Creative Director

Executive Vice President, Crisis Issues Practice Lead – Central Region

 

We Are Seeking:

We are looking for a change agent Executive Vice President to help us grow and lead our Crisis and Issues Practice in our Central Region (Chicago, Dallas, Minneapolis & St. Louis) and support a wide array of high-profile clients with crisis preparedness and live crisis and issues counsel and support.

You will play an important role on our team, leading a broad range of projects and developing new business opportunities. You will be an emerging leader on the team and help mentor and grow the skill sets of emerging talent in our practice. You should be sharp strategist, have strong writing skills, be social and digital analytics savvy, and thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. You can marshal teams and resources effectively and quickly and are entrepreneurial.

 

We are looking for someone who can:

• Drive growth across the Central region office, from proactive prospecting to pitch leadership – across both organic and net new opportunities

• Build and nurture client relationships by providing leadership, direction and strategic guidance to colleagues, team leads, C-suite and senior level clients

• Hit the ground running playing a leading role in counseling clients • Solve problems, handle crises, and make quick decisions with incomplete information • Architect diverse teams and coach/sponsor them to success

• Draw on our total Agency resources (locally, regionally, globally) and bring our clients the best of our network for every project

• Model effective collaboration with Agency resources such as Creative, Strategy, Analytics and Integrated Media, as well as other practices

• Establish a high standard for quality and deliver above expectations, continuing to build and fulfill trusted partner role with clients and colleagues • Effectively manage through both authority and influence

• Actively engage in the culture of the Agency to lead by example

• Work with peers to further the mission, goals and culture of the Agency

• Be a change agent and agitator for what’s new and next  

 

The right person for this role has:

• 18+ years of experience in PR, inclusive of Agency experience leading, driving and executing Crisis and Issues

• Deep knowledge and experience in cyber security, public affairs, litigation support, regulatory, labor and brand safety, corporate affairs, corporate reputation, executive visibility, social impact as well as crisis communication

• Exposure to leading edge technology, analytics and data that improves the ability to deliver impactful communications and insights to C-level clients.

• Proven track record of proactively identifying and delivering strategic opportunities that unlock account growth beyond the current or ‘expected’ remit

• Exceptional client service track record with ability to counsel and interact effectively with C-suite and senior management at client organizations • Ability to efficiently manage cross-office teams

• Ability to be both strategic and hands-on, to flex with clients’ needs

• Success leading teams and developing talent

• An entrepreneurial spirit, strong leadership qualities, and a collaborative attitude

• A willingness to challenge how things have always been done, in a desire to continuously improve

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills • Proficient skills in MSOffice (PowerPoint, Excel and Word)

• BA or BS in Communications or related degre

 

Weber Shandwick is proud to The Weber Shandwick Collective recognizes that your health and wellbeing are a priority. This is why we offer a full suite of benefits including: 

• Medical 
• Dental 
• Vision 
• 401k (with employer match) 
• Tuition Reimbursement 
• Juice Money – $60 monthly reimbursement to be used towards purchases that nourish your health, mind, body, and soul 
• MyDays – Flexible holiday schedules 
• Short-Term Disability 
• Paid Employee Family Leave 
• Family Building Benefit 

 

Weber Shandwick is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Weber Shandwick recruits qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, ethnic or national origin, protected veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or citizenship status.

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The Global Corporate Crisis and Issues Practice is seeking a Director in our New York office.  

 What we are seeking: 

 We are looking for a Director level practitioner to help us grow our Global Crisis and Issues Practice and support a wide array of high-profile clients with crisis preparedness and planning activities, crisis simulations and live crisis response. You have extensive crisis communications and issues management experience, preferably across multiple industries. Experience helping clients navigate cyberattack communications is a plus.  

You will play an important role on our team, helping lead a broad range of projects, develop new business opportunities, and mentor and grow the skill sets of emerging talent in our practice. The nature of the work also requires an ability and eagerness to juggle multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced deadline-oriented environment, both inside and outside traditional work hours. Candidates should have agency background, expertise in digital/social media and a demonstrated track record of supporting high-stakes crisis communications projects. 

 Our team – the Weber Shandwick Global Crisis and Issues Practice:  

Our team is a group of analytical and hardworking people who care deeply about helping lead our clients through a crisis to make a positive impact on society. 

 We help leading organizations manage breaking negative issues and events affecting reputation and develop the internal culture and infrastructure needed to anticipate, prepare and navigate them effectively. From cyberattacks, environmental protests, high-profile litigation and misinformation defense to sweeping product recalls, multinational bankruptcies and executive controversies, we live at the intersection of business, media, policy, culture and society.  

 

Our multi-disciplinary team of experts in crisis, public policy, culture, business and analytics know how to make sense of data to provide context and perspective and predict trends. We mitigate against vulnerabilities, provide real-time feedback and validate communications strategies to help clients navigate risk and reward in a complex and ever-changing world. 

