strong experience of leading and strategically developing communications, community relations and advocacy work
• The ability to set a clear long-term course of action and the determination to implement it
• The ability to communicate difficult issues clearly and convincingly
• Experience with crisis communications
• A goal-oriented and enhancement-led approach to leadership
• An excellent understanding of society, decision-making and the media environment
• A master’s or equivalent degree from a relevant field

In our culturally diverse organisation and in international collaboration, you will need excellent Finnish as well as fluent English and Swedish.

Why choose the University of Helsinki?

At the University of Helsinki, you will work in an environment where research, education and society come together. In this position, you will contribute to how the University communicates about its research and teaching, participates in public debate and promotes the role of research in society. We offer you a meaningful and wide-ranging leadership position at Finland’s most internationally renowned university, including the opportunity to work with a highly skilled and motivated community of specialists. The University is guided by the values of truth, Bildung, freedom and inclusivity.

Interested?

Please submit your motivation letter, CV and salary expectation by 19 October 2026 through the University of Helsinki recruitment system.

The recruitment process is carried out in cooperation with JFP Executive Search Oy.

For further information about the position, please contact Director of Administration Esa Hämäläinen, who will be the appointee’s supervisor (02941 22212, admindirector@helsinki.fi) and JFP Executive Search Markku Leskinen (markku.leskinen@jfp.fi), tel. +358 500 637 003. You may also send a message requesting a return call.