We are looking for a strategic SVP, Corporate Communications to play a critical role in providing executive leadership and direction for all corporate, external, executive and internal communications. A highly visible leadership role managing a team and reporting directly to the EVP, Director of Corporate Affairs. Based in Los Angeles, the SVP, Corporate Communications will help influence our culture and proactively interact with other Group executives to develop messaging and outreach activities. We are imaginative and bold, always pushing the boundaries to achieve results. Our culture embraces creativity, diversity and progression, nurturing everyone we work with to reach the top of their profession.
In this role, your main missions are:
- Provide vision, foresight and strategic direction as well as day-to-day management of communications team to reposition and build the corporate URW brand and Westfield consumer brand in the U.S.
- Strategic planning and execution of all corporate public relations initiatives and programs in the U.S. including business/financial/trade media relations, consumer PR support to asset teams and issues management/crisis management when necessary
- Work closely with Human Resources and various teams across the organization on internal communications and employee engagement initiatives
- Raise the profile of the Company and its executives by identifying and securing coverage in key publications and executive participation on prestigious industry conferences and panels
- Working closely with leadership throughout URW on external and internal communications, as well as acting as one of the primary liaisons (along with communications and public affairs team members) on coordinating long-range strategies
- Working closely with leadership to draft speeches, one-sheets and talking points as needed for external and internal presentations, interviews and speaking engagements
- Interfacing with various industry and government constituents on behalf of URW and representing URW at industry related functions
- Direct the company’s relationships with key top-of-line press and social media influencers and bloggers; also, direct relationships with trade press/influencers in support of business line communications
- Develop and execute communications strategies that contribute directly to building URW’s brand and expanding the company’s reputation within the real estate, hospitality, health and wellness and technology industries
- Lead execution of media relations strategy and serve as company spokesperson where appropriate/needed; drive and manage media relations through personal contact, staff and external agencies
- Remain abreast of industry developments and news and communicate market intelligence and important developments to the leadership team
- Serve as strong leader and support broader crises management team when needed, work with teams in an issues environment to protect the Westfield brand and corporate reputation
- Support C-suite executive leaders as needed for external and internal activities in the US and Group leaders globally when necessary
- Manage an internal team and external consultants comprised of public relations, strategic communications and internal communications
What we are looking for
- Minimum 15+ years of experience in corporate communications, public affairs, or public relations and government affairs a plus
- Prior experience supporting a large-scale, cross-organizational corporation or governmental agency
- Proven leadership experience, with experience hiring, retaining, developing and inspiring a team of communications professionals in multiple geographic locations
- An undergraduate degree is preferred
- An understanding of the digital and physical retail environment and industry trends
- A global sensibility and cultural sophistication with the ability to translate both into meaningful PR strategies
- A savvy approach to PR with an appreciation for both digital and traditional media as well as a demonstrated ability to generate significant media coverage
- An eye for building marketing and PR programs that reach diverse communities and a desire to think big and promote unique, creative partnerships and programs
- Exceptional writing skills along with strong presentation and oral communication skills
- The ability to work under tight deadlines is essential and ability to make sound decision quickly and efficiently
- Solid understanding of brand communications and demonstrated success in managing highly visible corporate PR matters
- Ability to juggle multiple projects through highly effective organizational skills
- Strong industry relations with extensive media and key industry contacts, with special emphasis on trade and business reporters
- Strong media contacts at the highest level
- Experience in effectively interacting with executives and senior leaders
- Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communications skills
- Comfortable presenting and communicating to large groups and across all levels of the organization in an effective, situationally appropriate, clear, and high-quality manner
- Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders throughout the organization
- Comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty; the ability to adapt, be agile and flexible, and lead others through complex situations
- Values diversity and promotes a spirit of inclusion and equity
- Innately connects and builds strong relationships with others, demonstrating strong emotional intelligence and an ability to communicate clearly and persuasively