 To learn more: Crisis & reputation defense – Communications & PR (webershandwick.com) 

 Compass for the Chaos: Compass for the Chaos | WS Crisis & Issues | Substack 

 What you will be doing: 

 

• Support a range of issues and crisis communications situations for companies and organizations, including, but not limited to: 

• Misinformation Management 
• Product safety issues and recalls. 
• Geopolitical, political and societal issues 
• Regulatory compliance issues 
• Workplace culture matters 
• Cybersecurity and data breach issues 
• Litigation defense 
• DEI-related matters 
• Investigative reporting 

• Serve as a day-to-day client contact – flagging, triaging, and directly managing client issues as they arise. 
• Develop and draft crisis plans, media strategies, materials (e.g., reactive media statements, talking points, FAQs, stakeholder communications), memos, crisis simulations and other deliverables as needed. 
• Train and motivate emerging talent and help create opportunities for their growth. 
• Oversee and execute complex research and narrative intelligence projects to guide client strategy. 
• Provide regular counsel to clients and colleagues. 

• Keep client programs on schedule and ensure all deadlines are met within budget parameters. 
• Participate in new business development for the team and collaborate among practice areas at the agency in support of broader new business pitches that include a crisis and issues component. 

 

Qualifications: 

 

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and/or 7+ years of relevant experience in an agency/strategic consulting firm, political campaign, or at a company in the healthcare sector. 
• Experience directly counseling clients/senior ranking executives through a broad range of crises, issues and special situations, with preference for those in the healthcare sector. 
• Experience with corporate reputation, brand management and protection through integrated communications programs. 
• Familiarity with the latest digital trends in social media strategy, tools, and analytics – including generative AI tools. 
• Experience creating issues and crisis preparedness programs (e.g., protocol, scenario plans, simulations drills, workshops and media trainings)  
• Experience with cybersecurity event and litigation matter communications. 
• Communicates clearly, analytically, and persuasively both orally and in writing. 
• Proficient understanding of best practices in corporate communications and crisis and issues management. 
• Skilled crisis and issues media relations strategist and practitioner with top-tier media relations experience. 
• Thrives under pressure and can handle multiple projects in a demanding, deadline-oriented environment. 
• Exercises exceptional judgment when working with clients, team members, and vendors. 
• Pays close attention to detail and quality of work product. 
• Adept at solving problems and resolving conflicts. 
• Capable of mobilizing and motivating teams, anticipating needs, and instilling confidence. 
• Experience delivering media and crisis training is a plus. 

The Weber Shandwick Collective recognizes that your health and wellbeing are a priority. This is why we offer a full suite of benefits including:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k (with employer match)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Juice Money – $60 monthly reimbursement to be used towards purchases that nourish your health, mind, body, and soul
• MyDays – Flexible holiday schedules
• Short-Term Disability
• Paid Employee Family Leave
• Family Building Benefit

NYC Salary range: $115,000 – $135,000

Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position; market considerations; budgetary considerations; tenure and standing with the company (applicable to current employees); as well as the employee’s/applicant’s background, pertinent experience, and qualifications.

Weber Shandwick is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Weber Shandwick recruits qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, ethnic or national origin, protected veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or citizenship status.

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Group Creative Director 

Are you a conceptual problem solver? Passionate about ideas that breakthrough in culture? Do you get energized by building solid client relationships?  If so, we have an opportunity for you.

 

Weber Shandwick is looking for a Group Creative Director with an earned-first lens and a diverse agency background to manage several large-scale accounts.

 

You’ll have the chance to create award-winning work for national and global brands through earned, social, and traditional media for clients across industries, including travel, food and beverage, healthcare, technology and beyond.

 

You’ll be someone who excels in mentoring and managing a team of senior and junior creatives, leading by example, with a keen eye for organization and detail. You’ll keep our teams motivated and focused on the task at hand – but you’ll still love getting your hands dirty and creating the work alongside them.  

You’ll work closely with our strategy and integrated media teams, and client leaders to help propel the work forward and grow our business. 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Develop and deliver creative solutions that strengthen clients’ market distinction and leadership position  
• Generate innovative ideas across existing and emerging digital platforms and inspire colleagues to create world-class, pioneering ideas  
• Articulate and justify conceptual and design choices  
• Build a culture hungry for smart creative by guiding, teaching and mentoring and underscoring the need for continual creative improvement
• Promote and actively contribute to a culture of innovation, excellence and accountability  
• Mentor and lead staff to maintain consistent creative quality and award-winning work  
• Lead concept, creative development, and presentation of new business development efforts  
• Continually develop practices and processes to inspire, innovate, and harness new ways of thinking 

 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS 

• A strong portfolio of work 
• 10 years of experience in a creative leadership role  
• Demonstrated experience managing the creative development process in a client-services environment  
• Advanced knowledge of user-centered experience design, brand development, digital marketing and the creative process    
• Strong ability to provide clear creative direction and provide timely, helpful feedback to improve creative processes and to keep work on budget and schedule  
• Excellent presentation skills and communication abilities, both internal and client-facing  
• Ability to prioritize work and resources across engagements based on short and long-term needs 
• Proven mentoring and team-building skills 
• A real understanding of what makes for compelling work  
• The ability to concept across a broad range of media, in a variety of tones and voices 
• Resilient mindset, a cheerful and positive attitude, and respect for others 
• A willingness to push creative boundaries 
• And most importantly a kind leader who loves what they do and can have fun while doing it!

The Weber Shandwick Collective recognizes that your health and wellbeing are a priority. This is why we offer a full suite of benefits including:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• RRSP (with employer match)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Juice Money – $60 monthly reimbursement to be used towards purchases that nourish your health, mind, body, and soul
• Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) – $50 monthly cell phone reimbursement
• MyDays – Flexible time off
• Short-Term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave Policy

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