Director External Communications

Title: Director External Communications
Location: White Plains, NY
Job Grade: 25

About the Role: Oversee Heineken USA’s external communications team in a manner that protects and enhances the Company’s and the brands reputation and enables the Company to become the most innovative and exciting beverage company by 2023.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead Heineken USA’s corporate and brand PR strategy in a manner that fuels belief amongst our internal and external stakeholders and protects and enhances the positive reputation of HEINEKEN USA.

• Oversee and shape the Corporate Communications strategy for HUSA incl driving Behind the Label campaign
• Shape the Brand PR strategy for HUSA brands and manages the Senior Manager Brand PR Communications in executing the brand communications campaigns and strategy
• Work closely with the marketing leadership team to develop brand PR strategy and measurement for core priority brands and innovations; oversees public relations agencies; works closely with senior global brand PR teams to create relevant U.S. PR programs (Dotted line to CMO & CMO’s brand leads)
• Act as strategic partner and advisor to CEO, CMO, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, and other key business leaders in the US as it relates to reputational issues and executing corporate communications strategy.
• Mentor and coach direct report and drive positive impact on broader corporate affairs team and company.
• Serve as key spokesperson for HEINEKEN USA; responsible for developing and writing external messaging and ensure proper media training of all key executives.
• Crisis and issues management – protecting the company reputation and its brands. Lead Heineken USA’s crisis preparedness work and run trainings and simulations as required. Serve as corporate crisis communications lead in the event of an actual crisis. Focus on business continuity and enhance processes, in charge of social media/digital crisis response, as needed.
• Effectively manage all external agencies and consultants including PR agencies, event & production agencies, graphic artists, and media trainers.
• Liaise with global HQ in Amsterdam on key programs, media engagements and issues management.
• Responsible for identifying innovative new social ways that could enhance HEINEKEN USA’s ability to reach all audiences
• Develops strategies & initiatives for corporate digital content; oversees content development for corporate website (with support from Sr. Manager of External Communications)
• Develops social media strategy and programs to advance corporate messages to the external environment; oversees content for all corporate social channels

Basic Qualifications/Requirements:

• More than 8-10 years of experience in brand PR, corporation communications
• Must have strong network of media contacts/relationships
• Demonstrated ability to manage crisis situations
• Experience leading and managing a team
• Must have excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Must have excellent presentation skills
• Knowledge of content development, ability to develop strategy for various social channels

• Bachelor’s Degree

Preferred Qualifications:

• Mix of agency and corporate CPG experience preferred.

HEINEKEN Behaviors

• Connect
• Shape
• Develop
• Deliver

Heineken USA is an equal opportunity employer. We believe the diversity of our people makes us as strong and unique as our brands. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, or any other basis protected by law.
This position is not available for visa sponsorship.

Job Type: Full-time