Sr Director Corporate Communications

Encore; Schiller Park (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Director, Head of Corporate Communications, to lead strategic communication initiatives that elevate brand perception and engage stakeholders. This role involves crafting comprehensive communication strategies, managing a global communications team, and enhancing internal and external messaging. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in public relations, crisis management, and team leadership, with a passion for promoting diversity and inclusion. Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to creating memorable experiences and transforming organizations through innovative event solutions.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of leadership experience in communications and public relations.
• Expertise in strategic communications planning across various channels.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement corporate communications strategies.
• Oversee internal and external communications during crises.

Skills

Strategic Communications

Public Relations

Crisis Management

Team Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications

Master's degree in Strategic Communications

Job description

The Senior Director, Head of Corporate Communications, is a strategic thought leader and expert communicator, responsible for the development, integration and implementation of a broad range of communications and stakeholder management strategies that support the company’s vision, culture and business plans. This leader manages the global communications team members, and translates business strategies into clear, consistent and effective messaging across multiple internal and external channels that reach Encore team members, customers, venue partners, communities we serve, and industry leaders and participants. The Senior Director, Corporate Communications, is based in Encore’s global headquarters and supports executive leadership with positioning and communications implementation.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Create annual and long-term global corporate communications and public relations strategies and plans that proactively support the Encore purpose, value, positioning and brand voice, elevating and shifting Encore brand perceptions and reputation among all stakeholders.

Public Relations & Social Media

• Amplify Encore initiatives, storylines, accomplishments and innovations through strategic acumen and earned media to further Encore’s positioning as an industry leader and company that prioritizes and cares about its team members, customers and industries we serve (hotel/lodging, hospitality, meetings & events, and travel.) Direct external PR agencies, as needed. Develop press releases, pitch materials and lead media pitches, serving as company spokesperson. Oversee social media content strategy and execution to improve audience reach and enhance follower engagement.

Executive Positioning, Thought Leadership & Communications

• Build high-trust relationships with executive leadership and key internal thought leaders; magnify thought leadership externally and boost team member confidence and engagement internally through key message and “talk track” development, speechwriting, and presentation preparation.

Team Member Engagement & Advocacy

• Oversee internal team member communications and advocacy initiatives, ensuring alignment with the company’s Great Place to Work for All mission, values and culture through companywide content, events, programs and engagement, with a focus on “hardest to reach” field team members. Foster an environment team members feel informed, connected, and proud to be part of the organization. Ensure strategic and executional integration with external communications.

Crisis Management and Reputation Recovery

• Lead communications efforts during organizational crises, working closely with Encore Chief Legal, parent company communications team, and senior leadership. Play a central role in anticipating brand reputation issues, mitigating reputational damage and managing post-crisis communication recovery.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) Communications

• Develop and implement communications strategies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion both internally and externally. Collaborate with HR and business resource groups (BRGs) to communicate the company’s efforts, initiatives, and progress in this area.

• Develop a high performing, yet small team, with a passion for creating compelling and simple messaging for team members and external stakeholders, and for integration, engagement, and efficiency across regions.

Measurement and Budget Management

• Measure, report and optimize internal and external activities and programs; use data as the foundation for strategic recommendations. Ensure ROI of all initiatives. Manage communications budgets, allocating resources appropriately and tracking value derived.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism or a related field is required. Master’s degree in Strategic Communications, Journalism, or Integrated Marketing Communications preferred.

• At least 10 years leadership experience in progressively senior roles related to communications, public relations, and corporate strategy, and demonstrated expertise in strategic communications planning and execution across internal and external channels, as well as across all communication stakeholders/audiences.

• Experience leading teams both directly and cross-functionally in a matrixed environment is vital for success. Global communications experience is a plus.

• Proven track record of improving corporate reputation and driving long term organizational value.

• Exceptional relationship building skills, including those with key collaborators and industry leaders.

• Track record of providing counsel and guidance to executive leadership, including scripting for speaking engagements, written correspondence and company presentations.

• Knowledge & experience in hospitality, travel and event production industries preferred.

• Experience working in a private equity-backed business a plus.

Competency Group

Deliver World Class Service

Do The Right Thing

• Situational Adaptability

Drive Results

See The Big Picture

Value People

Office

Work is performed primarily in an office environment. Working times may include irregular hours and on-call status including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Team members must adhere to appearance guidelines as defined by Encore based in an office environment and when traveling, on an individual venue or a representation of venues in that city or area.

The above information on this description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

#INDCORP

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

About the company

Encore creates memorable experiences that engage and transform organizations. As the global leader for event technology and production services, Encore’s team of creators, innovators and experts deliver real results through strategy and creative, advanced technology, digital, environmental, staging, and digital solutions for hybrid, virtual and in-person events. Encore operates in more than 20 countries across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Asia Pacific.