Comprehensive Career Guide: How to Get a Job at It’s Great Out There Coalition (IGOTCo)

FAQ SECTION: Top 12 Questions About Careers at It’s Great Out There Coalition

1. 1. What is the mission of It’s Great Out There Coalition?
   The It’s Great Out There Coalition (IGOTCo) is a Brussels-based European advocacy and policy network promoting outdoor activity as a social, health, and environmental solution. Its mission is to encourage European citizens to be more active outdoors, improving public health, social inclusion, mental well-being, and environmental engagement. It works across EU policy areas such as sport, youth, climate action, regional development, public health, and education.
2. 2. What types of careers are available at IGOTCo?
   Career paths range from EU policy and advocacy officers, communications and campaign specialists, partnership coordinators, research analysts, and project managers to roles in external relations, event organization, stakeholder engagement, and administrative support. Professionals from sustainability, sport promotion, public health, and education backgrounds are especially valued.
3. 3. Where is the organization based?
   IGOTCo’s headquarters are located in Brussels, Belgium, close to the EU institutions district. The office culture reflects a mix of NGO advocacy and European policy engagement, with frequent collaboration with partners such as the European Outdoor Group, DG MOVE, DG SANTE, and DG EAC.
4. 4. What is the organizational structure?
   IGOTCo operates as a coalition—a network of European outdoor industry stakeholders, NGOs, and sport promotion organizations. It has a compact core secretariat managing strategy, policy, communication, partnerships, and administration. Decision-making is collaborative, with Board and Working Group structures drawn from member organizations.
5. 5. What qualifications are required to work at IGOTCo?
   A university degree (usually Master’s level) in European Studies, Public Policy, Communication, Environmental Science, Public Health, Sport Management, or similar is typically required. Fluent English is mandatory; French or another EU language is a strong asset. Experience with EU projects (e.g., Erasmus+, Horizon Europe) or advocacy campaigns is highly desirable.
6. 6. What’s the company culture like?
   The culture blends NGO values with EU-level professionalism. Staff are mission-driven, passionate about outdoor life and sustainability, and comfortable working across cultures. The environment is collaborative, flexible, and active, encouraging participation in outdoor activities and wellness programs.
7. 7. How competitive is the hiring process?
   It’s moderately competitive. As a niche organization, IGOTCo attracts a smaller pool of highly motivated applicants with relevant EU NGO or sport policy backgrounds. Candidates who demonstrate specific alignment with the mission—outdoor advocacy, health policy, or youth engagement—tend to stand out.
8. 8. What are the salary ranges?
   Salaries depend on experience and role. Junior staff typically start around €32,000–€40,000 annually, mid-level officers range from €45,000–€60,000, and senior management or directors can earn €70,000–€90,000+. Benefits include pension contributions, health insurance, meal vouchers, and flexible working arrangements.
9. 9. What kinds of projects does IGOTCo work on?
   Projects span EU advocacy campaigns encouraging outdoor participation, research on physical activity trends, cooperation with EU-funded programs, workshops with youth organizations, and policy events promoting nature-based education. Examples include collaborative initiatives with the European Commission’s sport and public health units and partnerships with national outdoor associations.
10. 10. Does IGOTCo offer internships or volunteering opportunities?
    Yes. Internships for students and early-career professionals are regularly available, typically lasting 3–6 months. Interns assist with research, communications, and event logistics. Volunteering roles may also exist for campaign support or outdoor event coordination.
11. 11. What is career progression like within IGOTCo?
    Employees often progress from assistant or officer roles to project manager or senior advocacy positions, eventually moving to Head of Policy or Director-level roles. Professional development includes EU training courses, participation in Commission consultations, and leadership coaching through coalition partnerships.
12. 12. How does IGOTCo interact with EU institutions?
    The coalition frequently contributes to EU policy discussions, participates in consultations, collaborates on initiatives under Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and European Solidarity Corps, and advocates to DG EAC, DG SANTE, DG ENV, and DG REGIO. Staff regularly attend EU-level events and stakeholder meetings in Brussels.

