Vice President, Public Affairs & Crisis Communications, Relate, Ruder Finn
About The Position
Ruder Finn is seeking a Vice President to join its Relate team, which integrates people, purpose, and policy by working with businesses, governments, and NGOs. The team develops and executes programs and communications that engage key audiences on environmental sustainability, social impact, advocacy, and public affairs. The VP will lead strategic counsel and execution for a portfolio of accounts, bringing expertise in the energy, electric, and utility industries; health and corporate reputation; public affairs; issues and crisis communications; and media relations. The position manages complex communications needs in a highly visible, dynamic environment and serves as a key partner to clients and agency colleagues. The ideal candidate has a proven record in high-stakes communications, understands regulatory and media landscapes, and can deliver impactful strategies under pressure.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, public affairs, political science, journalism, or a related field.
- At least 8 years of public relations experience, with a strong emphasis on public affairs, crisis communications, and media relations, including experience in the energy, electrical, or utility sector.
- Exceptional writing, presentation, and verbal communication skills.
- Deep knowledge of the political, economic, and media landscape, with experience managing sensitive, high-profile issues.
- Demonstrated success advising senior-level executives on complex communications strategies and media engagement.
- Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with journalists, policymakers, regulators, and community stakeholders.
- Passion for serving the public and navigating nuanced, multicultural contexts.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the senior strategic advisor to clients on public affairs, reputation management, and crisis response.
- Lead the development and execution of communications strategies responding to evolving issues, including infrastructure updates, political developments, and public sentiment.
- Cultivate and manage relationships with media, government stakeholders, and community leaders.
- Provide proactive and reactive media relations counsel, including message development, press materials, media training, and interview preparation.
- Monitor emerging risks and issues, lead rapid-response efforts, and manage crisis communications plans.
- Collaborate with internal client teams and executive leadership to align messaging with business objectives and public expectations.
- Identify earned-media and stakeholder-engagement opportunities that reinforce client goals and transparency.
- Stay informed about trends in energy, government policy, and public opinion that may affect the sector or client operations.
- Represent Ruder Finn’s values in client engagement and contribute to new business development and organic growth opportunities.
Benefits
- Competitive base salary and bonus opportunity.
- Health, dental, and vision coverage.
- Company-paid life insurance.
- Flexible Spending Account.
- 401(k) plan with matching.
- Monthly allowance for cell phone, office equipment, and related items.
- Generous paid time off.
- Paid maternity and paternity leave.
- Professional learning and development opportunities.
- Workplace flexibility.
- On-site and off-site social gatherings.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
