Vice President, Corporate Affairs

Zeno Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 115,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Headspace access

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Zeno Group, a fiercely independent global communications agency, is seeking a VP, Corporate Affairs to lead integrated programs that shape narratives for top brands. You will partner with senior clients and cross-functional teams to drive reputation, executive visibility and stakeholder engagement.

In this role, you will guide media relations, digital communications, and strategic counsel while mentoring teams and growing client partnerships in a fast-paced agency environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in corporate affairs or related fields.
• Proven success developing communications programs that drive outcomes.
• Strong understanding of modern media landscape across channels.
• Demonstrated success building relationships with business and corporate media.
• Ability to think strategically, creatively and holistically about communications challenges.
• Exceptional writing, editing, messaging, storytelling and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Lead integrated communications programs spanning reputation management and executive visibility.
• Develop strategies linking business priorities to reputation and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead media relations across national business, trade, industry and emerging media.
• Apply digital tools, AI and social channels to strengthen insights and program effectiveness.
• Mentor and develop teams, fostering collaboration and growth.
• Grow client relationships and identify opportunities to expand scope and business.

Skills

Corporate affairs

Program development

Media landscape

Media relationships

Strategic thinking

Writing & storytelling

AI familiarity

Counsel executives

Collaboration

Leadership

Growth mindset

Job description

Zeno Groupis the fiercely independent and global, integrated communications agency, born from PR. We bring together the boldest and brightest talent to help clients across industries and sectors unleash the power of strategic communications. Guided by our \"Fearless Pursuit of the Unexpected,\" we push the boundaries to achieve real business value and societal impact for clients. Winner of the industry’s most coveted awards including the 2024PRWeekU.S. Outstanding Large Agency of the Year, 2023PRWeekPurpose Agency of the Year, 2022PRWeekGlobal Agency of the Year, 2022PRovokeBest Large Agency to Work For in North America and a three-time winner ofPRWeek’sBest Places to Work. Zeno has also been previously recognized by the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Zeno is a DJE Holdings Company.

Job Description

VP, Corporate Affairs

Do you thrive at the intersection of reputation, media, business strategy and stakeholder engagement? Are you energized by helping organizations and executives shape narratives, navigate complexity and communicate with clarity during moments of opportunity, change and scrutiny?

As a VP, Corporate Affairs at Zeno, you will lead integrated communications programs for leading brands and organizations. Working closely with senior clients and cross-functional teams, you will develop strategies spanning reputation management, executive visibility, internal and financial communications, stakeholder engagement, media relations, digital communications and corporate social media.

This role is for someone who understands where communications is going and can help clients move faster, think bigger and communicate with clarity in moments of opportunity, change and scrutiny.

About the Role

• Reputation Management & Corporate Strategy: Develop integrated communications strategies that connect business priorities to reputation, stakeholder engagement and measurable communications outcomes.
• Executive Visibility & Strategic Storytelling: Help executives and organizations develop compelling narratives, thought leadership platforms and communications programs that strengthen credibility and influence among key audiences.
• Media Relations & Earned Communications: Develop media relations strategies and lead outreach efforts across national business, trade, industry and emerging media to shape perception and drive meaningful results.
• Digital Communications & Innovation: Apply digital communications, corporate social media, AI and emerging technologies to strengthen insight, creativity, audience engagement and program effectiveness.
• Issues Management & Strategic Counsel: Serve as a trusted advisor to clients and agency partners, helping navigate evolving communications challenges, anticipate needs and deliver strategic solutions.
• Team Leadership & Collaboration: Lead and mentor team members while fostering a collaborative, supportive culture that encourages professional growth, teamwork and high-quality client work.
• Business Growth & Client Leadership: Manage account performance, resources and profitability while identifying opportunities to grow client relationships, expand scope and contribute to new business efforts.

About You

• 10+ years of experience in corporate affairs, corporate communications, public relations or related fields within an agency or other fast-paced environment.
• Proven success developing communications programs that drive business, stakeholder and reputational outcomes.
• Strong understanding of the modern media landscape, including business media, trade publications, digital platforms, creators, newsletters, podcasts and social channels.
• Demonstrated success building relationships with business and corporate media and securing impactful coverage.
• Ability to think strategically, creatively and holistically about communications challenges and opportunities.
• Exceptional writing, editing, messaging, storytelling and presentation skills, including experience developing executive communications and client presentations.
• Familiarity with AI and emerging technologies and their application within communications, research, content development and program execution.
• Demonstrated success counseling senior clients and building trusted relationships with executive stakeholders.
• Collaborative and adaptable mindset with the ability to navigate ambiguity, manage multiple priorities and support teams through change.
• Proven leadership experience, including mentoring, coaching and developing talent.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with experience identifying growth opportunities and contributing to business development efforts.

Pay Range: $115,000 - $160,000 USD/yr

An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue-based metrics, any contractual agreements, and business or organizational needs. The range listed is just one component of DJEH’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, a Paid Time Off policy, and region-specific benefits.

Level 08

An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue-based metrics, any contractual agreements, and business or organizational needs. The range listed is just one component of DJEH’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, a Paid Time Off policy, and region-specific benefits.

About Our Benefits

Healthy, happy employees make Zeno better, so we have programs that support physical, mental and financial wellness. Our culture and benefits are designed to promote flexibility, celebrate diversity and support work/life balance. We offer a variety of medical, dental and vision insurance with prescription plans, as well as short and long-term disability. Our Be Kind to Your Mind program focuses on mental health, providing a paid subscription to Headspace and access to mental health providers and other services through a best-in-class employee assistance program. Employees are encouraged to bring their authentic self to Zeno and participate in our employee resource groups which build communities for sharing and support. And while we love our work, we believe in the restorative power of time off with generous vacation, paid holidays and self-care time. Employees are supported in their pursuit of financial wellness with a 401(k) plan, pretax flexible spending accounts, tuition assistance, life insurance and free access to a certified financial coach. And our unique ZenoFit program provides a monthly allowance to fund activities in your personal life that bring you joy and keep you healthy. These and other benefits are available to non-temporary employees in the US.

Zeno Group, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made on the basis of job-related criteria without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, national origin, disability, military, or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law. We invite all applicants to voluntarily self-identify their race, ethnicity, and gender. Submission of the information on this form is strictly voluntary and refusal to provide it will not subject you to any adverse treatment. Information obtained will be retained in a confidential file and separate from personnel records. This information may only be used in accordance with the provision of applicable federal laws, executive orders, and regulations. If you want more information about any of the sections, please check with a company representative.