Chief Communications Officer

Role: Chief Communications Officer

Contract Type: Volunteer, Pro Bono

Interview: October-November 2026

Duration 12 Months (With Possible Extension)

Who we are & What do we believe?

Arcadia is a non-profit, international non-governmental organisation with a global presence, comprising 238 members from all seven continents. Founded and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Arcadia is dedicated to two core missions:

Our primary mission is to make university-level education accessible to everyone, irrespective of financial, social, geographical, or political barriers. We strive for academic excellence and aim to diminish the limitations to education, ensuring that high-quality education is available to all. Our secondary mission is to foster a global appreciation and support for art. By addressing contemporary global issues through art in our exhibitions, and highlighting significant art events worldwide, we aim to cultivate a deep-seated art consciousness. Our goal is to inspire a greater appreciation for art in the modern world.

At Arcadia, our academic team consists of over 70 international researchers who contribute to Higher Education-level academic articles across a myriad of disciplines. Our commitment to sharing knowledge without any charges or subscriptions ensures that everyone, everywhere, can benefit from our collective expertise. We believe in the transformative power of education and art to create a better, more enlightened world, a modern utopia.

Wherever you are, whoever you are !

We believe that the internet is one of the greatest resources humanity has achieved, giving us the opportunity to exceed our physical boundaries. Arcadia welcomes all; regardless of gender, ethnicity, and age. We embrace diversity and as an international NGO with more than 79 different nationalities, our aim is to support diversity within our teams and allow people all around the world to have the opportunity to join and contribute and grow in their fields of interest.

About the Position

Arcadia is seeking an exceptional and visionary Chief Communications Officer to lead our global communications efforts and elevate the profile of our diverse initiatives across key media and public-facing platforms. As the CCO, you will be responsible for designing and executing comprehensive communications strategies that align with Arcadia’s mission and drive meaningful social impact. You will oversee both internal and external communications, ensuring clear, consistent messaging that resonates with our stakeholders and enhances Arcadia’s public image. Your role will include direct line management of two senior managers – the Public Relations Director and the Public Relations Manager. You will work closely with both, managing a team of 20 public relations professionals to ensure that the organisation’s communications campaigns are executed with precision, creativity, and impact. You will also be responsible for collaborating with the Chief Media Officer and Chief Marketing Officer for setting strategic priorities, creating high-quality, compelling content, and building and maintaining strong relationships with external media outlets and key partners. You will lead strategic communications, manage crisis communications, and play a key role in increasing the visibility of Arcadia on an international scale.

This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the communications function of a globally recognised international non-governmental organisation that stands at the intersection of academia, art, and social change. We are seeking an individual with a passion for impactful storytelling, a strong understanding of media relations, and the ability to lead a dynamic, high-performance communications team that drives Arcadia’s mission forward.

Key Responsibilities

As the CCO, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing Arcadia's visibility and reputation, strategically shaping its communications efforts. Your responsibilities will include:

Strategic Communications Leadership:

• Provide forward-thinking communications counsel to the executive board and senior leadership team, ensuring the organisation remains proactive in addressing public relations challenges and seizing opportunities in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Media Relations and Content Strategy:

• Act as the principal point of contact for all media relations and external communications. Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, media outlets, influencers, and content partners to enhance Arcadia’s public image.

Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy:

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including donors, academic institutions, artists, and government agencies, to advocate for Arcadia’s work and promote its global initiatives. Serve as a trusted advisor to the executive board on matters related to communications, media strategy, and public engagement. Provide guidance on key messaging, communications risks, and strategic media opportunities to increase Arcadia’s global influence.

Skills and Competencies Required:

Communications Expertise:

• Extensive experience in developing and implementing successful communication strategies, ideally within a non-profit or mission-driven environment. Proven ability to align communication efforts with organisational goals and create measurable impact across a variety of platforms.

Media Relations and Content Creation:

• Expertise in managing media relations and crafting compelling narratives. Ability to manage both proactive and reactive media campaigns, cultivate strong media relationships, and deliver high-quality content that engages a diverse audience.

Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving:

• Strong strategic and analytical mindset, with the ability to navigate complex communications challenges, identify opportunities for brand enhancement, and develop innovative solutions that further the organisation’s mission.

Qualifications

• A master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field from a reputable institution. Professional certifications or qualifications in media relations, digital communication, or strategic communications are highly desirable.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, or marketing management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership position overseeing communications strategy, media outreach, and public relations. Experience within the nonprofit sector, particularly with international or mission-driven organisations, is highly advantageous but not required.
• Demonstrated expertise in leading and managing communications teams, including supervising senior communications officers or directors. Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams that consistently deliver impactful media campaigns and communication strategies.
• Strong advisory experience, serving as a trusted communications consultant and primary point of contact for executive boards, senior leadership teams, and external stakeholders on all communications matters. Ability to provide strategic counsel on complex communications issues, including crisis management, media strategy, and public perception.
• Extensive knowledge of the media landscape, including both traditional and digital media channels. Familiarity with media regulations, press relations, and the intricacies of managing communications.
• Fluency in English (CEFR C1) is required. Proficiency in French or German is highly desirable but not required..
• Proven ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with key external stakeholders, including media outlets, influencers, governmental bodies, and partner organisations. Experience working with international media and managing high-profile media content will be an asset.
• Comfortable with part-time commitment, contributing 8–10 hours (20%) per week, with availability for remote work, selecting your own working hours.
• A motivational and empathetic leadership style, with a commitment to fostering inclusivity, integrity, and excellence. Strong interpersonal skills to inspire trust and credibility within the organization.

What We Offer

• An online certificate with an international serial number after completing one year at Arcadia.
• Access to Arcadia's Executive Education Certificate Program, which includes six courses totaling 64 hours, specifically tailored for your role, with international certification.
• Access to a global network of seasoned professionals and consultants, offering tailored support to help you grow, excel, and advance in your area of expertise.
• We promise you a green world, a new feature. Join a fully net-zero carbon emission organisation committed to supporting a greener world.
• Flexible working hours based on project deadlines. You must be available to work 8-10 hours per week, with the flexibility to choose your working hours.
• The chance to be part of our volunteer organisation, contributing to Arcadia's humanitarian mission to provide education for all.
• Possibility of contract renewal with advancement at your field at the end of your 1 year according to evaluation of the Arcadia Board.
• The opportunity to work remotely, providing flexibility and the ability to balance your work with other commitments.
• The chance to work with a diverse team of individuals from around the world, supporting the organisation's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
• Being credited with your name, picture and also being credited in the '' Team '' section.
• Training sessions from our valuable and well-experienced team members.
• Being part of our volunteer-based organisation, and the satisfaction of contributing and doing good to the world.

Arcadia is an equal opportunity provider. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status and other legally protected characteristics.