Overview
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, 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 by 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 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.
Responsibilities
* Lead the Digital Communications team (Content Manager, Web Developer, and external providers) and act as Product Owner for the AEM-based CMS.
* Define and govern the digital platforms that support ESO’s online publishing and ensure alignment with asset management and collaboration tools.
* Oversee migration to AEM and collaborate with IT and external providers to implement scalable, sustainable solutions.
* Bridge strategy and hands-on delivery to enable communicators across ESO to reach global audiences.
* Engage stakeholders, gather requirements, prioritise development needs, and establish governance for efficient content publishing.
Requirements
* 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.
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.
Note: The original text contains a salary and career structure description; where applicable, ESO’s salary structure is based upon a range of career paths and grades. See ESO’s conditions of employment for details. The role is in Career Path V and is subject to the contract policy and fixed-term regulations that may be under review.
Duty Station
Garching near Munich, Germany.
Application
Interested in working in frontline science and technology in a stimulating international environment? Please visit http://www.eso.org for details. Applicants should apply online at http://jobs.eso.org/. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and CV. Within your CV, provide three referees who are 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.
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