Director, External Communications
2 months ago
Work Location Type: Onsite
As a leading industrial distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom, We Keep The World Working® by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with products delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. With 2023 sales of $16.5 billion, we’re dedicated to providing value for customers, fostering an engaging culture for team members and driving strong financial results.
Our welcoming workplace enables you to learn, grow and make a difference by keeping businesses running and their people safe. As a 2024 Glassdoor Best Place to Work and a Great Place to Work-Certified™ company, we’re looking for passionate people to join our team as we continue leading the industry over our next 100 years.
Position Summary:
Develop and oversee external affairs strategies to enhance and protect Grainger’s brand and reputation and advance top priority company initiatives with external stakeholders. Responsible for overarching external strategy inclusive of media relations, crisis communications, corporate and employer branding, and monitoring. Lead and ensure the strategy, direction and delivery of all external communications maintain appropriate tone, positioning and visibility across Grainger’s external audiences. Lead a team responsible for creating and executing external affairs programs. You will report to the VP, Communications and Public Affairs and be expected to work in either Lake Forest or our Chicago, IL office 3 times per week.
You Will:
- Design and execute external affairs strategies to achieve business goals through earned media, organic social, speaking opportunities, press room content, corporate and employer branding, awards and other company communications.
- Interface with media outlets, licensing agencies and other external organizations.
- Lead crisis communications planning and response.
- Program manage major company announcements and external events involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.
- Partner with relevant corporate and business functions to support external strategies and annual priorities including investor relations, corporate affairs, finance and supply chain.
- Oversee employer and corporate branding strategies and partner with human resources and marketing to ensure strong collaboration and consistency.
- Lead the strategy for company awards and oversee all submission processes, content and resulting communications.
- Define and document processes and procedures to manage external communications including press releases, speaking engagements, etc.
- Serve as the external communications expert and provide strategic counsel to company leaders and subsidiaries.
- Partner with communications peers to support relevant initiatives that have broad, company impact, including external communications of company strategy and performance, ESG, and Grainger as a top workplace.
- Measure effectiveness of external communications through a variety of vehicles, including monitoring systems, sentiment analysis and channel metrics.
- Manage key external vendors and evaluate new vendors to help achieve Grainger’s communication objectives.
- Lead a team of communications Sr. Managers, Managers and Specialists in developing external strategies that advance company goals, build brand and protect reputation.
- Serve on department leadership team, responsible for talent management, relevant budgeting, development and strategic planning for department goals in support of company objectives.
You Have:
- Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations or related fields required.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in a corporate communications function with experience across multiple stakeholder groups with an expertise in external affairs and crisis communications.
- Proven experience developing and managing media relationships.
- Experience managing crisis communications planning and execution.
- Ability to make decisions in a rapidly changing environment and perform in high pressure situations with multiple stakeholders, including senior executives under tight timeframes.
- Prior experience managing highly confidential, sensitive or proprietary company material.
- Proven strong ability to lead, influence and navigate and build relationships across all levels of the organization.
- Exceptional and persuasive written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
- Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution.
- Strong business acumen and ability to show up as a business leader and communications expert.
- Strong executive presence and confidence to challenge the status quo with senior leaders.
- Proven success working in a matrix environment, influencing without direct authority, and leading large scale or complex external initiatives.
- Self-reliant, proactive, assertive, and results-oriented. Optimistic, energetic, flexible, collaborative, easy to work with.
- Analytical – able to gather, analyze, package and make thoughtful recommendations based on insights from data.
- Ability to effectively lead, manage and develop a team.
- Ability to stand in for VP of Communications and Public Affairs as needed.
Travel Requirements:
- Must be able to travel within and outside the U.S., up to 20%, depending on business need. Must be willing to travel internationally on short notice to meet unexpected needs of the business, including crisis situations, acquisitions, etc.
Rewards and Benefits:
With benefits starting day one, our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet team members' individual needs. Check out the highlights below and review all our benefits at GraingerTotalRewards.com.
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and pet insurance plans and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing
- Paid time off (PTO) and 6 company holidays per year
- 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no match required
- Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education and tools
- Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents
We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment that includes both providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one’s employment. With this in mind, should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.
-
Director of External Communications
3 weeks ago
Lake Forest, California, United States Grainger Businesses Full timeJob Title: Director of External CommunicationsWe are seeking a highly skilled Director of External Communications to join our team at Grainger Businesses. As a key member of our communications team, you will be responsible for developing and executing external affairs strategies to enhance and protect our brand and reputation.Key Responsibilities:Design and...
-
Director, External Communications
1 month ago
LAKE FOREST, United States Grainger Businesses Full timeWork Location Type: Onsite As a leading industrial distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom, We Keep The World Working(R) by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with products delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. With 2023 sales of $16.5 billion, we’re...
-
Communications Director
1 month ago
Canyon Lake, United States Rio Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church Full timeNorth Shore United Methodist Church, in Canyon Lake, is seeking a part-time Communications Director. This Communications Director will work to tell the North Shore story through our various forms of media by providing expertise on effective communication of all church and ministry-specific messages. The Communications Director will manage all churchwide...
-
Community Development Director
2 days ago
Lake Forest, Illinois, United States Karam Foundation NFP Full timeAbout the RoleKaram Foundation NFP is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Director of Development to lead our fundraising efforts and support the growth of our organization.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to secure philanthropic capital for Karam's innovative approach to community-led development.Lead a...
