VP, Corporate Communications

Coherent

About The Position

This is a new role that will build and lead corporate communications for Coherent globally. The VP, Corporate Communications will work closely with and report to the Chief Legal and Global Affairs Officer to devise and execute communication strategies and manage issues, over time building and leading a small central team and coordinating with local teams in Coherent’s global footprint. The VP, Corporate Communications will engage directly with Coherent’s CEO and C-Suite to create and manage a strategic communications strategy for the company.

Requirements

An experienced director of corporate communications or corporate agency leader with experience gained working in (or with) a multinational company, with a solutions-focused mindset.
Demonstrable strategic approach to communications ensuring the function contributes meaningfully to achievement of wider business goals.
Proven strategic insight, reflected in their plans and their impact. Core to the role is to have the ability to see the bigger picture and always be thinking about the “big idea” that will take Coherent’s profile to the next level.
Extensive experience working in the corporate media space (business and trade) is essential with a deep knowledge of how corporate stories/campaigns are developed and play out across all media channels paired with media relationships.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to develop messaging and create long-form content.
A dynamic approach with proven leadership qualities, top level influencing skills and the ability to operate effectively in a collaborative, fast moving environment.
Proven track record for delivering successful proactive communications campaigns
Ability to demonstrate how they have developed, empowered and lead a high-performing team, inspiring others and providing practical guidance and support to help them develop.
Able to demonstrate broad cultural awareness and sensitivity to support international working and development.

Responsibilities

Primary point of contact for corporate communications. The first port of call for communications issues globally.
Over time create and lead local communications teams to execute corporate campaigns that deliver high impact owned and earned outputs.
Build communication strategies tied to long term ambitions for Coherent’s business.
Support the local markets when issues arise and manage communications with relevant stakeholders across the business.
Partner with Marketing, Investor Relations, Legal & Global Affairs, HR and business units to ensure alignment and messaging consistency, including across earnings, events and disclosures.
Collaborate with global leadership on the development of integrated plans tied to business strategies with robust corporate communications plans at their core.
Ensure all campaigns are leveraged with our key external stakeholders to maximize impact.
Develop strategic and long term (12-18 month) plans and tools for the company to budget and activate, while providing guidance for target audiences and KPIs.
Build a smart, creative and media relations driven team and culture.
Strategic planning: Lead and deliver the strategic annual corporate communications plan aligned with business objectives, manage budgets, build global relationships, develop proactive campaign strategies with KPIs, and oversee all corporate communications activities.
Media relations: Lead proactive and reactive corporate story handling across global markets, act as a corporate spokesperson, draft high-level messaging, and coordinate with work closely with the global affairs team for consistent messaging and relationship management.
Issues management: Monitor industry news to identify and advise on emerging issues, manage crisis communications Chief Legal & Global Affairs Officer, develop and coordinate messaging with stakeholders, and provide guidance on internal and external communications
Executive support and speaking: Establish and maintain relationships with Coherent’s leadership team members, providing updates, counsel, and coaching to senior executives on corporate communications matters. Act as the corporate communications liaison for designated executives, supporting their external profiles and media training, while leading the executive speaking program by identifying and coordinating opportunities aligned with strategic objectives. Manage preparation and support to leadership team on all aspects of communications including presentations, speech writing, messaging and rehearsing delivery.
Oversee projects to enhance delivery and effectiveness: As leader of Corporate Communications function, oversee further development of proactive stakeholder engagement program in the United States, building on initial work undertaken to date, ensuring that communications activities operate within a strategic, systematic approach to managing key external relationships to maximize business benefit. Develop effectiveness of owned channels in the US and key geographies as a communications channel, including overseeing management of corporate website, videos and publications. Oversee curation of Exec/company LinkedIn and other social channels to provide authentic voice that tells our business story.
Campaign delivery: Oversee the creation of strategic media engagement programs focused around delivering positive standout coverage for Coherent or any of the business’ assets and operations that align to the business goals. Create/approve all media materials including press releases, Q&A documents, presentations, statements and speeches. Leverage strong corporate communications experience and events to promote Coherent in the United States and key global markets. Maintain excellent media relationships (both corporate and trade) and liaise with senior journalists to deliver on message coverage and manage the media agenda as appropriate. Working with the Chief Legal & Global Affairs Officer, develop briefs for third-party agencies, lead pitches with team and negotiate costs. Manage relationships with external agencies, guide them on delivering the best results and ensure appropriate service levels / value for money. Review corporate reputation and performance and identify lessons that can be used to enhance the reputation of the business going forward. Demonstrate the value of corporate communications and the team’s work to the business.