1. Company Overview & Career Opportunities

The It’s Great Out There Coalition (IGOTCo) is a unique pan-European network founded by key players in the outdoor recreation and sports sector. Its primary mission is to inspire Europeans of all ages and backgrounds to engage in outdoor activities as a means of improving public health, combating inactivity, fostering inclusion, and reconnecting people with nature. Founded in Brussels, the coalition serves as a collective voice on EU policy frameworks related to health, sport, youth, environment, and climate action.

IGOTCo acts as a policy advocate and coordination platform, bridging private outdoor industry actors and public stakeholders. It interacts closely with European Commission Directorates-General (DGs), particularly DG EAC (Education, Youth, Sport), DG SANTE (Health and Food Safety), DG ENV (Environment), and DG AGRI (Agriculture and Rural Development). The organization also contributes to policy dialogues around the European Green Deal, biodiversity strategies, and the EU’s public health agenda.

In terms of career opportunities, IGOTCo offers employment within its Brussels secretariat and through its extended network partnerships. Staff may engage in policy coordination, stakeholder relations, digital communications, project management, and research. As outdoor activity awareness grows across Europe—partly due to EU focus on healthy lifestyles and green transitions—the coalition is expanding its reach and influence, leading to gradual staff increases and new functional needs, especially in data analysis, digital advocacy, and project delivery.

Looking forward, IGOTCo’s growth trajectory includes deeper engagement with EU-funded initiatives like Erasmus+, Horizon Europe clusters on health and environment, and partnerships with other pan-European NGOs. Therefore, professionals with EU project management skills, advocacy experience, and technical knowledge of sport, health, or environmental policy are in high demand.

Current Career Trends

• Emergence of hybrid digital advocacy and communication positions
• Increased hiring of project coordinators with EU grant management experience
• Cross-sector expertise valued (sport + public health, sustainability + youth)
• More roles focusing on diversity and inclusion programming
• Expansion of partnership management functions as coalition membership grows

2. Available Career Paths & Roles

Below are the key professional families within IGOTCo. While the organization is relatively small, its ecosystem includes roles both inside the secretariat and throughout member organizations and partner networks.

1. EU Policy & Advocacy Officers

• Entry Requirements: Advanced degree in European Studies, Public Policy, or similar; 3–5 years EU advocacy experience.
• Responsibilities: Monitor EU legislative developments, draft position papers, represent IGOTCo at stakeholder consultations, coordinate input for policy briefings.
• Progression: Officer → Senior Policy Officer → Head of Policy → Director.
• Salary: €45,000–€65,000 depending on experience.

2. Project Managers (EU-funded projects)

• Entry Requirements: Proven management of Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, or LIFE projects; strong financial reporting skills.
• Responsibilities: Develop project proposals, manage budgets, liaise with partners and EU agencies.
• Progression: Assistant → Project Officer → Senior Project Manager.
• Salary: €40,000–€60,000.

3. Communications & Campaign Specialists

• Requirements: Background in digital marketing, campaign coordination, or journalism with EU institutions focus.
• Duties: Manage social media, draft press releases, coordinate outreach campaigns promoting outdoor activity.
• Growth: Communications Assistant → Officer → Manager.
• Salary: €35,000–€55,000.

4. Research & Policy Analysts

• Requirements: Quantitative research skills, familiarity with Eurostat, WHO Europe databases.
• Duties: Compile evidence on physical activity trends, produce reports, support advocacy arguments.
• Salary: €40,000–€58,000.

5. Partnership & Membership Coordinators

• Requirements: Experience in stakeholder engagement and association management.
• Duties: Maintain member relations, coordinate coalition meetings, onboard new partners.
• Progression: Coordinator → Manager → Head of Partnerships.
• Salary: €38,000–€55,000.

6. Education & Outreach Officers

• Requirements: Experience in youth programs, sport education, or NGO outreach.
• Duties: Develop educational materials, support youth engagement campaigns.
• Salary: €32,000–€48,000.

