Vice President, Corporate Affairs

ZENO Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Be Kind to Your Mind program

Headspace subscription

401(k) plan

Paid Time Off

Regional benefits

Job summary

Zeno Group in Chicago, IL seeks a VP, Corporate Affairs to lead integrated communications programs for major brands. You will drive reputation management, executive visibility and stakeholder engagement, partnering with senior clients and cross-functional teams to shape narratives across media, digital platforms and social channels.

You will guide strategic counsel, mentor teams, and seek growth opportunities, leveraging AI and emerging tech to boost impact and outcomes for clients.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in corporate affairs or corporate communications within an agency or fast-paced environment.
• Proven success developing programs that drive business, stakeholder and reputational outcomes.
• Strong understanding of the modern media landscape including business media and digital platforms.
• Experience building relationships with business and corporate media and securing impactful coverage.
• Exceptional writing, editing, messaging, storytelling and presentation skills.
• Familiarity with AI and emerging technologies in communications, research and content development.
• Proven leadership, mentoring and development of talent with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Responsibilities

• Develop integrated communications strategies linking business priorities to reputation and engagement.
• Lead executive visibility, thought leadership and storytelling programs for senior clients.
• Shape media relations across national and industry outlets to drive meaningful results.
• Apply digital and social media strategies, including AI-enabled approaches, for program impact.
• Advise clients on issues management and strategic counsel in evolving environments.
• Lead, mentor and collaborate with teams to deliver high-quality client work.
• Identify growth opportunities and contribute to business development and client leadership.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Executive storytelling

Leadership & mentoring

Client relationship management

Business development

Writing and editing

Thought leadership

Job description

Zeno Group is 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 2024 PRWeek U.S. Outstanding Large Agency of the Year, 2023 PRWeek Purpose Agency of the Year, 2022 PRWeek Global Agency of the Year, 2022 PRovoke Best Large Agency to Work For in North America and a three-time winner of PRWeek’s Best 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 AffairsDo 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: $130,000 - $150,000 USD/yrAn 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 09An 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 BenefitsHealthy, 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. 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