Corporate Relations Director - Higher Ed. jobs in Appleton, WI

VP, Public Relations and Corporate Communications

Work Mode: Hybrid

Location: Onsite at Kohler, WI

Opportunity

The Vice President of Global Communications will help shape our future by spearheading comprehensive and progressive global communications strategies that encompass both external and internal associate communications, working to protect and advance Kohler’s reputation across markets, align with our enterprise customer and business strategies and continually advance our employment brand proposition. This leader will play a pivotal role in establishing and nurturing strong relationships with stakeholders, media, and internal associates, propelling our reputation to new heights, and driving our communication endeavors forward.

Reporting to the Chief Brand Officer, this person will leverage their dynamic experience executing corporate communication strategies, engaging with media, and leading teams to partner closely with senior leaders to develop and execute communications plans and provide strategic counsel on critical issues.

The Vice President of Global Communications will provide thought leadership and a consistent voice of influence to position the brand as a globally recognized iconic brand, driving impact in industries we work, broader business spaces, as well as corporate social responsibility. This role requires superior business acumen, proactive analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as a demonstrated ability to implement new solutions, drive continuous improvement and results that drive business impact.

Specific Responsibilities

External Communications

• Cultivate and develop a global external communications strategy that fuels our brand growth, aligns with our organizational aspirations, and resonates with key audiences.
• Oversee the creation and dissemination of press releases, media kits, and other external communications materials, ensuring consistency of messaging across all external communication channels.
• Foster and maintain relationships with influential media contacts, skillfully representing our brand, expertly pitching stories, and securing favorable coverage.
• Keep a vigilant eye on emerging trends, issues, and crises in the external communications landscape and respond adeptly.
• Supervise and collaborate with our external agencies, leveraging their expertise to amplify our communication efforts further.
• Oversee and elevate executive leadership and CEO communications and thought-leadership efforts.
• Prepare our executives and subject matter experts for media interactions, interviews, and impactful public appearances.
• Guide the development and implementation of efforts to raise awareness of Kohler’s corporate responsibility (social and environmental).:
• Architect comprehensive crisis communication plans and assume a commanding role in crisis response efforts when required.
• Identify emerging topics, leading rapid and effective response. Position the brand effectively in response to issues, opportunities and threats and is proactive in efforts to guide business actions that reflect Kohler’s values and key stakeholder expectations.

Internal Communications

• Craft and execute a robust internal communications strategy that aligns with our brand and ignites associate engagement, fosters alignment with corporate objectives, and cultivates a thriving organizational culture. 
• Partner and work collaboratively with senior executives throughout the enterprise, building high levels of professional credibility and mutual trust, and ensuring that internal clients have access to high-quality advice and guidance to support in delivering internal messaging, effective change management strategies and storytelling through various communications platforms and mediums.
• Collaborate closely with senior leadership to strengthen and ensure a consistent, transparent, and impactful communication flow with employees at all levels, building trust in Kohler’s leaders.
• Act as a bridge between leadership and associates, providing timely updates on organizational developments and nurturing open lines of communication.
• Support the implementation of company programs, procedures, methods, and practices to promote Kohler’s key messages.
• Ensure that data is used to drive insight that helps Kohler continuously improve the way we listen and communicate.
• Lead the development and implementation of communications policies, procedures, and related guidelines, ensuring compliance with external requirements. Identify gaps in communication processes and proactively develop communications solutions to increase understanding and adoption.
• Integrates change management principles and methodologies into strategies and plans, providing subject matter expertise on the people side of change and building communication strategies that maximize employee adoption and minimize resistance.
• Support the corporate brand transformation efforts by building advocacy internally through change communications, executive communications, and business unit storytelling and other communications efforts, helping to create excitement for the future and a sense of unity across all business lines.
• Develop and maintain policies and practices that effectively manage business risks within the scope of responsibilities.
• Build and develop a high performing team and culture:
• Drive the team's vision and strategy and articulate the relationship to the enterprise's mission, vision, and values; clarify the actions needed to implement within the area of responsibility; motivate people to commit to these and to do extraordinary things to achieve the organization's business goals.
• Manage and report on the performance of team; set appropriate performance objectives for direct reports, provide ongoing coaching, training, and mentoring to develop and encourage their performance. Hold them accountable for achieving results; take appropriate corrective action where necessary to ensure the achievement of annual business objectives.
• Define the detailed organization structure for the communications team to align with corporate principles, define the relationship between elements of the organization, and define the responsibilities of senior leaders, to enable the organization to achieve its business objectives.
• Develop a yearly financial plan and budget, including staffing projections, for all areas of responsibility. Ensure that timely and accurate services are provided to internal and external customers by providing managerial leadership, direction, and effective monitoring of performance. Establish departmental and individual goals and objectives that are consistent with the financial plan.

