📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications Manager
🔹 Company: Aalto University
🔹 Location: Otaniemi, Espoo, Finland
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Education, Research Services
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-22
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading and coordinating comprehensive communications and marketing efforts for the School of Science at Aalto University
- Serving as the main point of contact for communications-related matters at the school
- Translating complex scientific research into compelling, accessible content for diverse audiences
- Managing the school’s web presence and overseeing student marketing activities
- Collaborating with communications managers across Aalto’s six schools and other communications personnel
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in communications, excellent language skills, and the ability to work effectively in a complex, international environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Serve as the main point of contact for communications-related matters at the school
✅ Coordinate communications across a broad network of communications personnel and other staff
✅ Translate complex scientific research into compelling, accessible content for versatile audiences, prominently domestic and international media
✅ Manage the school’s web presence and ensure content quality and relevance
✅ Plan and participate in staff trainings on communication practices, channels, and tools
✅ Oversee and plan student marketing activities and execution for the schools’ programs
✅ Help with event planning as needed
✅ Be an active member of the school’s Management Team and the university-wide communications Management Forum
✅ Manage the schools’ communications budget
✅ Collaborate actively with communications managers across Aalto’s six schools and communications personnel from other teams
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of collaboration and project management, requiring strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Relevant university degree (e.g., communications, marketing, engineering, science)
Experience: At least 5 years of relevant experience in communications or media work, and experience in an international environment
Required Skills:
- Excellent communication skills in both Finnish and English, spoken and written
- A proven track record of making complex topics understandable for different audiences; solid interviewing, writing, and editing skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to navigate a diverse social environment and negotiate different interests in a constructive and goal-oriented way
- Proven track record of leading projects/teams/work with several collaborators or partners
- Excellent organizational and time management skills; the ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously
- Experience creating engaging content for different channels and audience needs
- Interest in science and technology
Preferred Skills:
- Experience as team lead or manager
- Experience in science communications
- Familiarity with the higher education field and academic setting, experience in student marketing
- Professional experience with social media, SEO/SEM, Google Ads
- Hands-on skills in photography, video, or graphic design
ASSUMPTION: While a background in science communications is not required, it would be beneficial for understanding the context and content of the role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Approximately 4700 – 5500 €/month, depending on experience
Benefits:
- Professional development opportunities
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a communications manager role in the higher education sector in Finland.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Research Services, Education
Company Size: 201-500 employees
Founded: 1828 (as the Helsinki University of Technology), merged with the University of Art and Design Helsinki and the Helsinki School of Economics in 2010 to form Aalto University
Company Description:
- Aalto University is a multidisciplinary research university located in Finland, combining science, art, and technology in its teaching and research
- The School of Science is Aalto University’s largest school, involving five departments, close to 4500 degree students, and over a 100 professors
- The research at the school focuses on advanced energy solutions, condensed matter, quantum and materials physics; creation and transformation of technology-based business; data science and artificial intelligence; health technology and neuroscience
Company Specialties:
- Research and education in modern computer science
- World-class research and innovative applications in various scientific fields
Company Website: https://www.aalto.fi/en/
ASSUMPTION: Aalto University is a prestigious research university with a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior, with potential for growth and leadership opportunities
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Schools’ Communications Services and works in matrix with the school’s Dean
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with the primary workplace located at the Otaniemi Campus in Espoo
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for career progression within the communications field at Aalto University
- Opportunities to develop skills in science communications, student marketing, and event planning
- Access to professional development opportunities and staff trainings
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the communications field and the broader university context.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: University campus
Office Location(s): Otaniemi Campus, Espoo, Finland
Geographic Context:
- Espoo is the second most populous city in Finland, located in the Greater Helsinki metropolitan area
- The Otaniemi campus is a vibrant, multicultural environment with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration
- The campus is well-connected by public transportation, with easy access to downtown Helsinki
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, with flexible hours and the possibility of remote work
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Aalto University is dynamic, collaborative, and multicultural, with a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-depth interviews with hiring manager and/or team members
- Final decision and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and ability to translate complex scientific research
- Project management and organizational skills
- Interpersonal skills and cultural fit
- Experience in relevant fields (e.g., science communications, student marketing)
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Demonstrate your ability to translate complex scientific research into accessible content through examples or a portfolio
- Showcase your understanding of Aalto University’s mission and values in your application materials
ATS Keywords: Communications, Science Communications, Marketing, Student Marketing, Event Planning, Project Management, Aalto University, School of Science
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and applicants should tailor their materials to demonstrate their fit for the position and the university’s mission.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
- Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)
- SEO and SEM tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Google Ads)
- Graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant tools and technologies is beneficial but not always required for this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Boldness
- Collaboration
- Impact
- Responsibility
Work Style:
- Dynamic and collaborative
- Focused on innovation and research
- Multidisciplinary and multicultural
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Aalto University’s values, particularly boldness and collaboration?
- How comfortable are you working in a dynamic, multicultural environment with a strong focus on research and innovation?
- How does your personal work style fit with the university’s work style?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with Aalto University’s values and work style to ensure a successful and fulfilling career at the university.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing complex scientific research and translating it into accessible content for diverse audiences
- Navigating a large, complex organization with multiple stakeholders
- Balancing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
- Working in a hybrid environment with both on-campus and remote team members
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong communication, project management, and interpersonal skills, as well as a solid understanding of the university’s mission and values.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on science communications within a higher education setting
- Similar roles in other industries may focus on corporate communications, marketing, or public relations
- Career progression in this role may lead to leadership positions within the communications field at Aalto University or other higher education institutions
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to specialize in science communications within a prestigious research university.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a communications strategy for a new research initiative in the School of Science
- Creating engaging content for social media channels to promote the school’s research and events
- Managing the school’s web presence and ensuring content quality and relevance
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and initiatives that the Communications Manager may undertake in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the broader communications strategy for the School of Science and Aalto University?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does the university support the professional development and growth of its communications staff?
- What is the team structure and dynamics within the Schools’ Communications Services Unit?
- How does the university engage with and communicate its research and innovations to the broader public?
ASSUMPTION: These questions can help applicants better understand the role, the team, and the university, and demonstrate their interest and engagement with the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your CV, motivation letter, and salary request by May 6, 2025, through the online recruitment system
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare examples or a portfolio demonstrating your ability to translate complex scientific research into accessible content
- Follow up with the hiring manager, Minna Tiainen, by email or phone to express your interest in the role
- Prepare for a phone or video screening and in-depth interviews with hiring manager and/or team members
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
