Head of Outreach, Policy and Sustainability (f/m/d)

About the Role

The Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology (MPI-GEA) aims to advance the understanding of the interconnected human-Earth system, focusing on critical issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. We develop alternative, sustainable solutions and future pathways for this system. In today's complex world, engaging with policymakers and the public is crucial. Publicly engaged science is essential for addressing the challenges of the Anthropocene. The Core Unit for >>Outreach, Policy and Sustainability<< plays a key role in identifying pressing policy and sustainability debates where Geoanthropology can contribute. This includes organizing multi-stakeholder events, collaborating with media and policymakers, supporting engagement with bodies like the IPCC and EU Commission, and presenting science to the public and decision-makers.

We are seeking to fill the following position as soon as possible:

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the Core Unit >>Outreach, Policy and Sustainability<<, comprising 5 staff members focused on science communication, media relations, policy dialogue, and sustainability strategies.
• Develop and execute the institute's strategic science communication, from conception to evaluation, with a focus on sustainability, climate, and the future of the human-Earth system.
• Design and develop strategies and policy briefs for interdisciplinary dialogue with politics, business, media, and civil society, ranging from local initiatives to international bodies like the IPCC or UN Climate Conferences (COP).
• Lead the institute's media strategy, emphasizing digital formats, social media, and innovative content production to make complex scientific topics accessible and understandable.
• Advise the Directorate on science and societal policy issues, actively contributing to the institute's positioning and shaping its public presence as scientifically sound, ethically responsible, and future-oriented.
• Foster internal communication and scientific culture by supporting and empowering scientists, research teams, and cross-cutting projects in their communication efforts.
• Maintain and expand national and international networks in science, politics, and media to position Geoanthropology as a central discipline for addressing global challenges.

YOUR PROFILE

• Highly goal-oriented with strong negotiation skills, excellent presentation and communication abilities, rhetorical fluency, and integrative assertiveness and conflict resolution skills.
• Earn credibility with stakeholders through personality and expertise.
• Hold a completed scientific university degree (Diplom/Magister/Master), preferably in Media Studies, Communication Studies, Humanities, Journalism, Public Relations/Communications Management, or related fields like Social Sciences or Economics, ideally with an international focus. A PhD is advantageous.
• Possess leadership and team experience in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Ideally, have several years of professional experience in science communication, media relations, PR, or strategic consulting, preferably in a scientific or cultural context, particularly in science communication, sustainability, and political education.
• Demonstrate outstanding conceptual and analytical skills, with the ability to strategically and conceptually guide change processes and implement them sustainably.
• Fluent in German and English (at least C1 level or equivalent).

OUR OFFER

• An interesting and challenging position on a permanent basis in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international research environment in Jena.
• Compensation according to the German Public Service Wage Agreement (TVöD Bund), depending on qualifications and experience, up to pay grade 14, including an annual special payment.
• 30 days of annual leave, plus public holidays on December 24th and 31st.
• Attractive and family-friendly flexible working hours and home office arrangements.
• The position is generally suitable for part-time employment with a minimum of 30 hours/week.
• Health services include: occupational health examinations, mental health support, and sports courses.
• Company pension plan (VBL), employer contribution to a public transport ticket, opportunities for further training, and language courses.
• The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the proportion of individuals with disabilities and encourages them to apply. We are dedicated to fostering diversity and actively combat prejudice based on gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, and other identity components. Our institute was awarded the TOTAL E-QUALITY label in 2023 for our commitment.
• The Max Planck Society supports the compatibility of family and career and is certified according to the >>berufundfamilie<< audit.

YOUR APPLICATION

Please use our career portal to submit your application by February 15, 2026. We look forward to receiving your application!

ABOUT US

The Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology (MPI-GEA) in Jena was founded in the summer of 2022 and is a dynamically growing, highly international, and interdisciplinary research institute. It currently comprises three departments, several research groups, central service departments, and a graduate program.

CONTACT

For further questions regarding this vacancy, please contact the Directors Prof. Ricarda Winkelmann, Prof. Patrick Roberts, Prof. Jürgen Renn at the following email address: gea.mpg.de Max-Planck-Institut für Geoanthropologie Kahlaische Straße 10 07745 Jena X: @MPI_GEA