Skills/Requirements

• 15 years of progressive leadership of internal and external communications teams including at least 7 years in a leadership role managing multiple teams in a national or multinational company with annual revenues greater than $2B.
• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or other relevant field; master’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to chart and execute a visionary multi-year, multi-channel communications strategy that aligns seamlessly with organizational objectives.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities, highly skilled at leading and fostering collaboration across global cross-functional teams, both internally and externally.
• A visionary thinker capable of conceiving unique, captivating communication initiatives and strong proficiency in crafting compelling narratives and messaging.
• A track record of achieving measurable outcomes and delivering significant impact through communication efforts.
• Demonstrated proficiency in crisis communication, maintaining composure and effectiveness under duress.
• Highly motivated, proactive, and self-reliant, with the ability to drive initiatives independently.
• A nuanced understanding of cultural diversity, with the ability to adapt communication strategies for a wide array of international audiences.
• Experience within a global organization focused on strategic organizational communications, change management, employer brand, employee engagement (including applications of social media), internal communications, and executive level management communications.
• Exceptional writing skills across a wide variety of client deliverables – including communications plans, scripts, talk tracks, and thought leadership pieces to reach a diverse internal and external audience.
• Ability to work under pressure while exercising good judgement and handles conflict and resolves uncomfortable situations with peers, and direct reports with tact and diplomacy.
• Exceptional media relations skills with proven experience of positive results from working with national and global level press.
• Strong influencing skills to promote dialogue and achieve buy-in across various constituencies.
• Demonstrated track record of employing exceptional judgment in decision-making and all working relationships. Demonstrates strong emotional intelligence in interactions, negotiations, and communications.
• Proven experience in counseling and influencing top senior executives.
• Expertise in both traditional and emerging media and communications; digitally savvy and demonstrated practical experience working with new media and internet communications.
• Experience selecting, giving direction to and managing agency relationships.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

The salary range for this position is $243,500 - $323,350 . The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s experience, their education, and the work location. In addition, this position is eligible for a performance bonus/variable incentive compensation. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision & 401k.

Why Work at Kohler Co.?

Kohler Co.'s mission is to contribute to a higher level of gracious living for those who are touched by our products and services. We understand that it takes investment in our associates’ development to make that happen.  So, we offer ongoing investment in each individual’s personal development and the opportunity to collaborate with others across functions and roles at Kohler.  

In addition to the investment in your development, Kohler offers a benefits package including a competitive salary, health, vision, dental, 401(k) with company matching, and more!

*Important update for candidates applying to roles within Kohler Energy, including Power Systems, Engines, Home Energy, Kohler Uninterruptible Power, Clarke Energy, Curtis Instruments, and Heila Technologies.
On November 6, Kohler Co. announced the strategic decision to establish Kohler Energy as a separate, independent business with Platinum Equity as the majority investment partner. Kohler will continue to stay invested in the Energy business following the closing and remains committed to supporting the acceleration of long-term growth strategies for both organizations. Talent and operational transition plans are underway, and Kohler Co. and Platinum Equity expect the agreement to close in the first half of 2024.Thank you for your interest in joining our growing team as we embark on the next phase of growth!

About Us

Beyond the competitive benefits and compensation, Kohler proudly offers a rich history, steeped in creativity and a commitment to our associates and communities.  We invite you to learn more about our culture and company at www.kohlercompany.com.

It is Kohler’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified personnel in all job classifications without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.  If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact kohlerjobs@kohler.com.  Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.  

We invite you to learn more about equal employment opportunity by reviewing the Federal EEO is the Law and the EEO is the Law Supplement .