Communications officer

Are you an experienced communications professional who bridges the gap between science and practice? With your expertise in modern communication tools and strategic insights, you ensure that our innovative projects in the agricultural sector receive the attention they deserve. Does this sound like your next challenge? Read on!

At the Open Crops business unit, we focus on improving various aspects of sustainability in arable farming, field vegetable production, and tree and fruit cultivation. The agricultural sector faces many challenges due to changes in both climate and society. It aims not only to ensure sustainable food production but also to contribute to improving the environment and biodiversity. In our research projects, we work with national and international partners to develop knowledge and tools to achieve this. Communication is essential in this process.

We are therefore looking for a driven professional to support our research teams in effectively communicating research results and enhancing our visibility and impact. Does this sound like a challenge for you? Then we are looking for you!

How Will You Contribute?
As a communications professional, you will play a key role in our larger research projects. Alongside a team of positive, pragmatic, and driven colleagues, you will contribute to the communication strategy and its execution. You will focus on various target groups, such as agricultural entrepreneurs, policymakers, and the education sector, ensuring that our messages are conveyed effectively and inspiringly.

No two days are the same: one day, you might design a webpage, post on social media, or write a press release, while the next day, you could organize an event, coordinate a podcast, or advise a project leader. You have a hands-on mentality and are proactive. In this role, you will have the freedom to bring your ideas and initiatives to the table. This not only provides variety but also gives you ample opportunities to develop both yourself and the communications department further.

The Team
You will work closely with three enthusiastic colleagues, including a graphic designer and an event manager. The communications department is part of the business office, where you will also collaborate with management assistants and financial project support staff. While you can manage your schedule flexibly, your presence at our office in Lelystad is important to stay connected with ongoing projects. From Lelystad, you will work with a view of our test fields. You will also frequently travel to Wageningen or our test locations across the country. When it comes to employment conditions, you are in good hands at Wageningen University & Research. Highlights from our collective labor agreement include:

• Flexible working hours to achieve an optimal work-life balance;
• Sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• Focus on vitality with access to campus sports facilities at attractive rates;
• A structural end-of-year bonus of 8.3%;
• Excellent pension scheme via ABP.

Alongside these excellent secondary benefits, we offer a competitive salary, based on your experience, ranging from €3,316 to €4,734 for a full-time (36-hour) workweek, according to the CAO Wageningen Research (scale 9). A 32-hour workweek is also negotiable. Initially, we offer a one-year contract, which can be extended based on performance. We are happy to discuss any questions you may have regarding the contract.

Wageningen University & Research offers abundant opportunities for growth and development, with strong internal recruitment policies and excellent training opportunities.

The position is based in Lelystad. The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

• You have a completed HBO education in communication or a related field;
• You thrive in a dynamic work environment and can inspire others with your communication ideas;
• You are proactive and seek collaboration with researchers;
• You have experience creating communication plans;
• You are a skilled writer, with the ability to adapt your tone and style to the target audience;
• You can structure and prioritize ideas effectively;
• You are able to creatively translate research results into an impactful communication message;
• You have a hands-on mentality;
• You have experience working on projects and are not afraid to juggle multiple projects simultaneously;
• You have an affinity with the agricultural sector;
• Fluency in English is required for this role.

You’ll notice there are plenty of challenges ahead. These challenges can also be viewed as development opportunities. If you don’t yet have all the experience listed in the job posting but do have solid work experience, we still encourage you to apply.

WUR welcomes applications from international candidates. However, for applicants for this specific position from outside the EU/EFTA zone, immigration restrictions may apply based on Dutch and EU immigration laws. Such candidates may be eligible for an “orientation year” in the Netherlands or a visa as a “knowledge migrant”. For more information about the role, please contact Olaf Hartsema, head of the business office, by phone at 0320-291477 or by email at [email protected].

For questions about the application process, please contact Ine van’t Land, corporate recruiter, at [email protected].

How to Apply?
Click the application button on the vacancy page of our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

The deadline for applications is February 10, 2025. First interviews will take place shortly after the closing date.

Application Process
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be included.

Welcome, Safe, and Valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) places great value on diversity and inclusion because we believe different perspectives lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and valued, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we build a culture where everyone’s unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.