External Communications Specialist
Lausanne, CH
About IMD
Founded by business executives for business executives, the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) is an independent academic institute with campuses in Lausanne and Singapore as well as a Management Development Hub in Shenzhen.
We strive to be the trusted learning partner of choice for ambitious individuals and organizations worldwide. Our executive education and degree programs are consistently ranked among the world’s best by the Financial Times, Bloomberg, Forbes, and others.
Our leading position in the field is grounded in our unique approach to creating real learning, real impact. Through our research, programs, and advisory work we enable business leaders to find new and better solutions.
Our purpose is Challenging what is and inspiring what could be, we develop leaders and organizations that contribute to a more prosperous, sustainable and inclusive world.
To reinforce our team, we are looking for a
External Communications Specialist
The Job’s Mission
To drive external outreach and increase IMD's brand awareness and reputation through strategic media relations, coordinated PR activities across key markets, and comprehensive external communication initiatives. In close collaboration with the Chief Communications Officer, this role manages global media relations efforts ahile building strong relationships with media professionals to amplify IMD's thought leadership and institutional visibility
Key Activities & Accountabilities
Media Relations & External Outreach
• Execute comprehensive media relations strategy: identify, cultivate and maintain relationships with key media contacts and journalists across global markets, developing personalized connections that generate sustained coverage and PR opportunities
• Create and deliver media pitches based on IMD research outputs, faculty expertise, institutional rankings, and program offerings
• Organize and coordinate faculty interviews, expert commentary, and media appearances to position IMD as a thought leader in business education
• Write compelling press releases and comprehensive media kits about research publications, rankings releases, and institutional announcements
• Coordinate the creation and placement of op-eds and regular columns with various media partners
• Establish partnerships with leading international publications to secure faculty contributions, op-eds, and thought leadership placements
Market Coordination
• Coordinate PR contacts and activities across multiple international markets, ensuring consistent brand messaging and strategic alignment
• Support Client & Market Development teams by amplifying local brand awareness and positioning new program offerings through targeted PR activities; coordinate monthly or bi-monthly regional newsletters
• Monitor and analyze media coverage across markets, preparing comprehensive reports and analytics to measure impact and ROI
Book promotions
• Manage relationship with Publishing Liaison Lead and external publicist to coordinate book promotion activities and leverage faculty publications for media opportunities
• Building engaging book pages on imd.org and I by IMD
Data-Driven Communications
• Utilize data analytics to optimize communication strategies, identify trending topics, and measure campaign effectiveness across all external communications initiatives, particularly for articles and op-eds (to ensure that the content proposed is unique/fresh)
Education Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Media Relations, Public Relations, or related field. Advanced degree in Communications or Business an asset
Experience
• 3-5 years of provenexperience in media relations, preferably in an international organisation
• Demonstrated experience in business journalism or communications/PR agency work highly valued
• Knowledge of global media landscape and international publication networks
• Proven track record of successfully pitching stories and securing media placements
Competencies & Skills
• Native-level English writing and communication skills (essential). Additional language proficiency in French, Spanish, or German considered a strong asset
• Exceptional content writing abilities with experience crafting media pitches and press materials
• Strong project management skills with ability to coordinate multiple external communication initiatives simultaneously
• Data-driven approach with experience in media analytics, reporting, and measurement tools
• Strategic mindset with ability to identify and capitalize on PR opportunities
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across international team
• Proficiency in content management systems andmedia monitoring databases
• Strong networking abilities with demonstrated success in building and maintaining media relationships
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
How to apply
If you have the above skills and would like to work in our stimulating environment, please send your complete application file (letter of motivation and resume in English, copies of your work certificates and diplomas).
If you’re a qualified candidate with a disability (such as dyslexia, sight and/or hearing disabilities, etc) and you need a reasonable accommodation in order to apply for this position, please specify it in your application.
A valid Swiss work permit or Swiss or EU-25EFTA citizenship is required for this position.