Summary
Description
The Vice President of Communications & Public Relations is a senior leader responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive internal and external communications strategy that advances the company’s vision, strengthens its reputation, and drives employee alignment and engagement.
This role partners closely with the CEO, Executive Team and key cross-functional leaders to lead strategic communications, executive visibility, and internal meeting planning. This includes ownership of leadership messaging, media relations, internal storytelling, and communication governance, with a sharp focus on budget optimization to ensure high-impact, cost-effective delivery.
The VP serves as a strategic advisor to the executive team and is a trusted steward of the company’s voice, values, and public presence.
Key Responsibilities
Internal Communications
- Develop and lead an enterprise-wide internal communications strategy that informs, aligns, and engages employees.
- Collaborate with the CEO and his Executive Assistant on content, structure, and delivery of internal meetings (e.g., town halls, executive roundtables, strategic briefings).
- Create messaging for organizational updates, cultural initiatives, business performance, and executive announcements.
- Drive consistent messaging across employee channels (intranet, newsletters, all-hands meetings, video, etc.).
Executive Visibility & Thought Leadership
- Own and execute the executive communications strategy for the CEO and senior leaders.
- Develop and coordinate executive messaging across internal and external platforms including media, speaking engagements, social media, and internal forums.
- Prepare speeches, talking points, op-eds, and briefings for high-profile opportunities.
External Communications & Public Relations
- Lead the development and execution of PR strategy, including media relations, thought leadership, and corporate reputation.
- Serve as a spokesperson or manage designated spokespersons for key media interactions.
- Oversee the creation of press releases, bylined articles, and media responses.
- Partner with Marketing, Brand, Customer, Investor Relations, and Government Affairs to align messaging and amplify strategic priorities.
Strategic Planning, Budget Management & KPIs
- In the first 90 days, evaluate and realign the communications budget to minimize spend while maximizing impact.
- Establish and track strategic communications goals, deliverables, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Ensure communications activities are data-informed and outcome-driven.
Team Leadership & Operational Excellence
- Lead and mentor a team of internal and external communications professionals.
- Manage agency and vendor relationships, contracts, and performance.
- Create governance frameworks to maintain message consistency, brand voice, and communication quality across all channels.
Cross-Functional Partnerships
This role is a strategic partner to multiple departments, including:
- CEO and Executive Leadership Team
- Executive Assistant (for meeting planning and CEO support)
- Marketing & Brand
- Customer Experience
- Investor Relations
- Government Affairs
- Culture & People / HR
Experience and Professional Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field; Master’s preferred.
- 10–15 years of progressive experience in corporate communications, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
- Proven experience managing both internal and external communications, including direct work with executive leadership.
- Demonstrated success in budgeting and resource optimization.
- Strong writing, storytelling, and executive presence.
- Experience leading crisis communications and navigating sensitive issues.
- Collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
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Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis. Artificial Intelligence tools may be used in connection with the recruitment process for this position.
