Director of Institutional Relations and Communications

ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences is a world‑leading research centre devoted to advancing the science and technologies of light. Based in Castelldefels (Barcelona), ICFO combines frontier research, education, innovation and technology transfer to generate scientific and societal impact.

Over the past two decades, ICFO has established itself as an internationally recognized centre of excellence and a general reference in photonics. Today, with a highly international community of around 500 employees representing more than 70 nationalities and operating naturally in English, Catalan and Spanish, ICFO continues its institutional development aimed at strengthening scientific excellence, international visibility and long‑term impact.

As a public research institution, ICFO is committed to generating positive impact at multiple scales, from its local environment in Castelldefels and Barcelona to Catalonia, Spain, Europe and the world. ICFO is governed by a Board of Trustees and led by an Executive Leadership comprising the Director and the Managing Director, responsible for the scientific, strategic and operational development of the Institute.

As part of its ongoing institutional development, ICFO is creating a new senior leadership position to strengthen the strategic coordination of communications, outreach, events and institutional relations. The successful candidate will lead the continued development and integration of these functions in close collaboration with the Executive Leadership.

ICFO is seeking an outstanding and internationally minded leader to serve as Director of Institutional Relations and Communications.

Reporting directly to the Executive Leadership, the successful candidate will serve as a close strategic partner to the Director and the Managing Director on matters relating to communications, reputation, institutional positioning and stakeholder engagement.

The Director of Institutional Relations and Communications will support the implementation of the Institute’s priorities through communication, outreach,



events and institutional relations activities, while leading, developing and integrating the teams responsible for these functions. The role requires extensive interaction with the Director and Managing Director, research group leaders and external partners, and calls for the judgement, discretion and strategic perspective associated with a senior leadership role.

The successful candidate and their team will contribute to strengthening ICFO’s visibility and reputation, fostering a vibrant scientific culture and a strong sense of community across the Institute and among the broader network of people and organizations connected to ICFO.

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the continued development and international presence of one of the world’s leading research institutions.

Main Responsibilities

Executive Leadership Support and Strategic Implementation

- Serve as a close strategic partner to the Director and Managing Director on matters relating to communications, institutional positioning and stakeholder engagement.
- Support the communication and implementation of the Institute’s priorities and long‑term ambitions, translating them into coherent communication, engagement and institutional relations activities.
- Support high‑level interactions involving governments, funding agencies, academic institutions, industry, foundations and international organizations.
- Ensure coherence between ICFO’s mission, culture and external positioning.

Communications, Institutional Relations and Community

- Strengthen ICFO’s visibility, reputation and influence within the international scientific, innovation and policy ecosystem.




- Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and cultivate long‑term engagement with researchers, students, staff, alumni, partners and supporters.
- Promote awareness of ICFO’s activities and achievements across internal and external audiences, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose.
- Oversee media relations, science communication and public engagement activities, ensuring that ICFO’s external presence reflects the quality and ambitions of the Institute.
- Explore opportunities to strengthen philanthropic engagement and expand ICFO’s network of ambassadors and supporters.

Institutional Identity, Culture and Events

- Foster a vibrant scientific culture and contribute to institutional cohesion and engagement across the ICFO community.
- Lead initiatives aimed at strengthening ICFO’s identity, visibility and institutional presence, including the evolution of its external image and communication platforms.
- Promote a coherent experience across physical spaces, digital platforms and institutional interactions.
- Promote and support scientific, institutional and outreach events, including seminars, colloquia, workshops, distinguished visits and major ceremonies.
- Act, when appropriate, as institutional host and moderator for major ceremonies and strategic events involving senior stakeholders and internationally recognized guests.

Leadership and Organizational Development

- Lead and develop the teams responsible for communications, outreach, events and institutional relations, fostering a collaborative, service‑oriented and high‑performance culture.
- Lead the continued development and integration of the communications, outreach, events and institutional relations functions and, in close collaboration with the Executive Leadership, assess their capabilities and define priorities and a strategic roadmap for the coming years.
- Strengthen coordination across functions and promote effective collaboration and alignment across activities and teams.
- Foster talent development and continuous improvement in support of ICFO’s long‑term ambitions.

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📌 Director of Institutional Relations and Communications (Castelldefels)
🏢 Institute Of Photonic Sciences
📍 Castelldefels