Senior Communications Advisor

About this position

TNO-GDN is looking for a Senior Communications Advisor with leadership skills who can help put the Geological Survey and the valuable work we do firmly on the map. We are looking for a communications professional who knows how to bring the story of the Dutch subsurface to the right audience, in the right way and at the right moment.

TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands (TNO-GDN) is the independent knowledge and research center for the Dutch subsurface.

The subsurface plays an important role in several societal challenges facing the Netherlands, such as the energy transition and the quality of soil and water. Examples include the extraction of geothermal energy, underground energy storage, and the potential use of the North Sea seabed as a foundation for wind turbines.

With our in-house knowledge, expertise and data on the subsurface, our organisation helps enable, shape and accelerate developments such as the energy transition. In doing so, we contribute to making our world more sustainable.

What will be your role?

The communications team is part of the GeoData & Information Management department. Within this team, you will work with six communications professionals to increase the visibility of TNO-GDN’s work.

• You will be responsible for developing and keeping the overarching communications strategy up to date, ensuring that it remains aligned with the TNO-GDN strategy.
• You will also act as an advisor to the TNO-GDN management team on reputation, positioning and communications approach.
• You will safeguard the coherence between different communication activities and channels, often in collaboration with TNO Marketing & Communications.
• Together with the management team, you will set priorities for the communications agenda.
• You will lead and coach the communications team in its day-to-day work.
• You will contribute to the development and implementation of stakeholder management plans.

Key focus areas for you will include ensuring clear and consistent visibility for TNO-GDN, making information about the Dutch subsurface accessible to everyone, and safeguarding TNO-GDN’s independent and unique position in the public debate.

What we expect from you

You are an experienced and enthusiastic senior communications professional with a clear vision. You are able to advise directors, management and stakeholders on strategic communication issues, develop communication strategies that contribute to organisational goals, and ensure consistent positioning of the organisation. You enjoy a challenge and think in creative solutions. You have a clear vision on how AI can be used for content creation. Where needed, you are also able to create content yourself. An affinity with the subsurface and subsurface-related societal themes, such as the energy transition, is desirable.

What else do you bring?

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Communications, Journalism or another related field.
• At least ten years of relevant work experience in a similar role, preferably within a scientific organisation.
• Proven ability to set priorities, create focus and make choices in a dynamic environment that contribute to organisational goals.
• Experience working in projects and with multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience managing a team.
• Experience with communication through social media, including LinkedIn.
• Excellent writing skills and an excellent command of Dutch, both spoken and written, as well as a good command of English.
• You work accurately and independently and are happy to take a hands-on approach.
• You are not afraid to engage in dialogue and know how to persuade others.
• You collaborate well, build bridges and create connections.
• You are sensitive to your environment and stakeholder dynamics.

What you'll get in return

Challenging and varied work with a real impact. And plenty of opportunities as, at TNO, you are in charge of shaping your career. We offer a gross monthly salary between € 5,650 and € 8,000 (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13^th month bonus of 8.33% and a flex budget (5.58% + € 180). In addition, you will be given every opportunity to develop yourself.

TNO offers optional employee benefits, enabling you to tailor your benefits package to match your personal situation. You may also expect:

• An extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field.
• The opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs.
• 33 days annual leave plus a flexible holiday that can be used on a cultural, religious, or otherwise important day of your choosing (on a full-time basis).
• An employer working towards a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment where every employee can flourish, with various initiatives such as Jong TNO, numerous expertise based guilds, Rainbow Community and Round Tables on diverse inclusion topics.
• We offer a comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel.
• Great social events with your team and other TNO colleagues. That’s how you will get to know a lot of people really quickly.
• Flexible working hours, the possibility to work parttime (32 or 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• A good pension scheme.

Read more about tailoring your benefits package.

TNO as an employer

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity. That is why we invest in an inspiring and inclusive working environment where colleagues can excel, have autonomy and continue to grow.

Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, we strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results.

At TNO, we believe this is our time to help society, government and business move forward faster. Together with driven colleagues, you turn knowledge into concrete innovations or ventures that truly make a difference by combining the power of science and entrepreneurship. And in doing so, you make your mark on our time.

The selection process

Please apply before the 27th of September, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. In a final meeting we will discuss the terms of employment and your tailored benefits package. We aim to finalize the entire process within four weeks.

The selection process may include an online assessment and a reference check.
A certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.