Regional External Communications Leader

NielsenIQ•Chicago, IL

About The Position

About this job NIQ seeks a modern, outcomes-minded Regional External Communications Leader with a strong can-do mindset and passion for making things work, every day, across markets. This role is about turning a strong global strategy into real, visible impact at a regional level. That means adapting thoughtfully, staying aligned, and ensuring the machine runs smoothly across markets. You are someone who gets things done, brings clarity, and keeps momentum moving forward. This role is for a positive, pragmatic communicator who combines sound judgement with strong follow through. What You’ll Achieve in Your First 12 Months Bring consistency, confidence, and momentum to regional external communications execution. Successfully anchor all external comms in a unified global to regional narrative that builds on our growth priorities. Build strong, constructive relationships with regional media and agency partners. Help regional leaders show up externally with clarity and confidence. Establish a reliable, well-run rhythm for planning, execution, and reporting across the region. Raise the overall quality and impact of earned media coverage.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in external communications, PR, or corporate communications.
Demonstrated experience executing global communications and crisis frameworks at regional level.
Strong understanding of structured, scalable PR and issues management models.
Proven ability to manage media and agencies in both proactive and reactive situations.
Comfortable advising senior leaders during high-visibility or sensitive moments.
Highly organized, reliable, and decisive.
Calm under pressure, optimistic approach, and solutions oriented.
Strong judgement, listening skills, and a collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

Activate the global narrative regionally
Translate global messages and thought leadership into strong regional storylines, in line with our strategic priorities.
Apply the global framework with flexibility, care, and consistency.
Keep regional execution aligned while allowing space for local relevance.
Run a smooth, systemized PR operation
Execute the global PR model across the region with discipline and energy.
Coordinate closely with global communications on priorities, timing, and delivery.
Keep agencies and local teams focused, aligned, and moving forward.
Media, agency, and issues management
Build and maintain strong relationships with regional media.
Lead and manage regional PR agencies to deliver high-quality outcomes.
Support crisis and issues management at a regional level, including media response, coordination, and monitoring, in close collaboration with the global team.
Act quickly, calmly, and clearly when issues arise, in close alignment with global teams.
Support leadership visibility
Work closely with regional leaders to support external engagement.
Prepare leaders for interviews, panels, and events with confidence and clarity.
Spot opportunities for leaders to contribute meaningfully to external conversations.
Bring insight, resilience, and optimism
Monitor media, sentiment, and emerging risks across the region.
Share insights, risks, and recommendations with global communications.
Approach complex situations with a calm, practical, can-do mindset.