8-10+ years experience in strategic communications, crisis management, or related fields, preferably in an agency setting
Demonstrated history of counseling senior executives and managing complex reputation challenges
Expertise in developing crisis management strategies across diverse scenarios, including legal and geopolitical issues
Strong grasp of social media, AI, and their impacts on reputation management
Experience utilizing data-driven tools for risk identification and strategic decision-making
Proven ability to recognize trends and anticipate potential crises
Experience in the full business development process, from proposals to client pitches
Responsibilities
Serve as a senior advisor to major organizations facing complex challenges
Lead crisis communications programs addressing various scenarios from cybersecurity to labor issues
Provide strategic counsel to help clients manage emerging risks and strengthen reputation
Develop comprehensive crisis preparedness plans and engagement strategies
Conduct crisis simulations and training exercises with leadership teams
Collaborate with multiple departments to ensure effective crisis management
Initiate integrated communication campaigns aimed at influencing stakeholders
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision coverage
Generous paid time off including PTO, holidays, and personal days
Parental and caregiver leave policies to support family needs
Company-paid short and long-term disability
Community engagement hours for employee volunteerism
Support for home office equipment and technology costs
401(k) retirement plan options with company match
Learning and development opportunities to further employee skills
Full Job Description
We are seeking a Vice President, Issues + Crisis to join our Corporate team. This leader will serve as a trusted advisor to clients, helping them prepare for and navigate high-stakes issues, crises and public affairs challenges while protecting and strengthening reputation.
Our Corporate team brings together strategists, storytellers and counselors who thrive in dynamic, high-pressure environments. We believe the most effective communications humanize complexity, helping organizations build trust, navigate change and lead through moments of uncertainty. We work collaboratively across disciplines, sectors and geographies, combining intellectual curiosity, human connection and deep expertise to help clients solve difficult challenges and realize opportunities.
While the Vice President position can be based in any of We.'s markets, there is a strong preference for candidates based in Washington, DC.
What you'll be doing:
Serve as a senior counselor to Fortune 500 companies, large nonprofits and philanthropies, and other leading organizations facing complex reputation, business, policy and stakeholder challenges.
Lead issues management and crisis communications programs across a range of scenarios, including cybersecurity incidents, litigation, regulatory investigations, executive issues, labor and workforce matters, geopolitical events, public affairs challenges and business transformation initiatives.
Help clients anticipate and navigate emerging risks, providing strategic counsel that strengthens reputation, builds stakeholder trust and helps prevent issues from escalating into crises.
Lead crisis simulations, executive trainings and scenario planning exercises with senior leadership teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
Partner closely with communications, public affairs, legal, government relations, investor relations, HR and business leaders to align strategies and drive effective decision-making during high-stakes situations.
Develop and coordinate integrated communications campaigns designed to influence stakeholders and achieve business outcomes in a range of scenarios, including crisis management, litigation, labor relations, public affairs, and reputation recovery.
Counsel C-suite executives and communications leaders on sensitive issues, stakeholder engagement and executive visibility.
Support business development efforts, including thought leadership, proposal development, client pitches and organic growth opportunities related to issues management, crisis communications and public affairs.
Help shape and evolve We.'s Issues + Crisis offering, methodologies, tools and market positioning.
Serve as an expert resource across We.'s priority sectors, supporting client teams, mentoring colleagues and partnering on integrated opportunities across the agency.
What you've been able to accomplish:
8-10+ years of experience in strategic communications, issues management, crisis communications, public affairs or related disciplines with agency experience preferred and a demonstrated track record of leading high-performing teams.
Extensive experience counseling senior executives and communications leaders through complex reputation, business and stakeholder challenges.
Proven ability to develop and lead issues management and crisis communications strategies across a range of scenarios, including regulatory, legal, workforce, geopolitical, cybersecurity and reputational issues; policy and public affairs experience preferred.
Strong understanding of today's information environment, including the impact of AI, social media, digital communities and emerging technologies on stakeholder perception and organizational reputation.
Experience leveraging media monitoring, social listening, AI-powered intelligence and other data-driven tools to identify emerging risks, detect early signals and inform strategic decision-making.
Ability to identify trends, connect disparate signals and anticipate potential issues before they escalate into broader reputation challenges.
Experience partnering effectively with legal, public affairs, government relations, investor relations, HR and executive leadership teams during high-stakes situations.
Experience across the full business development lifecycle, including thought leadership, conference speaking, networking and prospecting, developing proposals, contributing to RFP responses and leading pitches both in-person and virtually
Strong presentation, consulting and writing skills, with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
Experience working across global markets, mentoring and developing teams, and thriving in a fast-paced, client-service environment.
#LI-AK1
#LI-Remote
Compensation
The base annual salary range for this role, applicable across all U.S. locations, is outlined below. The actual salary may vary based on several factors such as business requirements, job responsibilities, skills, experience, and geographical location.
Salary Range
$147,000-$188,000 USD
Benefits
As part of our commitment to the success and well-being of our team, regular employees working 20 hours or more per week are eligible for the following benefits:
Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision coverage
Pretax accounts including HSA (company match), Medical & Dependent Care FSA
Generous time off including PTO, Holidays, Annual Wellness Break, Summer Fridays and Personal Days
Short & Long-Term Disability, paid by company
Parental Leave, up to 12 weeks for birthing and non-birthing parent
Caregiver Leave, up to 2 weeks to help eligible family member with serious health condition
Community Engagement, up to 24 hours
Bi-annual Wellness Credits, up to $300 per year
Support with home office equipment
Monthly Technology Credit (to offset internet / phone costs)
401(k) Traditional and Roth options with company match
Learning and Development Programs for our employees
North America non-remote employees are required to come into the office 3 days a week.
