Vice President, Corporate Affairs

Zeno Group•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Zeno Group is seeking a Vice President, Corporate Affairs who thrives at the intersection of reputation, media, business strategy, and stakeholder engagement. This role involves helping organizations and executives shape narratives, navigate complexity, and communicate with clarity during moments of opportunity, change, and scrutiny. The VP will lead integrated communications programs for leading brands and organizations, developing strategies across reputation management, executive visibility, internal and financial communications, stakeholder engagement, media relations, digital communications, and corporate social media. The ideal candidate understands the future of communications and can guide clients to move faster, think bigger, and communicate with clarity.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in corporate affairs, corporate communications, public relations, or related fields within an agency or other fast-paced environment.
Proven success developing communications programs that drive business, stakeholder, and reputational outcomes.
Strong understanding of the modern media landscape, including business media, trade publications, digital platforms, creators, newsletters, podcasts, and social channels.
Demonstrated success building relationships with business and corporate media and securing impactful coverage.
Ability to think strategically, creatively, and holistically about communications challenges and opportunities.
Exceptional writing, editing, messaging, storytelling, and presentation skills, including experience developing executive communications and client presentations.
Familiarity with AI and emerging technologies and their application within communications, research, content development, and program execution.
Demonstrated success counseling senior clients and building trusted relationships with executive stakeholders.
Collaborative and adaptable mindset with the ability to navigate ambiguity, manage multiple priorities, and support teams through change.
Proven leadership experience, including mentoring, coaching, and developing talent.
Entrepreneurial mindset with experience identifying growth opportunities and contributing to business development efforts.

Responsibilities

Develop integrated communications strategies that connect business priorities to reputation, stakeholder engagement, and measurable communications outcomes.
Help executives and organizations develop compelling narratives, thought leadership platforms, and communications programs that strengthen credibility and influence among key audiences.
Develop media relations strategies and lead outreach efforts across national business, trade, industry, and emerging media to shape perception and drive meaningful results.
Apply digital communications, corporate social media, AI, and emerging technologies to strengthen insight, creativity, audience engagement, and program effectiveness.
Serve as a trusted advisor to clients and agency partners, helping navigate evolving communications challenges, anticipate needs, and deliver strategic solutions.
Lead and mentor team members while fostering a collaborative, supportive culture that encourages professional growth, teamwork, and high-quality client work.
Manage account performance, resources, and profitability while identifying opportunities to grow client relationships, expand scope, and contribute to new business efforts.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Prescription plans
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Paid subscription to Headspace
Access to mental health providers and services through an employee assistance program
Generous vacation
Paid holidays
Self-care time
401(k) plan
Pretax flexible spending accounts
Tuition assistance
Life insurance
Free access to a certified financial coach
Monthly allowance for ZenoFit program