Associate Vice President, Crisis Communications

Position Summary:

The Associate Vice President, Crisis Communications & Reputation Management, reports to the SVP, Managing Director of the Crisis Communications, Reputation Management & Enterprise Transactions Group. The position will be responsible for developing and helping execute Crisis Preparedness Planning and Training programs for companies and organizations across multiple sectors, as well as providing high-level counsel and crisis response support during high-risk situations that address all internal and external stakeholders. The position will actively support senior management teams as they navigate difficult incidents, issues and other developments that threaten their people, assets, brand, reputation, and business. The position will also support clients facing M&A and other major organizational transactions.

Core Responsibilities

Lead or support crisis planning and response efforts in emerging/developing client situations, including cyberattacks; workplace violence and other issues; organization downsizing or relocation; environmental issues; threatening legislative and regulatory actions; leadership transitions; hostile takeovers; and other high-profile and often bet-the-company challenges

Develop and execute comprehensive Crisis Preparedness Programs that include an organizational crisis audit; drafting of a Crisis Management & Communications Plan; senior management Crisis Media & Communications training; Tabletop Exercise; and Drills

Define and operationalize stakeholder engagement plans for reputational and crisis issues that ensures consistency of message and that preserves and reinforces an organization’s image and reputation with all internal and external stakeholders – Board; senior leadership; team members; shareholders; customers; suppliers; public officials; regulators; the community; etc.

Draft and deliver C-suite ready materials – strategy, messaging, response plans and timelines, etc. – anticipating potential roadblocks and stakeholder needs to enable timely and effective strategy execution

Identify and manage effective media relations strategies for clients facing rugged issues, crisis events, or reputational challenges; interact with media, manage press conferences, one-on-one interviews, etc.

Support the design and continuous improvement of best-in-class protocols, practices and work packages for risk & issue assessment, as well as for response and timeline identification and execution, including new plan format, functionality, and delivery approaches

Develop and execute public affairs strategy designed to build and expand relationships with public officials through outreach and interaction with individuals and government agencies for multiple purposes in support of client objectives; understand legislative and regulatory advocacy and when it’s appropriate to bring in outside partners for that support

Develop clear and consistent communication with all internal and external stakeholders during M&A deals; draft strategy, communication plan, timeline; coordinate efforts of buyer and seller

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or related fields. Additional education in business and/or public affair and/or a graduate degree a plus

10-15 years of experience in Crisis Management, Crisis Communications, Reputation Management or related fields

Strategic thinker with experience formulating multi-faceted Crisis Management & Communications Plans, recommending optimal channel usage, timing and cadence of communications during real-time response scenarios, and working collaboratively with both senior leadership teams and functional area leads

Ability to build trust and interpersonal relationships with client C-suite and senior leaders

Demonstrated expertise and flexibility in managing multiple initiatives and high-profile crisis/reputation threats simultaneously

Demonstrate resourcefulness by bringing fresh, innovative ideas to the agency and leverage personal contact network for the benefit of clients, colleagues, and the firm

Experience operating in a flexible and adaptive manner within a fast-paced agency environment while delivering the following: a consistent quality of work; exceptional attention to detail; effective project management; responsiveness to client; and basic budget management

Experience with cybersecurity planning, as well as response following an attack by a bad actor

Experience in a range of major enterprise events with a significant reputation dimension, including M&A matters, expansion and relocation, divestitures, etc.

Salary Range:

Commensurate with Experience & Expertise