Internal Communications Manager

Summary: Are you a seasoned communicator looking to build a communications team from the ground up? Do you have experience developing and executing effective communications strategies to both internal and external audiences? We have an exciting opportunity for a Communications Manager who will be responsible for both the strategic development and tactical execution of integrated communication strategies – both internally and externally.

Responsibilities:

Internal Communications

• Help to establish and grow the internal communications function
• Keep employees connected, engaged, and informed by developing new creative formats for delivering and distributing information, and being the face and voice of information flow – across all brands and locations
• Own editorial calendar for our brand-new internal communications application, ensuring planning of communications is proactive and key stakeholders are engaged
• Advise and coach senior leadership on messaging, communication strategies, and tactics including presentation support
• Develop and execute strategic communication plans for new and established initiatives; includes streamlining essential messages and the right channels to deliver them, writing, and editing communications, and developing presentations and videos.
• Acts as key liaison for senior leadership to translate our business strategy and brand into creative, inspiring, and compelling messaging and storytelling
• Plan and execute internal communications/ activities linked to quarterly and annual meetings, i.e., Town Halls, etc.
• Develop and execute strategies for effective internal crisis communications by quickly acting to reach the relevant workforce via appropriate channels
• Collaborate on special projects and change management initiatives as needed, including business acquisitions and integration, public crises, etc.
• Manage internal communication channels to ensure messaging is reaching and resonating with all employees
• Develop best practices/KPIs to enable continuous improvement of the internal communications function, driving better employee engagement
• Establish and grow strategic, cross-functional, internal relationships to assist in execution of communications strategies.

Media and Industry Relations

• Advise and coach senior leadership in North America when engaging with external audiences, including the media, regulators, industry groups, etc.
• Work as key contact for crisis communications and management in NA by providing strategic counsel and support to protect the organization's reputation and maintain an engaged workforce
• Identify opportunities and strategies to establish our brands and executives as thought leaders in the industry and relevant markets, this includes oversight of external engagement opportunities for senior leadership
• Develop effective strategies and relationships to increase earned media reach across local, regional, national and trade publications
• Develop, manage, and execute a strategic, multi-channel strategy to create greater awareness of the company as great places to work
• Establish and effectively maintain media monitoring / listening tools

Community Engagement

• Lead enterprise-wide Community Impact Workgroup, to establish and oversee Responsible for Community Relations strategy and oversee initiatives to promote employee engagement and build internal and external awareness
• Manage and execute community relations strategy to ensure all activities align within its scope

Management and Operations

• While this role will not manage a team to start, as the department is established, it may grow to include a small team of 1-2 communications professionals as direct reports, for which this position would be responsible for their development and performance management.
• Collaborate with other marketing functions to develop messaging and implement strategies
• Availability outside of regular work hours as needed, to address timely crisis communications
• Manage vendors, resources and budgets in alignment with business and Marketing goals and initiatives

Ideal Candidate Will Have:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications or related field from accredited college or university required

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of professional, full-time communications experience required

Other Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent understanding of communications best practices across audiences and channels
• Advanced knowledge of social media platforms and B2B utilization of these platforms
• Ability to work with others and be part of the team
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
• Good business sense and judgment
• Self-starter, with a strong drive and sense of intellectual curiosity
• Proficiency in managing media relations, crisis communication, and handling sensitive issues
• Ability to thrive as a motivated self-starter in a fast-paced, growing environment
• Strong organizational skills, and ability to effectively disseminate information clearly and concisely
• Flexible and driven to meet tight deadlines, handle multiple projects and prioritize appropriately
• Attentive to details and follows through on assigned tasks and commitments to achieve goals
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve, influence others, and effect change
• Possess the highest level of integrity; serving as a trusted advisor
• Proficient in Microsoft Office - includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams
• Must be eligible to work in the United States; visa sponsorships are not available
• Must be available to travel as needed to complete job duties and serve multiple locations/ subsidiaries