at WEX Inc. in Portland, Maine, United States
Job Description
Job Summary
WEX seeks a Director, External Communications to serve as a trusted leader on the Global Communications team based in Portland, Maine. The high-impact role will report to and support the Vice President of Global Communications in an effort to lead company-wide strategy and execution of the Global Communications programs and activities in the areas of External Communications and Executive Communications, as well as Crisis Communications, as needed. The Global Communications team protects and promotes the voice for WEX's corporate narrative and global reputation to increase brand awareness with our key target audiences, including media, financial analysts, industry influencers, customers, partners, existing and prospective employees, and venture capitalists and startup founders as it pertains to the energy transition.
Responsibilities
In partnership with the Vice President, develop messaging and communications strategies and scale these efforts globally on behalf of corporate strategic initiatives and WEX's most senior executives, specifically members of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and key strategic global initiatives such as the Energy Transition, WEX Venture Capital, M&A, etc.
Drawing from a strong knowledge of global tech, fintech, climate tech, and/or venture capital trends, the Director will play a key role in the development of overall Communications messages and positioning.
Identify and develop compelling storylines to be brought to life via owned content creation (in partnership with Marketing) or media pitches (in partnership with our PR Agency of Record).
Provide senior guidance and support to Global Communications team members as they design announcement strategies showcasing new products, customers, partnerships, with an eye towards evolving the perception of WEX as a global, innovative fintech company.
Prepare and staff senior executives for media briefings or speaking engagements, as necessary.
Build and cultivate strong relationships with key stakeholders internally, as well as with industry thought leaders, media, conference organizers, etc.
Partner with the Vice President and Marketing to scale the Global Communications program. For example, over time, work with global Marketing colleagues to provide support to a regional network of hybrid marketing & communications professionals and leverage "in-country" networks to cascade messages throughout the region.
Partner with the Vice President and Marketing to oversee all global external communications efforts, including managing PR agencies, and ensuring outreach is consistent and in line with overall company objectives.
Benchmark, measure, and report on the effectiveness of all Global Communications activities.
Support issues management and crisis management, as necessary.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Journalism or related field.
Minimum of 10 - 15 years experience in PR, communications, journalism, or marketing focused on tech, fintech, financial services, venture capital, and/or climate tech, including 3 - 5 years experience working at a publicly traded company.
Experience managing integrated corporate communications activities and narratives in a complex organization with multiple stakeholders, goals, and global/regional considerations.
Passion for global tech, fintech, climate tech, and venture capital trends and an ability to unearth compelling narratives at WEX that align with these global trends.
Experience driving corporate narratives and executive thought leadership through strategic earned and owned activities, including cross-collaboration on owned activities in alignment with Marketing.
Track record of developing and delivering high-profile, impactful, and measurable communications results from start to finish.
Previous experience scaling communications teams globally.
Strong interpersonal and influencing skills with an ability to counsel senior leaders.
Creative, strategic, and collaborative approach to problem solving.
Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
Resourceful and resilient with an ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment and to flow with changing priorities.
Exceptional interpersonal effectiveness, positive attitude, high level of flexibility, and able to work well with others.
Ability to foster and maintain connections with the media.
Flexibility to work outside normal business hours.
Adherence to confidentiality is essential.
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Equal Opportunity Employer/Vets/Disability
