Senior Director – Internal Communications

Senior Director – Internal Communications

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, journalism or equivalent is required.
• 12+ years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, agencies or a related field, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Exceptional writing and speaking skills with the ability to construct compelling stories that promote the company’s objectives, brand and its employees.
• Proven success in creating and executing high profile communication initiatives.
• Strategic thinker.
• Ability to manage a diverse team and collaborate across a complex organization.
• Independent and highly motivated with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Calm under pressure and comfortable in a fast-paced organization; able to absorb complexity and a high volume of work.
• Ability to develop comprehensive communications programs that support local, national and global business objectives.
• Strong relationship-building skills with customers, employees and other key stakeholders.
• Thorough knowledge of traditional and digital communications tools and tactics.
• Ability to work with and engage management and employees of all levels.
• Ability to deliver targeted results to specification at cost and on schedule.
• Good balance of technical/task and people/team leadership skills and orientation.
• Excellent negotiating, networking and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively manage external agencies and vendors.
• Experience working with unions or employee representatives.
• Executive team presentation and reporting capabilities.
• Collaboration with PR teams for consistent messaging.
• Frontline employee communications experience.
• Financial acumen.
• Experience managing significant departmental budgets.
• Change management methodology expertise.
• Matrix organization leadership experience.
• Cross-cultural communication expertise for a global organization.
• Knowledge of communications compliance requirements.
• Experience with internal controls and auditing processes.
• Understanding of data privacy regulations affecting internal communications.
• Risk management in communications.
• Experience with digital workplace platforms (Google suite).
• Knowledge of communications measurement tools and analytics platforms.
• Understanding of emerging communications technologies and trends.
• Data visualization and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive internal communications strategy that aligns with Veolia North America’s business objectives and enhances employee engagement.
• Enhance the effectiveness and reach of existing internal communications channels while introducing new, innovative platforms to improve engagement.
• Drive communications strategies from the concept/planning stages through execution, ensuring on-time completion of deliverables and the ability to adjust plans as needed.
• Bring consistency to communications practices and standardization where appropriate, while satisfying an appropriate blend of global, national and local needs.
• Leverage strategic communications to help shape organizational culture and reflect company values.
• Leverage strategic communications to help shape a culture of respect and integrity, to influence others to perform at their best, and to ensure compliance with company ethics and policies.
• Establish a proactive partnership model with internal departments to support their communication needs and manage change effectively.
• Build strong relationships with colleagues across the company; serve as a trusted advisor.
• Develop a high-performing team of communications professionals; recruit new members to the team, as needed.
• Prepare a realistic budget and manage within expectations.
• Build a collaborative culture whereby communications personnel across the division contribute to the development of company-wide strategic communications plans and programs.
• Lead the planning and content development for the annual leadership meeting, ensuring it effectively communicates company strategy, celebrates achievements and fosters leadership alignment.
• Plan and manage crisis communications related to employees.
• Develop and execute inclusion communications strategy.
• Oversee ESG/sustainability communications.
• Implement data analytics and ROI measurement for communications initiatives.
• Provide leadership for digital workplace strategies.
• Manage governance of internal communications tools and channels.
• Direct the development of rich and meaningful internal communications that promote projects, champion change, foster employee pride and inspire commitment to company goals.
• Foster the celebration of employees and their contributions through various company platforms and activities (awards programs, newsletters, social media, storytelling, participation in company activities, etc.).
• Promote and develop employee skills through communications mentoring, coaching and training.
• Manage internal communications programs across all North American business units and facilities to drive awareness of company-wide initiatives.
• Develop and implement an annual internal communications plan that supports Veolia North America’s annual objectives and strategic goals.
• Supervise and oversee operation and/or production of internal information products and programs as well as communication components of various corporate initiatives, ensuring alignment with Veolia’s brand messaging.
• Support and counsel senior management on internal communications issues, strategies and tactics.
• Draft and coordinate internal communication products such as speeches, presentations and talking points for senior management.
• Develop organizational processes/procedures for developing and maintaining the company’s intranet.
• Manage the development, coordination and execution of internal communications and projects including videos, monthly company meetings and other projects as assigned.
• Manage communications calendar and processes to ensure the right level of exposure for company initiatives, as well as measurement and tracking activities.
• Create an employee brand ambassador program to expand the reach of Veolia messages and culture via the social media networks of employees.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or other advanced degrees are highly desirable.