Head of Corporate Public Relations - Vanguard
Vanguard, one of the world's largest investment management companies and a recognized employer of choice, seeks a Head of Corporate Public Relations. Vanguard is based on a simple but revolutionary idea -- that a mutual fund company should be managed in the sole interest of its investors. To ensure that the interests of investors always come first, Vanguard is owned by the Vanguard funds, which in turn are owned by the investors. We're still the only company structured this way. Today, we state our mission broadly: To take a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance for investment success.
The Head of Corporate Public Relations (PR) leads and directs the media relations program relating to Vanguard corporate or business functions, which entails collaborating with senior management and other leaders to develop PR plans and strategies to protect and further the image and reputation; promote our funds and services; and advocate on issues of importance to our clients’ investment success. This also includes serving as a lead corporate spokesperson, preparing CEO and senior staff for media engagements, and partnering with other marketing and communications groups.
- Leads your team to success by fostering an inclusive environment and managing to their diverse needs. Creates a culture of engagement by providing personalized coaching, training, and motivation. Setting standards, reviewing performance, and providing feedback, all in order to develop staff. Fosters a positive working environment that generates team building, creative thinking and crew development
- Serves as a spokesperson. Responds promptly to multiple, daily inquiries from the global news media – from wire services and financial websites to prominent financial newspapers and personal finance/business publications – and serves as an accessible, responsive, credible, quotable, and resourceful spokesperson. Employs persuasion and influence skills effectively to maintain Vanguard’s image and reputation among media and shareholders; to promote Vanguard funds and services; and to advance Vanguard’s identified business and communications goals.
- Develops and strengthens working relationships with news media. Maintains regular contact with members of the news media via phone, e-mail, mailings, and face-to-face encounters and visits. Plans and researches story ideas to proactively pitch to media representatives. Arranges interviews with executives, ambassadors, and portfolio managers, and fully and properly prepares Vanguard’s ambassadors and media member for press engagements.
- Proactively identifies internal/external issues, employs conceptual thinking and judgment to counsel management and internal clients, and develops strategic approach and/or tactical responses to manage issues. Works with Strategic Communications, Legal, Government Relations, among other critical partners, to coordinate a response.
- Develops internal network of partners, resources, and sources. Builds and maintains effective, strong, collaborative relationships with internal business clients, resources, marketing personnel, ambassadors, members of senior staff, as well as external advisors, vendors, and clients, in order to develop, plan, and execute media activities.
- Prepares press releases and other press materials. Researches, develops, writes, and edits press releases Q&As, backgrounders, pitches, fact sheets, press kits, bylined articles, and other materials that are highly professional, effective, creative, and accurate.
- Serves as in crisis contingency contact. Plays a key role in working with Business Contingency Group and other partners to consult, counsel, and contribute to development of an enterprise response to a crisis. Participates in table top and other contingency exercises. Ensures PR contingency plans are comprehensive and up-to-date.
Qualifications:
- BA degree, with advanced degree in communications or business preferred.
- Minimum of 12 years business experience, including a minimum of eight years PR or related communications experience. Financial industry preferred. Previous management experience.
- Proven leadership skills, and business and industry acumen.
- Exceptionally strong strategic planning and analytical skills
- Effective interpersonal skills and presence.
- Excellent writing, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Ability to work independently on multiple assignments simultaneously
- Ability to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure
Individuals can apply to this link