Job Description:
We are seeking a Vice President for our corporate practice, which offers its clients seasoned expertise in strategic communications planning, crisis and issues management, thought leadership, overall corporate reputation management and more. This is a great opportunity to bring your expertise in the public affairs and corporate affairs arena and your understanding of all facets of marketing communications to Edelman!
A vice president is responsible for the leadership and overall direction of an account team or group as it relates to client service, staffing, training, organizational development, and quality control. S/he will work to thoroughly understand Edelman’s various consulting processes/approaches and global capabilities, be able to demonstrate the value of these offerings to clients, and lead all aspects of their planning and execution. S/he also will lead and /or contribute to the winning of new client business. Expected competencies include:
Client Service
Serve as the primary or senior contact for clients
Create research-driven, creative communications programs that meet or exceed client objectives
Develop and oversee account teams’ performance, ensuring quality work is done, efficient processes are in place, and client requests are handled in a timely fashion
Use capabilities and resources across Edelman to meet client goals and budgets
Formulate thoughtful points of view and recommendations based on broad communications and client landscape
Take immediate action upon client feedback and help solve client problems
Display understanding of Edelman consulting processes including public engagement, messaging workshops, master narrative assignments and stakeholder mapping exercises; lead aspects of these assignments
Demonstrate advanced writing skills
Craft and develop newsworthy pitches, recommend appropriate media strategies, and build relationships with journalists and social media influencers to achieve clients’ business goals
Demonstrate practical and advanced understanding of visual communications, social media and the digital landscape and how to incorporate these channels into client programs
Use qualitative and quantitative research to develop and evaluate client programs
Work with group director to turn annual client Quality survey results into action plans for improvement; execute and monitor these plans
People Engagement
Ensure performance expectations, career development plan and S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measureable, achievable, realistic and time-based) goals are set and reviewed annually during the formal performance review process for all direct reports
Provide ongoing, constructive feedback to staff, consistently hold them accountable, and address underperformance in a timely manner
Mentor, coach and support all team members, and ensure you and your staff are constantly developing abilities through on-the-job training and Edelman University
Help attract new talent and work to build a team with diverse views and backgrounds
Develop staff to become capable of assuming more senior roles
Set achievable goals and tasks, delegate opportunities and provide resources for direct reports to meet their goals; consistently measure and recognize goal achievement
Oversee quality control of teams’ assignments including writing, pitching, proposals, and reporting
Encourage teams to participate in and talk about company-wide initiatives
Business Development
Establish achievable revenue growth targets annually
Seek out, coordinate and facilitate cross-practice and cross-geographical teams to provide clients and prospects with the most compelling work
Cultivate business growth opportunities among existing and prospective clients Introduce existing clients to relevant Edelman capabilities, including resources outside of your own group, to advance clients’ business goals
Demonstrate Edelman’s expertise by contributing articles to digital and traditional publications, participating in organizations or engaging in speaking opportunities and by supporting Edelman’s marketing initiatives and intellectual property
Lead and contribute to new business proposals
Financial Planning and Management
Understand core financial constructs including revenue, profitability, pricing structures (hourly vs. retainer accounts), utilization, realization, budgeting and forecasting
Negotiate client and vendor contracts and manage client budgeting and authorization process prior to beginning work
Develop and manage accurate client project budgets using the firm’s financial system
Proactively plan and maintain team structures to ensure reasonable workloads, optimized profitability, accommodation to project and budget changes, and to avoid over-servicing
Accurately record your time correctly to the right project codes on a timely basis – ideally daily, but no later than weekly
Approve time, expenses and POs accurately and regularly – ideally daily, but no later than weekly
Use the firm’s financial system to bill clients accurately and minimize delays and adjustments Help ensure your team follows Edelman’s financial policies and processes
Leadership
Demonstrate behaviors consistent with Edelman’s values (Quality, Integrity, Respect, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Mutual Benefits) and Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and require direct reports to do the same
Lead by example; demonstrate strong work ethic, creative abilities and industry expertise
Communicate and inspire colleagues and staff through vision, goals and strategy for client teams and guide them to produce creative and effective outcomes
Set and pursue challenging stretch goals for you and your staff
Build your PR and leadership skills through training
Advocate and employ cross-practice/office/geography convergence approach to staffing projects
Manage conflicts well
Create a climate that encourages ethical conduct and a commitment to compliance with the law Live “in color” – and encourage staff to do so – by exploring and being active in the world outside of work, including the arts, culture, politics, literature, charitable organizations and/or other personal passions
Product Capability and Development
Participate in the development and adoption of new products, services, intellectual property and thought leadership materials related to your areas of expertise
Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends and demonstrate expert understanding of how they integrate into communications programs
QUALIFICATIONS:
The vice president must have at least eight years of relevant experience in public relations and/or related fields including research, advertising, management consulting, media and publishing
S/he will be able to lead and execute research-driven communications programs for clients to advance their business and brands
S/he will have a proven ability to help clients garner support, advance brands and/or corporate/organization reputations by engaging with key stakeholders: consumers, employees, investors, regulators, media, vendors, partners and/or other businesses/organizations
S/he will be able to develop revenue by growing profitable client relationships
S/he will have an understanding of how communications teams work from both client and agency-sides
S/he will be entrepreneurial and professional with impeccable written, verbal communication and presentation skills In addition, s/he will have a record of successfully stewarding client budgets through planning, resource management, forecasting and vendor negotiations; and s/he also can help solicit and win new business
S/he will be a superb people manager able to attract, motivate, retain, empower and coach staff, and will possess the vision, insight and confidence necessary to manage a team
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited college or university is required
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