Vice President, Corporate Reputation and Public Affairs

MikeWorldWide is seeking a well-rounded senior communications professional as Vice President in its New Jersey-based offices. This is a high-growth, high-visibility role for a client service-obsessed leader with experience leading multi-dimensional, multi-workstream accounts. Our ideal candidate is a modern, integrated thinker with a command of the rapidly changing environment of public opinion: well-versed in the use of digital and paid strategies, forward-thinking about the emerging requirements of ESG and expectations of C-level leaders across stakeholders and rooted in active, hands-on management of earned media. If you understand and live in the intersection of reputation management, public relations, public policy, and community relations and possess a deep understanding of these dynamics in New Jersey and New York, this role is for you.

We are seeking candidates with a demonstrated ability to think critically and write persuasively to move stakeholders to action. Experience and background in thought leadership, executive visibility, and media relations (national and local) are required. The position also will involve participation in business development strategies and activities, including proposal writing and development.

This leader must be adept at managing integrated teams of professionals with diverse backgrounds, levels of experience, and skillsets and possess the ability to create mission and strategy alignment, clarity of roles and clear priorities and objectives. A bias toward action and willingness to be hands-on with teams and client deliverables in fast-moving situations is highly valued.

Agency experience is preferred, but individuals with experience in managing multiple communications programs simultaneously will be considered. Those interested should be prepared to provide writing samples and case studies of programs managed and implemented by the candidate.

Candidates will be expected to operate in a client-facing capacity, including participation in regular meetings virtually and in person within the New York Metropolitan Area – primarily in New Jersey. There also will be involvement in client events, business development and marketing activities that include participation in forums outside of the home/office.

Experience in provider areas of Health Care – hospital, pharma, biotech, benefits plans – a strong plus.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide high-level account management and strategic counsel to clients across the spectrum of modern reputation management including positioning and messaging, stakeholder engagement, issues management, executive visibility, internal communications and employer brand.
• Structure and lead day-to-day operational and financial performance of integrated account teams, generating fresh, smart ideas and leading programs.
• Develop and implement comprehensive stakeholder communications programs across earned and owned media, including the development of social/influencer strategies.
• Crafting thoughtful points of view and recommendations based on a broad understanding of client landscapes, business and industry environment and media relations.
• Anticipate potential risks and issues and help clients navigate challenges with deep institutional and category expertise
• Directly manage and mentor a collaborative team of smart and enthusiastic communications professionals; ensuring deliverables are met for clients and professional growth and advancement is achieved.
• Provide account oversight with a client-obsessed mindset and commitment to quality work that exceeds expectations
• Identify ways to engage, empower and inspire employee through an often-remote work environment, leading with empathy while ensuring excellence in the work.
• Continually work with teams to drive client results that can meet or surpass client KPIs through the development of best-in-class communications campaigns
• Work as a partner to your clients, managing stakeholder engagement, elevating executives, building overall brand reputation, and developing fully integrated programs that deliver measurable results

What You Have to Have (Experience Requirements & Success Factors):

• At least 7-10 years of experience serving in a full-time role either in a public relations agency or the communications department of a company in a relevant industry and with similar requirements to simultaneously manage multiple programs.
• Strong corporate reputation and communications background and experience leading corporate programs for complex organizations.
• Deep understanding of the intersection of public relations, public policy and reputation, with insights and expertise on the tri-state area and New Jersey business and political environment specifically.
• Digital fluency and demonstrated ability to deliver programs that change stakeholder opinions utilizing earned, owned and paid media.
• Intellectual curiosity and the ability to learn about new businesses, industries and issues quickly and effectively.
• Flexibility and a solutions orientation, including the ability to “jump in” to mid-stream activity in a hands-on way to ensure success of the programs.
• High-level corporate/business media relations strategy and execution experience.
• Proven and trusted client advisor who is an active listener, capable of building strong partnerships and confidently provide counsel with an ability to persuade, negotiate, and build alignment around strategy.
• Demonstrated success in being a strategic thinker – bringing PR, business and political acumen to generate compelling and award-winning programs.
• Understands clients’ challenges and brings new ideas that challenge the status quo.
• Experience in managing multiple work streams and staying on top of client budgets.
• Committed to the development of team members through active coaching and mentorship.
• Proven track record for maintaining excellent and consistent work and always delivering superior client service.
• Confidence in presenting ideas and providing counsel to internal and external audiences.
• Ability to multi-task and move quickly and decisively on client and team needs.
• Ability to travel as necessary contingent on client and new business needs (requirements vary) and ability to attend frequent client meetings virtually and in person, primarily in New Jersey. A MUST

Our Benefits:

We believe in flexibility and have the structure to make that our reality. MWWLife is our robust suite of benefits, programs, and incentives designed to support our employees’ experience during every phase of their careers. Forged in the spirit of flexibility and growth, it’s about the freedom to live your best life, both personally and professionally, and embodies the culture of caring that we cultivate at MikeWorldWide.

Highlights Includes:

· Unlimited PTO

· Pre-PTO

· Mental Health Awareness Days

· Friday Freeze

· Summer Fridays

· Commuter Benefits

· Professional Trainings and Workshops

· Phone and Gym/Fitness Stipend

· Offices are closed between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day

Our Philosophy:

At MikeWorldWide, we are built to care. We care about each other, our clients, our work and our world. We have an inherent collective empathy that informs our ideas, energizes our work and elevates us from likable colleagues to beloved family.

We’re an independent agency and we care a lot about that. Our independence gives us the freedom and flexibility to dream big, take the risks worth taking, and to do the work worth caring about. Most importantly, it lets us do what’s right, for our employees, our families and friends, and of course, our clients.

Creating authentic and lasting connections for our clients—and the people who value those clients—is why we exist. We want them to be loved because their success is ours. And so, for them, we create work that people care about because now, more than ever, CARING COUNTS.

We celebrate diversity in our employees and partners, and we're committed to building a safe and inclusive workplace environment where we all can feel comfortable and thrive while we bring our best ideas to life. We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage future MWW families from traditionally underrepresented and underserved communities to apply.