Vice President – Crisis & Issues Management

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DKC is a full-service public relations, marketing, and government affairs firm and one of the top independent PR agencies in the U.S. Based in New York City, with additional offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco, DKC offers a comprehensive suite of services, including strategic counsel, public relations, thought leadership, data analytics, and creative services. Our agency is driven by one core principle: client success. We measure our performance by the tangible results we deliver, not just by promises made. We are in the business of shaping and safeguarding reputations, building credibility, and driving awareness through impactful, newsworthy communication.

For over three decades, DKC has been at the forefront of public relations and communications. We attract the brightest minds and boldest thinkers across the country, and we are now seeking a dynamic Vice President – Crisis & Issues Management to join our New York team. This position offers an exciting opportunity for a seasoned leader to guide clients through high-stakes crises and strategic challenges while overseeing a team of crisis management professionals.

Position Overview:

As Vice President of Crisis & Issues Management, you will be responsible for providing high-level strategic counsel to clients navigating complex crisis situations, reputation management issues, and ongoing risk mitigation. You will lead the development of crisis communication strategies, oversee media relations efforts, and provide strategic oversight to both client teams and internal stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in crisis communications, a proven track record of managing high-profile issues, and an ability to lead and mentor teams in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership:
• Serve as the senior strategic advisor on all crisis and issues management matters, guiding clients through high-profile and high-risk situations with foresight, sensitivity, and precision. Lead the development of long-term crisis preparedness strategies, ensuring clients are proactive in managing risk and building resilient reputations.
• Crisis Communication Strategy & Execution:
• Oversee the creation and execution of tailored crisis communication plans, including media statements, stakeholder messaging, Q&As, and more. Ensure that plans are aligned with client business objectives, brand values, and legal considerations.
• Client Relationship Management:
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior executives at client organizations, providing expert counsel and serving as their primary trusted advisor in times of crisis. Navigate complex challenges, manage expectations, and ensure client satisfaction at the highest levels.
• Media Relations & Reputation Management:
• Lead the agency’s media strategy in times of crisis, working closely with journalists and media outlets to control messaging, mitigate reputational damage, and shape public narrative. Maintain strong media relationships to secure accurate, timely coverage.
• Risk Assessment & Issues Monitoring:
• Lead proactive issues monitoring efforts and crisis forecasting for clients, ensuring emerging reputational risks are identified and addressed before they escalate. Provide senior leadership with strategic recommendations for risk mitigation.
• Cross-functional Collaboration:
• Partner with internal teams (social media, legal, digital, government affairs, etc.) to ensure integrated and holistic crisis response strategies. Work with senior leadership to align crisis communication efforts with broader business objectives.
• Training & Crisis Simulation Programs:
• Oversee the design and delivery of crisis communication training programs for client teams, including media training, crisis simulations, and scenario planning. Ensure that clients are well-prepared for potential issues and can act decisively under pressure.
• Thought Leadership & Industry Influence:
• Represent the agency in high-profile industry forums, conferences, and media engagements. Share insights and thought leadership on crisis communications trends, helping to elevate DKC's position as an authority in the space.

Qualifications:

• 10 years of experience in public relations, with at least 7 years focused on crisis and issues management in a leadership capacity.
• Proven expertise in guiding clients through high-profile crises, including issues management, reputation recovery, and proactive risk mitigation.
• Exceptional leadership and management skills, with the ability to mentor, develop, and inspire a high-performing team.
• Extensive experience working with senior executives and advising C-suite leadership on crisis management, media strategy, and corporate reputation.
• In-depth knowledge of crisis communications principles, including the use of social media during crises, legal considerations, and government affairs implications.
• Strong media relationships and a track record of successful media outreach and crisis management under pressure.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex issues into clear, concise messages for diverse audiences.
• Ability to think strategically while executing tactically in high-pressure environments.
• A deep understanding of the digital landscape, including social media management and online reputation management during crises.
• Experience in designing and implementing crisis communication training programs and simulations for clients.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple, high-priority clients and issues simultaneously.

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced degree in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Experience in government relations or public affairs as they relate to crisis management.
• Proficiency with crisis communications software and media monitoring platforms.

Why DKC?

At DKC, we foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. As a Vice President, you will have the opportunity to lead at the highest level while working with some of the brightest minds in the communications industry. We believe in creating a dynamic environment where our employees can thrive, grow, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

• If you’re ready to take your career to the next level and lead impactful crisis communications strategies for top-tier clients, we encourage you to apply.

The salary range for this role is commensurate with experience: $90k - $145k.

At DKC, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our agency. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.