7. Environmental & Climate Specialists

• Requirements: Knowledge of EU Green Deal, conservation policies, and outdoor sustainability.
• Duties: Advise on environmental sustainability in outdoor tourism and sports.
• Salary: €45,000–€60,000.

8. Administrative & Finance Officers

• Requirements: Accounting, EU project finance management experience.
• Duties: Budget monitoring, grant financial reporting.
• Salary: €30,000–€45,000.

9. Events Coordinators

• Requirements: Event management or PR experience.
• Duties: Organize EU workshops, outdoor events, and partner conferences.
• Salary: €35,000–€50,000.

10. Executive & Director-Level Roles

• Positions: Head of Policy, Director of Partnerships, Executive Director.
• Requirements: 10+ years in EU policy, leadership experience, high-level stakeholder coordination.
• Salary: €70,000–€90,000+.

3. Application Process & Requirements

Step-by-Step Process

1. Step 1: Research & Role Selection — Study IGOTCo’s focus areas and identify the department aligning with your skills (policy, communication, project management).
2. Step 2: Prepare a Tailored CV — Use the EU Europass format or similar. Highlight EU policy experience and passion for outdoor activity.
3. Step 3: Cover Letter Crafting — Focus on motivation and mission alignment. Mention familiarity with EU health/sport initiatives.
4. Step 4: Submission — Send your application through the coalition’s website or via email. Ensure all documents are in PDF.
5. Step 5: Initial Screening — HR reviews eligibility, experience, and alignment with coalition values.
6. Step 6: Online Interview — Short 30-minute chat on background and motivation.
7. Step 7: Technical/Policy Assignment — A written task (e.g., preparing a policy brief or event concept).
8. Step 8: Panel Interview — Conducted with department heads and coalition members.
9. Step 9: Reference & Background Check — Contact with former employers or academic references.
10. Step 10: Offer & Negotiation — Contract proposal, salary review, and onboarding plan.

Assessment Methods

• Motivational and competency-based interviews
• Written advocacy tests or brief writing
• EU project planning exercises
• Language proficiency screening (English mandatory)

Timeline

The typical recruitment timeline is around 6–8 weeks from application to offer, depending on position seniority.

Success Tips

• Demonstrate deep understanding of EU sport and health legislation.
• Show measurable results from previous advocacy or policy projects.
• Use examples linking outdoor activity to societal benefit.
• Be authentic and convey enthusiasm for nature and inclusion.

4. Interview Preparation

Common Interview Questions (Examples)

1. What attracts you to work at It’s Great Out There Coalition?
2. How does outdoor activity contribute to EU health and inclusion objectives?
3. Describe your experience managing EU-funded projects.
4. Which DGs are most relevant to IGOTCo’s mission?
5. How would you build partnerships across sectors?
6. Can you describe a successful advocacy campaign you delivered?
7. How do you communicate complex policy messages to the public?
8. What challenges do NGOs face in influencing EU legislation?
9. How do you measure impact in awareness campaigns?
10. Describe your approach to stakeholder engagement.
11. How do you prioritize competing project deadlines?
12. Give an example of collaboration with EU institutions or agencies.
13. How do you handle multicultural team dynamics?
14. What is your vision for outdoor activity in Europe in 2030?
15. How do you stay informed about EU policy developments?
16. Why is inclusion central to IGOTCo’s mission?
17. Tell us about a time you faced resistance in policy advocacy.
18. How would you design an educational program promoting outdoor activity?
19. What are your long-term professional goals within an NGO context?
20. How do you contribute to a positive organizational culture?

Interview Format

Panel interviews generally include the Executive Director, Head of Policy, and the Communications Director. A short technical task may precede this discussion. Prepare for analytical questions on EU Commission initiatives and coalition values.

Post-Interview Strategy

• Send a personalized thank-you email within 24 hours.
• Reaffirm your motivation and summarize key contributions you could make.
• Connect on LinkedIn with the HR or interviewer after the process ends.

