Position Overview:
We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Head of Communications, Public Relations, Corporate Branding, and Media Engagement to lead our communications efforts and elevate the company’s brand presence. This senior leadership role will be responsible for shaping and executing our corporate narrative, enhancing media relations, ensuring consistent and impactful branding across all touchpoints, and leading strategic public relations efforts. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in corporate communications, brand strategy, media outreach, and reputation management.
As the Head of Communications, you will work closely with the executive leadership team to drive both proactive and reactive communications, managing how the company is positioned and perceived externally. You will lead a cross-functional team to build and protect the company’s brand reputation, aligning communications strategy with business objectives, and leading communications efforts across media, digital, corporate, and internal channels.
Key Responsibilities:
Communications & Leadership:
- Develop and lead the company’s overarching communications strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals, brand values, and corporate identity.
- Provide expert counsel to the executive team on all matters related to public relations, corporate reputation, and brand strategy.
- Create and manage a cohesive corporate narrative and key messaging that resonates with internal and external stakeholders.
- Create proactive communications programs and corporate strategy to engage and educate key stakeholders, including media, clients, business partners, and the community.
- Oversee internal communications, ensuring transparency, engagement, and alignment across the company.
- Drive strategic thought leadership initiatives, positioning Board Members and Senior Leadership team as sector experts through media, speaking opportunities, and other visibility platforms.
Public Relations & Media Engagement:
- Lead media outreach, build relationships with key journalists, reporters, and media outlets to promote positive media coverage and enhance the foundation’s thought leadership profile.
- Manage high-profile public relations initiatives, including press releases, media events, interviews, and spokesperson preparation.
- Proactively shape and structure clear, compelling messages, pitch story ideas, manage press inquiries, and serve as the primary contact for all media-related issues.
- Develop media training and communication materials for senior executives and key spokespeople.
- Lead the company’s crisis communications strategy and execution, ensuring swift and effective responses to protect the company’s reputation.
Corporate Branding & Reputation Management:
- Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive corporate branding strategy that clearly articulates the company’s vision, mission, and unique value proposition.
- Ensure consistency of brand messaging and visual identity across all external and internal communications channels, including advertising, public relations, content marketing, and social media.
- Manage brand positioning across all digital platforms, ensuring that the company’s voice, tone, and values are aligned across touchpoints.
- Protect and enhance the company’s reputation by managing and responding to reputation risks, both proactively and reactively.
- Collaborate with other internal departments to ensure cohesive, consistent messaging across the organization, including the development and execution of communications plans for key events.
Crisis Management:
- Lead the development and execution of crisis communication strategies, ensuring swift and effective responses to reputational risks or issues.
- Act as a trusted advisor during sensitive situations, managing both proactive and reactive communications to safeguard the company’s reputation.
- Continuously monitor media coverage and public sentiment to assess and manage any emerging issues.
Media and Digital Engagement:
- Oversee the creation and management of editorial calendars, content development, and digital strategies for public relations, social media, and content marketing.
- Harness the power of digital media and social platforms to drive brand awareness and media engagement, leveraging new and emerging technologies.
- Develop and execute social media strategies that amplify the company’s messages and engage audiences in a meaningful way.
- Analyze media and social media coverage, providing regular reports and actionable insights to leadership.
Team Leadership, Development and Collaboration:
- Lead, mentor, and build a high-performance team of communications and public relations professionals, ensuring continuous development and alignment with company’s goals.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Programs, Fund-raising, Training, Finance, HR) to drive integrated communications efforts and ensure consistent external and internal messaging.
- Manage external agencies, consultants, and partners, ensuring the effective execution of public relations and branding campaigns.
Performance Metrics & Reporting:
- Establish KPIs to measure the success of communications and public relations initiatives, ensuring that efforts are aligned with organizational goals.
- Regularly report on the effectiveness of communication strategies, brand performance, and media coverage to senior leadership.
- Continuously monitor industry trends, public sentiment, and competitor activities to refine strategies and maintain a competitive edge.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field; a Master’s degree is a plus.
- At least 10-15 years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public relations, branding, or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership position.
- Proven track record of successfully managing media relations, corporate branding initiatives, and public relations campaigns for high-profile organizations.
- Extensive experience with crisis communications, reputation management, and brand positioning, particularly in complex or regulated industries.
Skills & Competencies:
- Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives for a variety of audiences.
- Strong media relations skills, with deep experience working with national, international, and industry-specific media outlets.
- Expertise in corporate branding, storytelling, and positioning for maximum impact.
- Strong understanding of digital media platforms, social media trends, and their integration into corporate communications strategies.
- Proven experience in crisis management and handling sensitive media issues.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a diverse team, manage multiple priorities, and execute projects with excellence.
- Strong strategic thinking with the ability to develop innovative approaches to public relations and brand building.
- Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and stakeholder management skills.
Personal Attributes:
- Highly proactive, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
- Creative, with the ability to think outside the box and generate innovative ideas.
- Confident and diplomatic, with the ability to work closely with C-suite executives and external stakeholders.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage change effectively.