Are you interested in working in areas of frontline technology and in a stimulating international environment? Do you feel your profile matches our requirements? Learn more about our current vacancies and apply online.Read more..
The European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world's most productive ground-based astronomical observatory. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries.
ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in northern Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor and the ESO Headquarters are located in Garching, near Munich, Germany.
At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope, the world's most advanced visible-light astronomical observatory, and will host and operate the southern array of the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory, the world's largest and most sensitive high energy gamma-ray observatory. ESO is a major partner in ALMA, the largest astronomical project in existence. And on Cerro Armazones, ESO is building the 39-metre Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), which will become "the world's biggest eye on the sky" and whose operations will be fully integrated into the Paranal Observatory.
For its Communication Department in Garching, within the Office of the Director General, ESO is opening an International Staff Member position of:
At ESO, we believe in the power of science to expand the frontiers of human knowledge. Our digital platforms are key to sharing this mission with the world - and we're looking for a visionary and practical Head of Digital Communications to lead the evolution of ESO's online presence and shape its underlying digital infrastructure.
In this leadership role, you'll guide and manage our Digital Communications team, consisting of a Content Manager, a Web Developer and additional support from external providers, act as Product Owner for our new Adobe Experience Manager (AEM)-based CMS, and define how we manage and evolve the technical platforms that support ESO's digital publishing. You'll bridge long-term strategy and hands-on implementation, ensuring our platforms empower communicators across ESO to reach global audiences.
You'll oversee the migration to AEM, align web systems with our asset archive and collaborative tools used in the communication teams, and establish governance structures that enable efficient content publishing. Working closely with stakeholders across the organisation, you'll gather diverse requirements, prioritise development needs, and work in tandem with the IT Department and external providers to implement smart, sustainable solutions.
This is both a leadership and a roll-up-your-sleeves role. You'll shape digital strategy, manage a small team and vendor relationships, while also contributing directly to workflows and platform evolution when needed.
Requirements
To succeed in this role, you should bring:
* Proven experience leading digital communications or web teams in multi-stakeholder environments;
* Strong skills in stakeholder engagement, collaboration, and change management;
* A solid understanding of web development workflows;
* Hands-on programming experience;
* Familiarity with Adobe Experience Manager (AEM), ideally version 6.5 cloud-based, or similar enterprise-level CMS platforms;
* Excellent organisational, planning, and communication skills;
* A passion for digital infrastructure - how it works, how it's evolving, and how it enables better communication;
* A solution-oriented mindset and the ability to align diverse teams around shared goals;
* An interest in science communication and enthusiasm for working in an international, mission-driven organisation.
This is a unique opportunity to shape ESO's digital ecosystem - and to help ensure that our online voice is as bold, accessible, and inspiring as our mission.
Qualifications:
A university degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent professional experience with a strong track record in digital communications leadership and CMS management will also be considered.
Language Skills:
An excellent command of English is essential. A working knowledge of German and/or Spanish would be an advantage.
Remuneration and Contract:
We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, comprehensive pension scheme and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family and support to place your child/children in daycare.
Our Salary and career structure:
ESO's salary structure is based upon a range of career paths which reflect the nature and level of our roles. Each career path is made up of two or three grades which are used to further reflect experience and performance. The role of Head of Digital Communications is in Career Path V. Please follow this link for more details https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/salary-structure/
The contract is for a fixed term duration of three years, and is subject to successful completion of the probation period. There may be a possibility of extension(s) subject to individual performance and organisational requirements.
For any further information, please visit ESO's conditions of employment (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/ ). Please note that the contract policy and in particular the regulations concerning fixed-term and indefinite contracts are currently under review which may lead to changes in the contractual conditions applicable to this position.
Duty Station:
Application:
If you are interested in working in areas of frontline science and technology and in a stimulating international environment, please visit http://www.eso.org for further details.
Applicants are invited to apply online at http://jobs.eso.org/. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and CV. Within your CV, please provide the names and contact details of three persons familiar with your work and willing to provide a recommendation letter upon request. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.
Deadline for applications is 4 October 2025.
ESO Values
An important element in any successful employment relationship is harmony in values between an organisation and its people.
The ESO values are:
ESO strives for excellence through innovation.
ESO provides outstanding services to its communities.
ESO fosters diversity & inclusion.
ESO believes in the key role of sustainability for its future.
Achieving the above are recognized as only possible on the basis of personal values and attitudes that we expect from our employees: respect, integrity, accountability, commitment, collaboration, and clear & open communication.
Applicants to any ESO role are asked to reflect on their affinity with these values and advised they may be asked about them if called for interview.
No nationality is in principle excluded from employment at ESO, however, recruitment preference will be given to nationals of our Member States, host states and strategic partners: Australia, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Chile, irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity or religion.
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