Public Affairs & Public Relations Associate Director- External Communications

Essential duties & responsibilities:

• Provide strategic communications counsel to the executive team as a seasoned, confident external communications professional with an excellent sense of judgment and the ability to earn trust

• Develop and execute comprehensive external communications/media relations strategies, plans, and activities in support of the CP & ESG division – and its full range of solutions globally

• Manage and develop externally focused communications materials to include, but not be limited to: press releases, byline articles, stand-by statements, news alerts, media briefings, targeted emails to editors/reporters, FAQs, blog and social media posts, and Annual Report material that relates to CP & ESG

• Proactively pitch and engage with targeted reporters and media outlets to educate them on the CP & ESG journey and create greater visibility (via attributions) for the division and its business units

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with key media outlets, industry publications and other influencers - pitch stories to key publications with a planned and regular cadence

• Identify and ensure participation and success in relevant industry recognition programs in close collaboration with divisional Communications VPs. Manage award pitches and relevant analyst rankings nominations

• Partner closely with the CEO of CP & ESG, the divisional Vice President of Branding & Communications, as well as relevant Marketing VPs/Directors/leaders, to ensure alignment with messaging and initiatives towards all stakeholder groups

• Leverage insights for stories to build external awareness, typically with media/analysts/influencers, ensuring an integrated approach with Internal Communications

• Define desired outcomes of external communications initiatives, including quantitative and qualitative measures

• Anticipate important industry trends along with potential issues and implement appropriate actions to both promote and protect the company and its reputation; mitigate any negative news

• Monitor media and notify internal stakeholders of time-sensitive issues, events or coverage

• Utilize external PR/Media Monitoring agency partners to ensure the provision of high impact, consistent and effective messaging

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders (including HR, Internal Communications and Brand) to ensure the sharing of important external communications content that supports the wider business strategy and promotes Wolters Kluwer as a “great place to work.”

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in communications, journalism, English or related field preferred

• 7-10 years of communications experience (within a corporate or agency environment)

• Existing set of strong global media contacts across Tier 1 media, trade publications, and broadcast, preferably in North America

• Proficient in quickly assessing situations and developing customer messaging and talking points for internal employees

• Experience with crisis communications, including legal, investor and public relations implications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Superb writing and editing skills and a strong sense of narrative and storytelling

• Excellent creative thinker, with an ability to quickly comprehend a breadth of information and simplify the communication

• Ability to verbally relay concepts, goals, project plans to all parties involved in the execution of said plans

• Ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams as well as working in long-distance situations

• Ability to read and comprehend industry specific documents and/or presentations.

• Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate with all levels of management.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Other Knowledge, Skills, Abilities or Certifications:

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists

• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form

• Detail oriented, able to work independently and as a contributor in a team environment

• Strong organizational, time management and interpersonal skills

• Flexible and responsive to change

Travel requirements

Some travel might be required (approximately 20% of time)

This is a hybrid role with a requirement of being in a Wolters Kluwer office a minimum of 8 days a month, or more as needed.

#LI-Hybrid

Applicants may be required to appear onsite at a Wolters Kluwer office as part of the recruitment process.

Compensation: