Head of the Communications and Marketing (f/m/d)

Berlin-Buch | Max Delbrück Center

The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association is an international biomedical research center dedicated to understanding the molecular mechanisms of health and disease with the goal to devise new diagnostics and medicines. The MDC is a member of the Helmholtz Association, Germany's largest scientific organization, and offers an engaging research environment with cutting-edge research infrastructure. Currently, ~1250 employees and ~500 guest scientists work at the Berlin-Buch and Berlin-Mitte campuses. Our diverse workforce is a core strength that inspires creativity and innovation at the MDC.

The MDC is committed to improving human health through transformative biomedical research. Our goal is to pioneer discoveries for preventing, treating, and ultimately curing disease.

Join us at the Max Delbrück Center on June 1, 2025 as the
Head of the Communications and Marketing (f/m/d)
As part of the succession planning for the leadership of the Communications Department, we are seeking an inspiring leader with a strong passion for science communication, ready to embrace a highly visible and influential position within our institution.

Job Description

You will shape internal and external communication as well as marketing for the Max Delbrück Center. This includes:

Leadership. You will lead a dynamic and highly motivated team of 14 colleagues in the Communications and Marketing Department, fostering their creativity and driving the development of the department.
Responsibility. You will manage the Max Delbrück Center's external and internal communications, including knowledge transfer and outreach, while also overseeing the planning and execution of events tailored to our diverse target audiences.
Strategy. You will develop communication and marketing strategies along with corresponding concepts and campaigns to position our biomedical research and innovations in the public sphere. This includes overseeing all communication channels and formats – from print, online and social media communications (including the webpage, newsletters, print products, and audio/video formats) to event design.
Brand Management. You will oversee consistent branding and reputation management, ensuring the Max Delbrück Center’s corporate identity and design are upheld and continuously strengthened.
Media Relations. You will lead media relations, fostering strong connections with journalists and key networks to ensure effective and impactful communication.
Consultation. You will provide strategic advice to leadership, scientists, and colleagues from various departments on internal and external communications, as well as brand representation. Your responsibilities will also encompass guidance on crisis communication.
Knowledge Transfer, Outreach, and Events. You will organize high-profile events, political gatherings, dialogue forums, and initiatives to foster exchange between science, politics, and society. In doing so, you will enhance the visibility of our center and build trust in science.
Networks. You will connect with our partner institutions and actively engage in our networks, particularly in the science communication community.

Requirements

Education and Career. You hold a Master’s degree in communication, journalism, or marketing, or alternatively, a strong academic background in the natural sciences complemented by additional training in journalism or communication and proven professional experience. You have a track record in developing ideas, concepts, branding, communication strategies, and managing media relations. You have several years of experience with digital communication tools and social media, demonstrating a strong command of these platforms. Your writing is clear, polished, and engaging, complemented by a sharp eye for visual communication. Experience in event management is an added advantage.
Work Style and Collaboration: You bring creativity and vision to the development and implementation of innovative projects and ideas, approaching your work strategically, systematically, and with a focus on meeting specific needs. In complex situations, you stay calm and composed, handling challenges with confidence and poise. As a skilled communicator, you excel at building strong relationships and nurturing a well-established professional network.
Science Communication: You possess extensive experience and expertise in science communication. You actively track and analyze trends and developments in biomedical research at other institutions, leveraging these insights to design and implement impactful communication strategies for our research center.
Knowledge of Biology and/or Medicine. You have a genuine passion for and deep curiosity about biomedical research.
Languages. You are fluent in German and English, demonstrating exceptional proficiency in both spoken and written communication.

We offer

international working environment with communication in English and German
interesting career opportunities and a range of opportunities for further qualification and training
Compatibility of family and career certified by the workandfamily audit (“berufundfamilie audit”)
Support for "New Berliners" through the MDC Welcome & Family Office

You also benefit from:

a remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the federal public service (TVöD-Bund), including additional company pension schemes
flexible working hours and childcare support
an idyllic green campus, which is easily accessible by bicycle, public transport or car
a secure job
Subsidy for the job ticket as well as discounts in the campus canteen
additional health benefits such as flu vaccination, eye test, ergonomics advice at the workplace
the possibility of mobile working
free use of Nextbike from the Buch S-Bahn station to the campus

Further Information:

http://www.mdc-berlin.de

Job Type:

executive staff

Team:

Vorstand

Application Period:

March 25, 2025

Workplace:

MDC Berlin-Buch

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Salary:

Die Vergütung erfolgt nach TVöD Bund, je nach Vorliegen der persönlichen Voraussetzungen bis Entgeltgruppe 15.

Employment volume:

Full Time
Die Anzahl der Wochenstunden beträgt 39 Stunden.

Desired starting date:

June 01, 2025

Limitation:

Permanent

Contact:

Stefanie Leh
Vorstand
stefanie.leh@mdc-berlin.de / 030 9406 3283

Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:

MDC values diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive, fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equitable consideration for employment based on their experience and qualifications, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or other personal characteristics. We recognize that creating diverse teams that represent a broad range of experiences, perspectives and backgrounds strengthen our work and research. We welcome applications from open-minded people who embrace working together in a diverse environment. Applications from severely disabled people will be given particular consideration.

Application:

Please use our online portal and submit your application including a cover letter, CV (without photo, age and information about your family status) and other relevant attachments.
If you have a foreign degree, please submit proof of the recognition of your Master's degree in Germany with your application. The proof can be determined via the anabin database (https://anabin.kmk.org/anabin.html) and can be submitted as a PDF attachment to the application.
For information on fair mobility, click here: https://www.fair-labour-mobility.eu/.

Apply now