VP, Reputation + Influence / Public Relations

Hart; Toledo (OH); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid parental leave

Summer flex Fridays

Volunteer time off

Health Savings Account option with employer match

Daily snacks and beverages

Job summary

A leading brand transformation agency in Toledo, Ohio, seeks a seasoned communications strategist to enhance client reputation and trust. The role requires over 12 years of experience in public relations and expertise in crisis communication. Responsibilities include overseeing media relations and developing integrated PR campaigns. The agency offers a hybrid work environment with a competitive salary, generous benefits, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in public relations, corporate communications, or reputation management.
• Expertise in crisis communication and reputation recovery planning.
• Exceptional communication, writing, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee media relations, corporate, and executive communications.
• Develop integrated PR campaigns to drive earned media coverage.
• Advise clients during crisis events and management challenges.

Skills

Crisis communication

Media relations

Strategic communications

Public relations

Executive visibility

Job description

THE ORGANIZATION

Hartis a full-service, independent brand transformation agency that creates growth for middle-market companies in the new experience economy. For over 60 years, Hart has been a valued strategic and creative partner to brands aiming to reach higher. Our promise of Every Day Greater™ is an outgrowth of our distinctive capability to move audiences from apathy to advocacy by designing and deploying empowering, unified brand experiences. Join us in our never-ending quest to move brands to better places for a better world.

SUMMARY

Hart is seeking a seasoned communications strategist who understands that a brand’s reputation is its most valuable asset. This leader will guide clients through the moments that define them — from breakthrough storytelling and corporate communications to crisis response and social responsibility. You’ll shape how organizations show up in the world, and how they earn trust from the people who matter most.

You’ll collaborate closely with leaders in all of Hart’s disciplines to create integrated programs that strengthen reputation, amplify influence, and protect brand integrity.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Shape the agency’s reputation practice, overseeing media relations, corporate and executive communications, crisis and issues management, and CSR initiatives.
• Serve as a senior counselor to executives and clients on communications strategy, reputation management, and organizational narrative.
• Develop and direct integrated PR campaigns that drive earned media coverage, thought leadership, and stakeholder engagement.
• Advise clients during high-stakes moments, including crisis events, brand challenges, leadership changes, and sensitive public issues.
• Shape communications planning frameworks that align internal, external, and social messaging.
• Guide thought leadership programs for executives and organizations, including media placement, speaking engagements, and content strategy.
• Partner with analytics and research experts to measure reputation drivers, message performance, and sentiment over time.
• Mentor and grow a team of PR and communications professionals, building Hart’s next generation of trusted advisors.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 12+ years of experience in public relations, corporate communications, or reputation management, with at least 3 years in an agency role.
• Proven success managing media relations at the national and trade levels, with strong journalist relationships and placement results.
• Expertise in crisis communication, issues management, and reputation recovery planning.
• Experience developing communications strategy and messaging frameworks for complex organizations.
• Familiarity with executive visibility, CSR/sustainability reporting, and thought leadership content.
• Exceptional communication, writing, and presentation skills, with the confidence to counsel at the C‑suite level.
• A calm, strategic presence under pressure and a collaborative, empathetic approach to leadership.

PERSONAL SKILLS AND CHARACTER TRAITS

• Curious, positive, and ambitious
• Collaborative team player who enjoys working with others
• Flexible and able to take direction while contributing fresh ideas
• Self‑motivated with a positive attitude and strong sense of initiative
• Thrives in a fast‑paced environment, with excellent organizational skills

WHAT WE OFFER

• An exciting and intellectually challenging job within a leading, independent brand transformation agency that honors and lives its values:
• We are Champions for Others.
• We are Human‑First.
• We Act as One.
• We incite New Growth.
• We invite Exploration.
• A fruitful salary and benefits package.
• Perks such as paid parental leave, summer flex Fridays and volunteer time off.
• A hybrid work environment.Generous amount of paid time off annually + paid holidays.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care.
• Health Savings Account option with employer match.
• Paid short‑term and long‑term disability coverage.
• Daily snacks, beverages, and full access to our on‑site tavern and lounge.
• An employee experience that fosters and provides deeper connections, vital flexibility, personal growth, holistic well‑being, and shared purpose.

We employ great people from an ever‑widening variety of backgrounds – not just because it’s the right thing to do but also because we believe that diverse perspectives make our agency stronger and more innovative. If you share our values, come find your place in our community. Meet us on @_hartinc and hartinc.com/careers to learn more.

Hart is an equal opportunities employer and continually seeks to advance the concepts of equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees. As such, Hart does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, or status as a protected veteran. This policy applies to all personnel activities and conditions of employment.

Responsible for all other duties, activities and responsibilities considered reasonable in terms of the scope and spirit of this job description; all other terms and conditions of employment with Hart will be governed by the employee manual.