Vice President, Corporate Affairs

ZN001 Zeno US; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Mental health support

Job summary

Zeno Group is a leading independent global communications agency specializing in strategic corporate affairs and reputation management. This VP, Corporate Affairs role guides integrated programs across reputation, executive visibility, and stakeholder engagement for major brands and organizations.

You will shape narratives, lead media outreach, and leverage digital channels and AI-driven insights to deliver measurable outcomes.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of corporate affairs or public relations experience in 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, trade publications and digital channels.
• Excellent writing, editing, messaging, storytelling and executive communications.
• Familiarity with AI and emerging technologies in communications.

Responsibilities

• Develop integrated communications strategies linking business priorities to reputation and engagement.
• Enhance executive visibility through compelling narratives and thought leadership platforms.
• Lead national media relations across business, trade, industry and emerging outlets.
• Apply digital communications and corporate social media to improve program effectiveness.
• Serve as trusted advisor to clients and agency partners while mentoring teams.
• Support business development and grow client relationships.

Skills

Executive visibility

Strategic storytelling

Media relations

Digital communications

AI in communications

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Business development

Reputation management

C-suite counseling

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 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:

$130,000 - $150,000 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 09

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.

We are a rapidly‑growing agency that provides opportunities to learn, develop skills and collaborate with colleagues at all levels across our global network. Ask us about Zeno’s Day of Play, Zeno Gives Back (our global day of service), Fearless University, office happy hours and more. We are always looking for diverse talent who can bring great energy to our teams and our business. Zeno is the place where careers are built and lives are lived.

A Fiercely Independent Agency Zeno is an award-winning, global integrated communications agency, born from PR, operating across North America, Europe and Asia. Zeno is – and always will be – for everyone. We are committed to fostering a global, diverse workforce where all employees feel valued, included and empowered.

What sets Zeno apart is the people who comprise the agency – the unique perspectives, the varied worldviews and the impactful empathy – who are dedicated to driving positive change. To support our diverse workforce, we created safe‑space communities to connect with others who share similar backgrounds, experiences, identities, etc.

These resources include: Black Voices, Zin Miedo (Latinx), PRide at Zeno (LGBTQ+), Asian‑cy (Asian and Pacific Islander), Zeno Village (working parents), Freshmen Homeroom (Intern, AAE, AE) and Healthy Minds (mental wellbeing).

To reinforce our commitments to DE&I and take action against systemic racism, Zeno launched ‘Act Together’ in 2020. The initiative is reflective of our shared responsibility to undertake the hard work that brings about real, positive outcomes within Zeno and the broader communications industry. The strengthened infrastructure and resources we put in place ensures that DE&I effectively informs everything we do. Act Together remains central to who we are and how we show up with the goal of lasting change.

We will not waver in prioritizing this important work.