-
Corporate Communications Director
1 week ago
Salt Lake, Utah, United States Kenworth Sales Full timeJob SummaryThe Corporate Communications Director is responsible for overseeing the company's internal and external messaging, marketing strategy, and customer relations. This role supports the operational divisions of the company in achieving their mission.Key ResponsibilitiesMonitor industry trends and competitor activity to inform marketing...
-
Corporate Communications Director
2 weeks ago
Salt Lake, Utah, United States Kenworth Sales Full timeJob SummaryThe Corporate Communications Director plays a critical role in shaping the company's internal and external messaging, marketing strategy, and customer relations. This position requires a strong leader who can support the operational divisions of the company in achieving their mission.Key ResponsibilitiesMarket Analysis: Monitor industry trends,...
-
Director of Public Relations and Communications
4 weeks ago
Salt Lake, Utah, United States University of Utah Full timeJob SummaryThe Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs (SVPAA) is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy to promote the university's academic programs and initiatives.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and implement a communications plan to promote...
-
Senior Manager, Communications
2 months ago
LAKE FOREST, United States Grainger Businesses Full timeAs a leading industrial distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom, We Keep The World Working® by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with products delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. With 2023 sales of $16.5 billion, we’re dedicated to providing value for...
-
Senior Manager, Communications
2 months ago
Lake Forest, United States Grainger Businesses Full timeAs a leading industrial distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom, We Keep The World Working® by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with products delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. With 2023 sales of $16.5 billion, we’re dedicated to providing value for...
-
Sr. Director, Global Brand Equity
3 months ago
Lake Forest, United States STAAR Surgical Full timeJOB OVERVIEWThe Sr. Director, Global Brand Equity & Communications will lead brand equity and communication activities; shaping and executing the overall brand strategy of the company and portfolio of brands. This leader is responsible for driving brand growth, enhancing brand equity, and ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints. This role will...
-
Sr. Director, Global Brand Equity
3 months ago
Lake Forest, United States STAAR Surgical Full timeJOB OVERVIEWThe Sr. Director, Global Brand Equity & Communications will lead brand equity and communication activities; shaping and executing the overall brand strategy of the company and portfolio of brands. This leader is responsible for driving brand growth, enhancing brand equity, and ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints. This role will...
-
Community Director
1 month ago
Whitmore Lake, United States Dietz Property Group Full timeJob Title: Community DirectorWe are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Community Director to lead our residential apartment community in Whitmore Lake, MI. As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for providing exceptional customer service, managing property operations, and driving business growth.Key Responsibilities:Lead and manage a team...
-
Director, Technical Support Operations
1 week ago
Lake Forest, California, United States AVEVA Full timeJob Title: Director, Technical Support OperationsA global leader in industrial software, AVEVA is seeking a Director, Technical Support Operations to join our team. As a key member of our Global Business Operations team, you will be responsible for driving and coaching regional operations to support all areas of strategy, business planning, and rhythm of...
-
Community Director
1 week ago
Whitmore Lake, United States Dietz Property Group Full timeJob OverviewDietz Property Group is seeking a highly skilled Community Director to lead one of our residential multifamily properties in the Whitmore Lake, MI area.This role offers a competitive base wage, plus bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and more.As a Community Director, you will be...
-
Tax Director for Americas
2 weeks ago
Lake Forest, California, United States AVEVA Full timeJob Title: Director of Tax, AmericasAveva is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Director of Tax to lead our tax function in the Americas region. As a key member of our global tax team, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of tax compliance, planning, and reporting for the Americas region.Key Responsibilities:Develop and implement tax...
-
Community Director
1 month ago
Salt Lake, Utah, United States FPI Management, Inc. Full timeJob Title: Community DirectorAt FPI Management, Inc., we are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Community Director to join our team. As a key member of our operations team, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of our multifamily properties, ensuring exceptional resident satisfaction, and driving business growth.Key...
-
Director of Development
4 weeks ago
Lake Forest, Illinois, United States Karam Foundation NFP Full timeAbout Karam Foundation NFPKaram Foundation NFP is a visionary organization that deeply invests in the futures of Syrian refugee youth, fueled by innovation and creativity, with a focus on education and leadership. Our goal is to create a future where Syrian youth lead their lives with agency and dignity, wherever they are.Job OverviewWe are seeking an...
-
Community Director
1 month ago
Whitmore Lake, United States Dietz Property Group Full timeCommunity Director Job DescriptionDietz Property Group is seeking a highly skilled Community Director to lead one of our residential multifamily properties in the Whitmore Lake, MI area.This is a full-time position that requires a competitive base wage, plus bonuses. We offer a robust benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance,...
-
Community Director
4 weeks ago
Whitmore Lake, United States Dietz Property Group Full timeCommunity Director Job DescriptionDietz Property Group is seeking a highly skilled Community Director to lead one of our residential multifamily properties in the Whitmore Lake, MI area.This is a full-time position that requires a competitive base wage, plus bonuses. We offer a robust benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance,...
-
Director of Community Engagement
2 months ago
Forest Park, Georgia, United States Healthcare Nursing Center Full timeJob SummaryWe are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director of Activities to join our team at Healthcare Nursing Center. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, developing, and implementing activity programs that meet the physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs of our residents.Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Development: Develop...