Vice President, Executive Communications

Job Summary:

The Vice President, Executive Communications is responsible for overseeing and executing effective communication strategy and planning on behalf of one or more senior executives. This includes managing internal and external communication, establishing visibility recommendations, fostering relationships with stakeholders, crafting speeches, presentations, and written materials. The role involves aligning messaging with the company's vision, values, and goals while maintaining consistency and transparency across various channels. Additionally, the VP, Executive Communications may collaborate with PR teams, manage crisis communication, and ensure the senior executives’ voices are accurately represented in all communication efforts.

Key Responsibilities:

*Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategy and planning that align with the senior executives’ vision, the company's overall objectives and philanthropic initiatives.

*Collaborate with internal teams to gather information and insights to support effective communication initiatives, executive visibility, and stakeholder engagement recommendations.

*Manage the senior executives’ internal and external communications, including announcements, memos, and updates to colleagues, shareholders, customers, and other stakeholders.

*Create compelling speeches, presentations, and written content for the senior executives, ensuring consistency in messaging and tone.

*Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, and key industry influencers to maintain and enhance the company's public image.

*Provide strategic counsel to the executives on communication matters, including reputation management and crisis communication.

*Monitor industry trends and news to identify potential communication opportunities or challenges for the executives and the company.

*Assist senior executives to ensure their social media is consistent with executive and company vision.

*Lead a team of communication, marketing, and philanthropy professionals, providing guidance, coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback.

*Collaborate with PR teams to manage media relations, respond to inquiries, and coordinate interviews or press events.

*Develop and implement metrics to measure the effectiveness of communication strategies and make adjustments as needed.

*Act as a liaison between the executives and internal departments, ensuring clear and accurate communication of company initiatives, policies, and goals.

*Handle sensitive or confidential information with discretion and maintain a high level of professionalism at all times.

Minimum Qualifications:

*Communication Expertise: A strong background in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field, with exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

*Leadership Experience: Proven experience leading a team of communication professionals, with the ability to mentor, guide, and motivate team members.

*Strategic Thinking: The ability to develop and execute strategic communication plans aligned with the Executive's vision and the company's goals.

*Executive Presence: A high level of professionalism, poise, and the ability to represent the senior executive effectively in various settings.

*Crisis Management: Experience in handling sensitive situations and crisis communication, demonstrating sound judgment and a proactive approach.

*Stakeholder Management: Strong relationship-building skills to collaborate effectively with internal teams, external partners, media contacts, and other stakeholders.

*Industry Knowledge: A deep understanding of the company's industry, market trends, and competitive landscape to inform communication strategies.

*Media Relations: Experience in building and maintaining relationships with traditional media outlets, journalists and reporters, as well as the ability to handle media inquiries and manage press coverage.

*Strategic Advising: Ability to provide strategic communication counsel to the executive and their team on reputation management and messaging.

*Adaptability: Flexibility to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt communication strategies to changing circumstances.

*Digital Proficiency: Familiarity with social media platforms and digital communication tools.

*Analytical Skills: Capability to measure and analyze the impact of communication initiatives and make data-driven adjustments as needed.

*Project Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities effectively.

*Ethical Conduct: Demonstrated integrity and ethical behavior in handling sensitive information and representing the company.

*Education: A bachelor's or master's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field is often preferred.

*Experience: Fifteen+ years of experience in senior communication roles, preferably with a background in executive communication or senior executive support. Working with a privately held, family-owned business or a large, matrixed-organization a plus.

*Creativity: Has ability to creatively develop components of an Executive Communications Plan.

*Philanthropy: Experience with or understanding of public charities, private foundations and philanthropic giving strategies and approaches a plus.

*Familiarity with metro Detroit and the Ilitch Companies a plus.