Vice President, Employee Engagement

ZN001 Zeno US; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 115,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Headspace access

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Zeno Group seeks a Vice President of Employee Engagement to lead employee engagement, internal communications and change management for major clients. Youll counsel senior executives, shape messaging, and connect business priorities with workplace culture while mentoring talent and guiding growth.

You will collaborate across disciplines to deliver cohesive programs, measure impact, and expand client relationships while overseeing budgets and resources in a fast-paced agency environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in communications, public relations, employee engagement or related fields.
• 4+ years across at least three areas: organizational communications, change management, employee engagement, internal communications research or executive communications.
• Proven ability to lead employee engagement and change programs for senior clients.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead employee engagement and internal communications strategies aligned with business goals.
• Guide change management programs to support transformation and adoption.
• Counsel senior executives and leaders with messaging and leadership communications.
• Apply research and measurements to inform strategies and recommendations.
• Lead integrated programs with cross-functional teams across disciplines.
• Identify growth opportunities and expand client relationships.

Skills

Employee engagement

Internal communications

Change management

Executive communications

Leadership

Client leadership

Tools

Firstup

Qualtrics

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.

Vice President, Employee Engagement

Do you enjoy helping organizations connect with employees during times of change, growth and transformation? Are you energized by developing communications strategies that strengthen workplace culture, build trust and help employees navigate evolving business priorities? As a Vice President, Employee Engagement at Zeno, you will lead integrated employee engagement, internal communications and change management programs for leading organizations. Working closely with senior clients and cross-functional teams, you will develop strategies that connect business priorities with employee needs, strengthen organizational culture and support meaningful change. This is an opportunity for an experienced communications leader to counsel clients, guide complex programs, mentor talent and contribute to the continued growth of Zeno's Employee Engagement capabilities.

About the Role

• Employee Engagement & Internal Communications Strategy: Develop and lead employee engagement and internal communications strategies that connect business objectives with employee experiences, organizational culture and stakeholder needs.
• Change Management & Organizational Communications: Guide communications programs that help organizations navigate change, transformation and complex business initiatives while supporting employee understanding, engagement and adoption.
• Executive & Leadership Communications: Counsel senior executives and communications leaders, developing messaging, narratives and leadership communications that build trust and support organizational priorities.
• Research, Insights & Measurement: Apply employee research, listening insights and communications measurement to inform strategies, evaluate effectiveness and develop actionable recommendations.
• Client Leadership & Strategic Counsel: Serve as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, leading integrated communications programs, anticipating challenges and providing strategic recommendations.
• Integrated Communications & Collaboration: Partner across Corporate Affairs, Digital, Creative, Data & Intelligence and other disciplines to deliver cohesive programs that connect internal communications with broader business and reputation objectives.
• Business Growth & Capability Development: Identify opportunities to expand client relationships, contribute to new business efforts and help strengthen Zeno's Employee Engagement capabilities through new approaches, tools and best practices.
• Team Leadership & Talent Development: Lead, mentor and develop team members while fostering a collaborative environment where people can learn, grow and do their best work.
• Financial & Operational Leadership: Oversee account performance, budgets, scopes, staffing and resources while ensuring strong client service, high-quality delivery and sustainable business performance.

About You

10+ years of experience in communications, public relations, employee engagement or related fields within an agency or similar environment. 4+ years of experience across at least three of the following areas: organizational communications, change management, employee engagement, internal communications research or executive communications. Proven success developing and leading employee engagement, internal communications and organizational change strategies that support business objectives. Experience advising senior executives and communications leaders through periods of organizational change, growth or transformation. Strong understanding of employee engagement, workplace culture and the role communications plays in organizational effectiveness. Experience translating complex business priorities into clear, compelling communications strategies and employee-facing narratives. Experience using employee research, listening tools and communications insights to inform strategic recommendations. Familiarity with internal communications and employee engagement platforms such as Firstup, Qualtrics or similar tools. Experience leading integrated programs and collaborating across communications, digital, creative and other disciplines. Strong writing, storytelling and presentation skills, including experience presenting strategic recommendations to senior client stakeholders. Experience identifying organic growth opportunities, contributing to new business and expanding client relationships. Strong financial and account management skills, including experience overseeing budgets, scopes, resources and complex programs. Proven leadership experience, including mentoring, coaching and developing talent. Collaborative and adaptable leadership style with curiosity about workplace culture, emerging technologies and evolving employee expectations.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience leading large-scale organizational change, transformation or employee engagement initiatives. Experience developing executive and leadership communications programs for complex organizations. Experience supporting communications within franchise, multi-location or other complex organizational structures. Experience leading integrated programs that connect employee communications with corporate reputation and external communications. Experience contributing to new business pitches, organic client growth or Employee Engagement practice development.

Pay Range

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

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.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

About Zeno

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 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.