Director External CommunicationsLocation: White Plains, New York, United States
Function: Corporate Affairs
About the Role: Lead HEINEKEN USA's external communications function in a way that builds cultural relevance for our brands, strengthens corporate reputation and protects the Company during moments of heightened scrutiny. The role is approximately 60% focused on Integrated Brand Communications across different audiences and 40% on Corporate Communications, Reputation, Executive Thought Leadership and Crisis & Issues Management.
Key Responsibilities: - Develop and lead HEINEKEN USA's external communications strategy across Brand and Corporate Communications, ensuring programs support business objectives, generate favorable earned media and strengthen reputation.
- Lead Brand PR strategy across HEINEKEN USA's portfolio, managing agency partners and working with Global Brand PR teams to translate marketing priorities into culturally relevant U.S. communications programs.
- Partner closely with Marketing leadership and Brand teams to shape earned-first communications strategies around priority brands, innovations, partnerships, sponsorships, premium experiences and major cultural activations (Dotted line to brand leads).
- Lead proactive Corporate Communications and reputation strategy, translating business priorities and company milestones into compelling external narratives.
- Own HEINEKEN USA's annual reputation research process and translate findings into a strategic roadmap that guides proactive storytelling, executive visibility and issues preparedness.
- Develop and manage executive thought leadership strategies for senior leaders, including media interviews, speaking engagements, conferences, awards and other external visibility opportunities.
- Serve as a strategic communications advisor to the CEO, CMO, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and other senior leaders on reputational issues, external communications priorities and media engagement.
- Lead Crisis & Issues Communications, including preparedness, scenario planning, response strategy, messaging development, cross-functional coordination and media response during emerging issues or crises.
- Serve as a key company spokesperson and oversee executive messaging, briefing materials and media preparation.
- Mentor and develop members of the External Communications team and provide strategic counsel across the broader Corporate Affairs organization.
- Manage external PR agencies and communications partners, including strategy, scope, budgets, performance, measurement and KPIs.
- Maintain strong relationships with key media, industry organizations and external stakeholders, and liaise with HEINEKEN Global Communications on priority programs and issues.
Basic Qualifications/Requirements: - Demonstrated experience developing earned communications strategies for consumer brands and culturally relevant campaigns.
- Strong media relationships and experience working with consumer, business, marketing and/or trade media.
- Demonstrated experience managing crisis and reputational issues.
- Experience providing strategic communications counsel to senior executives.
- Experience leading teams, agencies and complex cross-functional programs.
- Exceptional written and verbal communications skills.
- Bachelor's Degree.
Preferred Qualifications: - Mix of agency and corporate CPG experience preferred.
Compensation & Benefits - Base Salary Range: $175,000 - $190,000 + Annual Bonus
- Benefits - Medical/Dental/Vision + Matching 401k Plan
- Vacation - 20 Days Paid Vacation & Unlimited Wellness Days
- $200 Monthly Beverage Allowance
