Politics. Communications.

And everything that connects them.

Hello!

My name is Jens Ohlsson and I am a communications strategist with over 15 years of experience in political organizations and international environments, from the municipal council department in Malmö to international work as communications officer at the Consulate General of Sweden in New York and press officer for the Swedish Social Democratic delegation in the European Parliament.

I have led communication efforts at all levels - from local initiatives to international contexts. My expertise covers both the craft of communication and strategic communication, with a deep understanding of political processes and media relations.

Get in touch to discuss how I can help with your communication challenges.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Portfolio

Work experience

  • Swedish Social Democrats in the European Parliament, Brussels
    September 2021 - June 2024

    • Managed and coordinated the daily press work of a team of five press officers

    • Responsible for external communication and media strategy

    • Developed and implemented communication strategies for policy advocacy

    • Led projects, such as production of a children's book on the EU, with budgetary and supplier responsibilities

    • Coordinated campaigning for the 2024 European Parliament elections

    Find out more about the role here!

  • Consulate General of Sweden, New York
    September 2018 - June 2019

    • Responsible for external communications and media relations in the US

    • Planned and executed major events such as Sweden Makes Music and Svensk Midsommar (7000 visitors)

    • Coordinated Nordic cooperation on New York Pride

    • Developed alumni networks for Swedish professionals in the New York area

    Find out more about the role here!

  • City of Malmö, Mayor's office
    2014 - 2017

    • Responsible for communication strategies for the city's political leadership

    • Managed media and stakeholder relations

    • Produced content for different communication channels

    • Led major communication projects, including international visits and Almedalen seminar

    Find out more about the role here!

  • Swedish Social Democratic Youth League
    2009-2012

    • Responsible for external communication and political campaigns

    • Led the campaign for the 2009 EP and 2010 parliamentary elections

    • Planned and implemented national congresses

  • 2012-2014, 2017-2018, 2019-2021

    • Communication services provided in graphic design, photography and political communication

    • Conducted election campaigns and political communication missions

Key competences

  • Broad experience in analyzing political events and providing strategic advice to decision-makers at all levels - from municipal to EU. Focus on making complex policy issues understandable and formulating clear messages.

  • Extensive experience in developing and implementing communication strategies in political organizations. Has led the communication work of five MEPs and worked on major campaigns such as the 2019 and 2024 European elections, as well as the 2022, 2018, 2014 and 2010 general elections.

  • As the Head of Press in the European Parliament, I was responsible for a team of five press officers and a digital strategist, with daily work management and strategic planning.

  • Broad experience of media relations in both Swedish and international contexts. Has built and maintained contact networks with journalists, handled press inquiries and coordinated media contacts for political representatives.

  • Strong experience in writing political texts in different formats, from op-eds and press releases to speeches and briefs. Focus on adapting political messages for different audiences and platforms.

  • Experience in leading major projects such as the children's book on the European Parliament (It's called democracy, 2023-2024), Vote in the European Parliament elections (2019) and the Big City Seminar in Almedalen 2015.

  • Experience in planning and implementing both campaigns and events. Has worked with events such as Sweden Makes Music, Swedish Midsummer in New York and the Nordic section of New York Pride.

    Has planned, produced and executed a wide range of political mobilization campaigns on various issues, with multiple components, such as print, web and social media.

  • Broad experience in working strategically with social media for political communication. Has developed digital strategies to reach new audiences and create engagement.

  • Has built and maintained networks across national and organizational boundaries. Experience of Nordic and European cooperation from time spent at the Swedish Consulate General and the European Parliament.

  • Broad experience in producing video for different formats and platforms, from short social media posts to longer formats, including live press conference broadcasts.

  • Experience in creating engaging digital content that gets through. Focus on combining strategic thinking with creative execution for digital channels.

  • Used to adapting complex messages for different audiences. Has produced everything from children's books on the EU to communications aimed at policy makers and specialized audiences.

  • Experience in communicating sustainability issues in a political context through work in the European Parliament on the EU Green Deal and other environmental initiatives.

Creative competences

  • Background in graphic design with a focus on political communication. Has developed visual identity for campaigns and produced campaign materials for elections and political organizations.

  • Many years of experience as a photographer specializing in political events and portrait photography. Has photographed everything from international events to candidate portraits for election campaigns.

  • Experience in communicating messages through visual media. Combines photographic work with graphic design to create effective visual communication.

  • Broad experience in content production and social media communication. Used to adapting content for different platforms and audiences.

  • Experience with various CMS systems and website development. Has been responsible for both development and content production for several organizations' websites.

  • Experienced user of Adobe software with a focus on photo editing, video production and digital design.

  • Good knowledge of the Office package with a particular focus on presentation and document management for political organizations.

Language

  • Native speaker. Advanced level.

  • Fluency. Professional level.

  • Full understanding. Taking an evening course in Danish for Scandinavians at Studieskolen.

  • Full understanding.

  • Basic.

Education and training

  • Danish for Scandinavians. DU3, Module 3 and Module 4.

  • Evening course in Art Direction, six months.

  • Courses in economic history and sociology.