PR & Communication manager

Department: Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage
Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
Contract Type: Open-ended

Activity Level: 100%

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is the guardian of the Olympic Games and the leader of the Olympic Movement.A truly global organisation, it acts as a catalyst for collaboration between all Olympic stakeholders, including the athletes, the National Olympic Committees (NOCs), the International Sports Federations (IFs), Organising Committees for the Olympic Games (OCOGs), the Worldwide Olympic Partners and Media Rights-Holders. It also works with public and private authorities,including the United Nations and other international organisations.

If you are experienced in the field of Public Relations and Communications, and the vision to build a better world through sports inspires you, this is a unique opportunity to contribute to the Olympic Movement within the IOC.As a PR and Communications Manager, your mission will be to lead PR and internal/external communication efforts for the Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage (OFCH), enhancing global visibility for its activities, brands, and intiatives

About the Role

As the PR & Communications Manager, you will drive a wide range of initiatives to strengthen our global reputation and promote our diverse activities. Your responsibilities will include:

Strategy and Planning

• Develop and Execute Strategy: Design and implement a comprehensive global PR & Communication strategy to boost international visibility and reinforce our reputation.

• Localized Planning: Lead local, regional, and national PR strategies for the Olympic Museum and the Olympic Studies Centre.

• Campaign Leadership: Develop and manage communication campaigns for major initiatives, such as Olympic cultural, heritage, and educational programmes at the Olympic Games.

• Equip Teams: Provide teams with tools, resources, and training to maintain consistent and effective communication practices.

• Analytics and Improvement: Monitor and evaluate communication efforts, using media analytics to refine strategies and report on outcomes to stakeholders.

Content Creation and Messaging

• Editorial Calendar: Manage a rolling editorial calendar to ensure regular visibility for our projects and activities across traditional and digital platforms.

• Executive Support: Draft high-quality speeches, presentations, and talking points for senior executives, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.

• Governance Reporting: Prepare clear, insightful reports for leadership, boards, and commissions to showcase achievements and future plans.

• Creative Storytelling: Generate compelling content for media, IOC platforms, and public engagement, utilizing innovative digital storytelling techniques.

• Digital Amplification: Strategically use digital channels to enhance audience engagement and visibility for our initiatives.

Media Relations

• Relationship Building: Cultivate strong relationships with local, national, and international media outlets, particularly in the culture, tourism, and leisure sectors.

• Press Materials: Create and distribute polished press releases, kits, and advisories tailored to key audiences and aligned with our strategic goals.

• Press Events: Plan and lead impactful press events, including conferences, briefings, and interviews, while keeping digital platforms current with external communication.

• Media Training: Provide media training for staff and offer real-time support during high-profile media engagements.

Internal Communications

• Staff Engagement: Lead the creation of an internal newsletter to keep all teams informed and engaged with the organization’s initiatives.

• Collaboration: Work closely with the IOC’s Internal Communications team to align and promote OFCH activities across the broader organization.

• Information Flow: Foster information sharing and collaboration between OFCH teams through clear, consistent internal messaging.

Leadership and Team Supervision

• Team Management: Supervise and mentor the PR & Communications Coordinator, ensuring alignment with OFCH’s strategic communication goals while fostering professional growth.

We’re seeking someone with:

• A strong background in PR, media relations, and communication strategy, with proven professional experience in a leading newsroom, print or digital media agency, PR agency, or similar environments.

• Proven ability to craft engaging editorial content, deliver high-quality speeches, and manage complex messaging for diverse audiences.

• Expertise in designing and executing targeted communication campaigns, paired with a proactive approach to anticipating and managing reputational risks.

• Established relationships with key media, particularly in culture, tourism, and leisure, and a deep understanding of media and digital landscapes.

• A team-oriented mindset with strong project management skills and the ability to inspire and guide others.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Communication, Journalism, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).

• Fluency in English and/or French, with a preference for candidates fluent in both languages.

• Experience in the arts, culture sector, or Olympic Movement is highly desirable.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a global movement celebrating Olympic culture, heritage, and education.

• Work in an innovative, inspiring environment in Lausanne, Switzerland—the heart of the Olympic Movement.

• Shape impactful strategies that resonate across local and international platforms.

Come and join an organisation where the spirit of inclusion, gender equality and diversity is embedded in its DNA and which focuses on what unites us – a passion for sport and its values. Work in a flexible and rewarding environment which offers competitive employee benefits and numerous incentives to live a sustainable, healthy and active life. By joining us, you become part of the Olympic Movement and help to build a better world through sport. You will have the opportunity to work with people of more than 70 nationalities.