DescriptionThe Associate Director, Public Relations & Communications advances animal health by developing and implementing internal and external communications programs, including public relations, thought leadership and internal/employee communications plans, that support the short- and long-term business objectives for their assigned client groups, including traditional and digital PR and social media activities, and employee communications. This role advises leaders on communication strategies and plans and oversees tactical implementation. The incumbent independently manages issues preparedness and response process.
The AD, Public Relations & Communications serves as company spokesperson with traditional, digital and social media. This role develops and implements thought leadership and internal and external communications plan for leaders and works closely with Government Affairs.
Duties & Responsibilities- Responsible for developing strategy and overseeing creation/ implementation of internal and external communication programs for assigned client groups to achieve defined plan objectives.
- Independently manages issues preparedness and response process for assigned for client groups applying the US process with issues teams and partnering with US and global leadership to respond to issues.
- Remains knowledgeable of marketplace and external forces and trends that have the potential to impact products, diseases and/or veterinarians, producers/farmers.
- Develops and implements internal and external communications plans, including development of content for thought leadership initiatives.
- Partners with US government affairs colleagues on thought-leadership plans.
- Builds open and collaborative relationships with global PR colleagues in Ingelheim, as well as strong relationships with colleagues in marketing, medical, legal, regulatory departments, corporate communications, government affairs and others based on the specific business need(s) the business.
- Fosters alignment across stakeholders ensuring that global PR initiatives include US perspective and fit relevant business needs.
- Stays connected with US AH Corporate to ensure US AH Corporate AH initiatives incorporate various perspectives and their client groups' communications reflections US AH strategy.
- Contributes to the selection of - and partners with - consultants/agencies day-to-day activities as an extension of the in-house communications team to maximize performance, results, and ROI.
- Independently manages effective issues preparedness to minimize business interruptions and protect the reputations of the company and its assets by identifying and planning for issues through application of the US issues process.
Requirements- Bachelor's degree required with a focus in PR/Communications, Journalism, or Marketing preferred, not required.
- Minimum of eight (8) years' experience in PR/communications or other related field (such as marketing, patient advocacy, journalism). Animal health or agricultural industry experience preferred.
- Proven ability to develop, implement and lead a PR strategy that aligns with the strategic direction of the Company.
- Strong project, event and time management skills.
- Proven ability to build relationships and influence outcomes both with and without authority.
- Strong negotiation skills; executive presence.
- Maintains Composure in stressful situations.
- Adaptive and Flexible - can respond effectively to changes in priorities and/or the marketplace.
- Experience cultivating and building relationships with the media.
- Crisis/issue management background.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
- Bachelor's degree in Communication, PR, Marketing or Journalism.
- Must work well in teams and invest in developing collaborative internal and external relationships.
- Strong presentation skills.
- Ability to make a compelling case for public relations; to engender support for programming, decisions and resources.
- Strategic thinker, problem solver, and doer.
Eligibility Requirements :
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.
- Must be willing to take a drug test and post-offer physical (if required).
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
