VP, External Communications, Corporate Affairs Mars Snacking NA
About The Position
The VP of External Communications for Mars Snacking North America is responsible for protecting and growing Mars Snacking’s reputation in the U.S. and Canada through best-in-class proactive communication and issues management. Responsible for media relations, executive visibility, issues management and proactive reputation building – this role shapes and protects Mars Snacking’s presence in North America by delivering strategic corporate communications plans that support key business priorities. The VP serves as strategic advisor to the Mars Snacking North America Leadership Team (NALT) and plays a critical role in navigating issues, policy and reputation management in a dynamic external environment. The position reports directly the SVP of Corporate Affairs and One Mars for Mars Snacking and works closely with global colleagues in Mars Snacking, Mars, Incorporated as well as Regulatory Affairs, Mars Legal, and Public Affairs. This person will also support major trade organizations and sit on the Mars Ice Cream Leadership Team.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, Business, Marketing or related field; in-house and agency experience a plus
- Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in a corporate affairs, communications, public relations, or public affairs within a complex organization
- Background in CPG and food policy communications recommended
- Dynamic leader who can manage and engage stakeholders at the most senior level
- A passionate people leader who can manage and develop teams
- Strong background in issues and crisis management, reputation management and executive counsel.
- Deep media experience and relations with high comfort level acting as a company spokesperson
- Ability to operate with an enterprise mindset, balancing segment priorities with broader corporate objectives.
Responsibilities
- Build and deploy Mars Snacking North America’s proactive reputation planning with a focus on key selling seasons and a “corpsumer” approach
- Develop executive visibility plans for multiple NALT members including media opportunities, industry conferences, social media strategies and content development
- Act as a liaison and advisor for Mars Snacking with major industry trade associations, sitting on Boards where appropriate
- Strong partnership with Public Affairs, Regulatory, Legal and One Mars corporate reputation lead – acting as the voice of Mars Snacking and representing the segment point of view
- Member of the Mars Ice Cream leadership team, ensuring that all Corporate Affairs matters are appropriately represented within the business unit and appropriately relayed back to the ambient Snacking unit.
- Manage and develop a team of Associates (3), ensuring best-in-class corporate affairs execution while helping Associates reach their full potential within the company
- Spokesperson for the region, proactively building strong relationships with key media and influencers
- Responsible owner and steward of the team budget and responsible for key vendor relationships including PR AOR
- Leads training and execution of Mars’ crisis communication protocol (CALM)
- Manages agency and external spend budget
Benefits
- company bonus
- medical and dental benefits
- participation in 401k plan
- paid time off benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
