Job Specifications
Description
ICF Next E&A creates meaningful, high‑impact communication campaigns for European and international audiences. Strategy sits at the heart of everything we do: our Strategic Planners work hand‑in‑hand with Creative, Content and Outreach teams to spark ideas, shape narratives and turn insights into powerful campaigns.
We see strategists as idea catalysts — the ones who turn complex realities into clear direction, inspire creativity, and ensure that every campaign is grounded in genuine citizen insight.
We are looking for an experienced Senior Strategic Planner to work on ambitious communication campaigns covering a wide range of EU policies and programmes, engaging diverse audiences across all EU Member States and beyond.
Your Role
As a Senior Strategic Planner, you will play a key role in shaping the strategic backbone of our campaigns, from insight to impact.
Research & Insight
Lead qualitative and quantitative research to uncover meaningful citizen and stakeholder insights
Translate data into clear, actionable, evidence‑based insights that provide a strong “reason to believe”
Act as the voice of the citizen / end user throughout the agency
Strategy Development
Develop communication and advertising strategies aligned with client objectives, brand positioning and EU policy contexts
Turn insights into clear strategic narratives and creative briefs that inspire breakthrough ideas
Ensure strategic coherence across channels, audiences and markets
Collaboration & Creative Partnership
Work closely with Creative, Content and Outreach teams to guide concept development and messaging
Challenge, inspire and align teams to keep ideas focused, relevant and impactful
Act as a strategic sparring partner throughout the creative process
Measurement & Optimisation
Define success metrics and evaluate campaign effectiveness
Analyse results to identify learnings and opportunities for optimisation
Contribute to continuous improvement across future campaigns
Risk & Mitigation
Identify potential risks in communication strategies
Propose mitigation measures to ensure clarity, credibility and reputational safety
What You Bring
Education & Experience
Master’s degree in Communication Sciences, Political Science, Social Sciences, Psychology, or equivalent
Minimum 8 years of experience in strategic planning, communication or advertising
Proven track record of developing effective, insight‑driven strategies
Skills & Mindset
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (other EU languages are a strong asset)
Strong understanding of media ecosystems and how strategy shapes channel choice and messaging
Passion for EU affairs, policies and public communication
Sharp, curious and analytical mind, with a willingness to challenge assumptions (including your own)
Ability to make complex subjects accessible and engaging for diverse audiences
Highly organised and flexible, able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
A balance of creative and strategic thinking, combining logical, systemic, deductive and inductive reasoning
A strong drive for quality, impact and continuous improvement
Why Join ICF Next?
Work on high‑visibility EU and international campaigns with real societal impact
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in a creative, intellectually stimulating environment
Shape narratives that matter — and help millions of people better understand Europe
#indeed
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair and equitable interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodations that involve the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Brussels, Belgium (BE75)
About the Company
We’re ICF Next, your strategic partner for engagement and transformation. Our passion is to help you make the change you need to succeed. We are mission-driven creatives, communicators, strategists and technologists. Part of global consultancy ICF, we're working to improve the world in areas from energy to health to transportation and beyond. From strategy to execution, we create the kind of change that brings you closer to the people you serve: citizens, colleagues, and entire communities.
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