VP. PR & External Communications
Benefit Cosmetics
Calling all rule-breakers, innovators & fun-loving self-starters! Are you smart, sassy & scrappy? Do you love to laugh out loud? You’re just what we’re lookin’ for, Gorgeous!
You’re sooo Benefit!
The VP, PR & External Communications will be responsible for the development, integration, and implementation of a broad range of external communication relative to the strategic direction and position of Benefit Cosmetics. Reporting to the SVP, Global Communications, this role will support the creation and execution of Benefit’s external communication strategies, across all customer facing channels. Overseeing a team of communications and PR professionals, this role will drive brand desirability, and ensure consistency of the brand voice over various channels across the markets globally.
What You’ll Do:
Strategic & Creative Vision
Oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive, global external communications strategies to drive the overarching narrative and multi-stakeholder messaging for Benefit Cosmetics. Inspire team with bold, creative thinking ensuring external communications efforts embody the Benefit brand DNA and support the company and Comms department LTP. Collaborate and support Omnichannel and local marketing teams to develop and implement bold global go-to-market strategies, identifying effective and new opportunities to partner across channels. Partner with Benefit’s Corporate Social Responsibility and DE&I partners on all brand campaign communications, guiding the external messaging or positioning for big company initiatives or updates such as IWD and Pride.
Cross Functional Leadership
Serve as strategic communications partner and counselor for leadership teams Develop strong partnerships with cross functional stakeholders to gather a deep understanding of desired brand positioning, business goals, and key initiatives to effectively guide external communications strategies Partner with internal cross functional stakeholders in Omnichannel Marketing, Creative, Category Strategy, PSI and others to develop innovative programs that support Benefit’s brand visibility, connection, and credibility with key audiences. This includes supporting ongoing marketing programs, strategic partnerships, and other brand building initiatives Specifically, partner closely with Omnichannel Marketing leadership to collaborate, develop and implement effective and innovative influencer strategies and support the company social media strategy. Partner closely with Internal Comms and Employer Branding team to ensure external communications strategies are deployed to employees and prospective employees in an effective manner.
Team Leadership & Management
As a key leader within Communications Department, lead by example, collaborate actively with peers, and support junior staff where needed. Hire, manage, and develop internal team of professionals at vary stages in their career. Manage agency/agencies who can deliver against the communications and messaging strategies. Oversee and manage an external communications budget in partnership with the Head of Global Communications and Finance team, working to meet deadlines and remain within budget parameters. Attend networking events, seminars, and conferences, as required to build skills, network and develop new business contacts. Implement best practices and identify/develop narrative, interdependencies, and synergies.
External Communications Excellence
Oversee PR, experiential and earned influencer strategies in coordination with external communications and business priorities, ensuring high quality execution. Lead development and implementation of global press, earned influencer and external communication strategies for Benefit that reinforces and protects our brand reputation and positioning and drives brand desirability. Develop and oversee Benefit's messaging approach for business, trade, and consumer press globally. Cultivate and maintain excellent relationships with top-tier stakeholders that shape public opinion, including top tier media, editors, creators, influential third parties, and other affiliated non-industry groups. Support the strategy for the National Brow and Beauty Authority (NBBA) program to achieve business and brand goals. This is includes ensuring integration of program elements within all external communications campaigns. Lead global crisis and issues management program, ensuring prompt support with cross functional stakeholders, reduction in harm to Benefit’s brand reputation and ensuring ongoing maintenance of brand and product messaging. As needed, serve as a company spokesperson, particularly in crises or on highly sensitive issues where the company's image and reputation are at significant risks. Use quantitative and qualitative insights to drive decisions, measure success and encourage positive change within the organization. Analyze, measure & report on communication activations, developing a clear point of view on takeaways, next steps, and potential optimizations.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required. Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field strongly preferred, and 10-12 years’ experience in cosmetics/beauty industry communications or related field required; equivalent experience may be accepted 5-8 years of people leadership experience required; equivalent experience may be accepted Strong knowledge of Office 365 Experience managing a communication or similar functional team in a large, matrixed global company.
Schedule:
The target salary range for this position is $250,000 - $275,000 annually. The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, which may include, as applicable, years of relevant experience; certifications or other professional licenses held; other legitimate, non-discriminatory business factors specific to the position; and the geographic location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will perform the job. This position is eligible to earn an annual bonus. This position is also eligible for the following benefits, including but not limited to: comprehensive health, dental and vision plans; a 401(k) plan with employer matching, various paid time off programs; employee discount/perks; life insurance; disability insurance; flexible spending accounts.