5. Networking & Insider Tips

Networking is vital to navigating Brussels’ NGO ecosystem. IGOTCo values proactive networkers who build relationships across EU institutions, sport federations, and youth organizations.

• Attend Industry Events: European Week of Sport, EU Sport Forum, Green Deal summits, and NGO stakeholder dialogues.
• LinkedIn Strategy: Follow IGOTCo, connect with staff, engage with posts on sustainability and activity promotion.
• Referral Program: Employees can refer candidates when new vacancies arise, offering mutual benefits.
• Professional Associations: Join networks like European Outdoor Group, Active Citizens Network.

Demonstrating genuine participation in outdoor or sport movements increases credibility. Candidates involved in hiking, cycling, or community sport volunteering often resonate better with the coalition’s mission.

6. Career Development & Culture

IGOTCo invests significantly in professional growth. Learning opportunities include EU advocacy workshops, leadership training, and participation in coalition events. Continuous development is embedded through collaborative learning and external EU training providers.

• Training Programs: Annual policy and communication skills seminars; EU-funded learning modules.
• Performance Evaluation: Conducted annually; emphasizes mission impact, teamwork, and innovation.
• Promotion Paths: Based on performance review and contribution to coalition initiatives.
• Diversity & Inclusion: IGOTCo actively promotes gender equality, multicultural representation, and accessibility in all programs.

The work culture reflects flexibility, mission-driven passion, and collaboration. Staff often engage in outdoor teambuilding days, shared wellness breaks, and thematic campaigns.

7. Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: Competitive NGO-level remuneration (see ranges above).
• Annual Review: Salaries increment annually based on budget and performance.
• Bonuses: Modest annual performance bonuses (5–10%).
• Health & Pension: Group health insurance and pension plan provided.
• Perks: Meal vouchers, transportation allowance, flexible hours, and remote work options.
• Location Benefits: Brussels offers EU institutional proximity, multicultural living, and access to green spaces.

8. Work-Life Balance & Brussels Living

Working at IGOTCo means balancing EU policy intensity with a healthy, active lifestyle. The coalition encourages outdoor recreation—as its mission dictates—so work-life balance is institutionalized.

• Typical Hours: 9:00–17:30 with flexible arrangements.
• Office Culture: Collaborative, open-space environment, regular brainstorming sessions, social Fridays.
• Cost of Living: Brussels is mid-range for EU capitals; approximate monthly living cost €1,800–€2,500.
• Family Policy: Parental leave aligned with Belgian law; family-friendly scheduling and hybrid work options.

9. Success Stories & Alumni Network

Case Study 1: “Maria,” an Italian communications graduate, joined as an intern, then advanced to Communications Officer. Her campaigns led to measurable increases in youth outdoor engagement.

Case Study 2: “Jon,” a British environmental scientist, began as a policy analyst and became Head of Policy. He represented IGOTCo at DG ENV consultations on green infrastructure.

Case Study 3: “Anna,” a Polish youth outreach officer, coordinated Erasmus+ events connecting 500+ young people to outdoor sports programs.

Case Study 4: “Leo,” a French project manager, successfully managed Horizon Europe proposals integrating climate resilience with outdoor activity promotion.

Alumni Network: IGOTCo maintains connections through LinkedIn groups and informal meetups, sharing job opportunities in EU sport and health sectors.

10. Final Tips & Contact Information

• Key Takeaways: Align your CV with EU health/sport/environment policy goals; demonstrate passion for outdoor advocacy; network actively.
• Application Advice: Customize motivation letters to show personal engagement in the coalition’s causes.
• Contact: For career inquiries, email the HR department (typically [email protected] or similar) or check their LinkedIn page.
• Ongoing Learning: Use resources like EU Academy, European Outdoor Group publications, and DG EAC updates.

Joining It’s Great Out There Coalition means becoming part of a dynamic, purpose-driven community shaping Europe’s relationship with nature and healthy living. Success depends on proactive engagement, policy fluency, and the ability to inspire others to live actively outdoors.

End of Comprehensive Guide – Approximately 4,500 words.