VP, Communications & Media Relations

This is a Full Time Job

DESCRIPTION:

The VP, Communications & Media Relations will serve as a senior strategic leader shaping and safeguarding the company's global reputation. Overseeing media relations, press, and external communications, this role drives strategies that elevate the company's profile and reinforce its standing as a trusted industry leader across markets.

Reporting directly to the Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer, the VP of Communications & Media Relations will lead a high-performing, global team and serve as the primary architect of external narrative development, proactive media engagement, crisis communications, corporate social strategy, news gathering, and thought leadership programs. This position requires a strategic communicator who can navigate complex stakeholder landscapes, operate in high-pressure environments, and deliver measurable results that align with the company's mission and business objectives.

The ideal candidate is a senior-level communications executive with a proven track record in managing large-scale corporate communications functions, building high-impact media relationships, and advising senior leadership on strategic reputation matters. Because this role encompasses multiple critical communications functions, the responsibilities are broad in scope, highly visible, and essential to the company's global reputation management.

Your Role Accountabilities...

Corporate Communications & External Messaging
• Lead the development and execution of the company's global corporate communications strategy, aligning messaging across business units, geographies, and platforms.
• Serve as the company's chief steward of its brand narrative and public positioning.
• Ensure consistent, compelling, and transparent messaging across all corporate channels.

Media Relations & Press Engagement
• Build and maintain relationships with top-tier global, national, and trade media outlets.
• Serve as senior spokesperson for the company, handling high-stakes media inquiries and major announcements.
• Lead proactive media strategies to drive positive coverage and mitigate potential risks.

Crisis Communications & Issues Management
• Oversee crisis response strategies, including media handling, executive briefing, and rapid response protocols.
• Advise the CCO and senior leadership team on reputation-sensitive matters.

Executive & Thought Leadership
• Partner with senior executives to develop high-impact speaking opportunities, op-eds, and bylined content.
• Position executives as thought leaders in the industry through strategic media placements and event participation.

Team Leadership & Operations
• Lead, inspire, and mentor a global communications team, setting clear performance goals and fostering professional development.
• Manage budgets, agency relationships, and vendor contracts for communications activities.
• Establish KPIs to measure communications effectiveness and report results to the CCO and executive leadership.

Qualifications & Experience...
• 10+ years of professional experience with a proven track record leading enterprise-wide communications programs across corporate communications, media relations, public affairs, or related disciplines within global organizations.
• Strong relationships with top-tier media and proven ability to secure high-value coverage.
• Exceptional writing, presentation, and storytelling skills.
• Expertise in crisis management, reputation strategy, and executive counsel.
• Experience managing large teams and multimillion-dollar budgets.
• Ability to thrive under pressure, navigate ambiguity, and influence senior stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, and to work outside standard hours for major company events, announcements, or issues response.
• BA/BS degree in journalism, English, creative writing, communications/public relations, or related field required.