Senior Manager, External Communications
Job summary:
Albemarle is a values-driven company that believes in doing the right things the right way. We combine world-class materials assets with great talent, technological know-how, and strong customer partnership to find new and innovative ways to improve essential aspects of life such as clean energy, food and fire safety, and sustainable transportation. Our purpose, value, and growth are tied to making the world a better place today and tomorrow.
The world is undergoing an energy transition and digital transformation. Electric mobility is advancing and Albemarle’s strategy for long-term growth focuses on sustainably expanding our Lithium business to meet electric vehicle demand in all parts of the world. Digital technology innovations are increasingly becoming part of people’s daily lives and our brominated fire retardants are helping to keep those electronics safe. This is an exciting time for Albemarle; you would be an integral part of the important and exciting work of bolstering Albemarle’s reputation as a global industry leader.
The Senior Manager of External Communications is instrumental in strengthening Albemarle’s reputational capital globally through strategic media relations, thought leadership and executive visibility, and digital and social content. Reporting to the Vice President, Global Communications & Corporate Marketing, this highly experienced and energetic leader-doer serves as a thoughtful advisor and storyteller focused on how to best build Albemarle’s brand through a multi-channel strategy in a meaningful and measurable way.
Responsibilities:
• Oversee company reputation management, media/influencer relations, sustainability communications, and digital communications (company website, social media, etc.) with support from direct reports, internal teams, and agency partner(s)
• Define, execute, and measure an annual external communications plan around reputational objectives that successfully elevates the company’s visibility and builds/protects its reputation with key audiences worldwide
• Initiate and maintain relationships with leaders, internal and external stakeholders to advance planning efforts and efficient execution to meet external program metrics
• Actively counsel leaders and stakeholders on needs and opportunities to gain support for and participation in activities
• Partner with Investor Relations to ensure consistency of external messaging
• Partner with Government & Community Affairs on messaging/collateral needs that help advance our relationships and reputation with officials and community members
• Plan and execute a strategic proactive media engagement plan with our Top 20 media outlets; define objectives and key messages, prepare spokespeople, facilitate interviews, support follow-up needs and coverage reports
• Serve as company spokesperson and primary media contact to address incoming media inquiries in a timely manner
• Develop and advance an executive visibility platform that includes speaking, media, and social engagements to drive thought leadership and enhance corporate reputation
• Own the corporate crisis communication playbook
• Serve as primary corporate point of contact on issues and crisis communications (secondary/back-up on business issues) and partner with businesses on crisis event preparation and management
• Manage media and crisis communication training needs; select external training resources and plan to ensure executives and subject matter experts are confident as company spokespeople
• Manage M&A external communication needs through messaging, press releases, Q&As, web/social promotion and targeted media opportunities
• Own the company narrative. Write/edit content such messaging/talking points, Q&As, briefing documents, holding statements, story pitches, presentations, etc
• Ensure content and materials are high-quality, accurate, appropriate in tone and messaging, and support the company’s key priorities
• Organize messaging for easy online access to ensure consistent messaging across various platforms and users
• Manage press release distribution process. Partner with stakeholders to write/edit corporate press releases, manage relevant internal approvals, and issue via Cision/PRNewswire
• Review proposed external materials from internal groups (conference presentations, authored pieces, etc.) for voice, brand and message accuracy and facilitate corporate approvals
• Manage a systematic reporting process for senior leadership and key stakeholders to showcase progress against external communications plan and objectives
• Monitor media with agency partner for relevant stories and themes that present risk or opportunity for Albemarle
• Seek appropriate corporate awards and recognition opportunities and work with relevant teams and resources on submissions and promotion plans
• Own agency/vendor relationships and review process and lead agency/vendor selection
• Manage strategic agency/vendor relationships and manage agency/team meetings
• Be a strong and effective people manager for two full-time professionals – the Sustainability Communications Manager and the Digital and Public Relations Sr. Specialist. Hire, coach, develop, and empower direct reports to be best-in-class communications professionals. Seek synergies and best practices that create efficiency and elevate our communications practices. Oversee talent reviews and development/career planning to assess and develop talent needs
• Manage, plan, and track an annual public relations budget in conjunction with Global Communications. Feed into the annual long-range planning and annual operating plan processes.
Qualifications:
Required skills
• Strong writing and verbal skills; excellent AP-style journalistic writing and editing practices
• Natural storyteller
• Proven ability to think strategically
• Strong judgment skills
• Excellent organizational ability; strong planning, prioritization, and time management skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and highly collaborative; builds and maintains positive working relationships with diverse teams
• Prove ability to build, manage, and empower individuals and teams
• Ability to coach leaders, influence others and compel change
• Results-oriented, self-motivated, and creative
• Demonstrates curiosity and resourcefulness; Willingness to learn and acquire new skills
• Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and efficiently
• Works well under pressure and can adapt to changing project requirements and deadlines
• Ownership mentality; demonstrates discretionary effort to ensure success
Desired skills and experience
• B2B, publicly traded company experience
• Chemical, Mining, Clean Energy industry experience
• Working with international teams and markets
Soft skills
• Strong interpersonal skills; a committed team player
• Customer focused
• Strong work ethic
• Values-oriented: Care, Courage, Curiosity, Collaboration, Humility, Transparency, and Integrity
• Sense of humor
Key decision areas:
• Strategy development and activity execution
• Storylines, messages and content development
• Team building, assessment and development
• Budget creation and spend management
Travel:
10%
Required education:
Bachelor’s degree
Required years and area of experience:
• 10+ years of marketing, communications, or PR experience, preferably with a B2B publicly traded multinational company.
• 5+ years in media/public relations; demonstrated experience managing top-tier media relationships and securing placements
• 5+ years of people management with experience in coaching, corporate performance reviews, and career pathing
