Job Description

BENEFITS

Veolia's comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental and vision insurance. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement. Pay and benefits for employees represented by a union are outlined in their collective bargaining agreement.

Position Purpose:

The primary responsibility of the Vice President, Communications is to establish and implement a clear communications vision and strategic plan for the company’s Sustainable Industries and Buildings business unit. He/she will drive a comprehensive and c ustomer first approach to external communications with the goal of elevating customer satisfaction and brand image, while also implementing internal communications intended to elevate employee engagement.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities:

The Vice President, Sustainable Industries and Buildings (SIB) Communications reports directly to the President and CEO of SIB and Veolia North America’s Chief Communications Officer and is responsible for establishing a clear vision and strategic plan for a modern and dynamic communications function.

The key responsibilities of the position include:

• Amplify Veolia brand awareness and customer satisfaction through the development and execution of strategic communications plans.
• Drive communications strategies from the concept/planning stages through execution, ensuring on-time completion of deliverables and the ability to adjust plans as needed.
• Lead the development and execution of communications plans that gain positive media and industry coverage, seek to raise customer satisfaction and attract industry recognition.
• Bring consistency to communications practices and standardization where appropriate, while satisfying an appropriate blend of global, national and local needs.
• Instill a c ustomer first mindset and ensure that external communications are viewed through the lens of the customer.
• Champion customer needs through targeted communications on key issues of concern or interest.
• Build campaigns based on research data sets from surveys, social media responses, call centers, stakeholder dialogues, informational sessions, etc.
• Mobilize an agile, modern “content factory” capable of delivering comprehensive and targeted communications plans to external and internal audiences.
• Demonstrate strategic understanding and practical application of the full suite of digital and traditional communications channels.
• Leverage strategic communications to help shape organizational culture and reflect company values.
• Develop a comprehensive issues management and crisis communications strategy for the business and play a lead role in the development of enterprise-wide issues management and crisis communications planning.
• 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.
• 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.
• Drive a c ustomer first organization through the development of communications that seek to increase satisfaction and brand perception.
• Enhance the customer experience by applying a systematic and omni-channel approach to strategic campaigns.
• Institute communications programs for targeted stakeholder segments, including informational sessions, stakeholder dialogues and customer advisory groups.
• Build a collaborative culture whereby communications personnel across the division contribute to the development of company-wide strategic communications plans and programs.
• Incorporate learnings drawn from customer data and trends with the aim of creating c ustomer first solutions.

Employee Engagement

• 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 (award programs, newsletters, social media, storytelling, participation in company activities, e.g.).
• Promote and develop employee skills through communications mentoring, coaching and training.
• Seek thought leadership opportunities for division leaders.

Community Relations

• Oversee the division’s community and civic functions.
• Foster an inclusive external culture by building and maintaining relationships with local community NGOs and other influential stakeholders and incorporating their input where appropriate.

Media

• Develop compelling stories and generate leads that cultivate journalists’ interest in the Veolia brand. Convert meaningful conversations to earned placement.
• Direct social media and digital content that champions the brand and supports local business strategies and goals.
• Develop articles for industry and trade publications and national media where appropriate.

Other Key Stakeholders

• Foster the development of strong working relationships with influential community and civic organizations and elected and municipal officials.
• Ensure that external stakeholders are informed of company practices, business decisions, and programs which impact customers and the community. Build stakeholder loyalty and satisfaction by responding with urgency to requests and concerns.

Qualifications

Education/Experience/Background:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, journalism or equivalent is required. Master’s or other advanced degree is highly desirable.
• 12+ years of experience in increasingly responsible communications leadership roles, ideally with corporate and agency experience.
• Well-rounded communications background, including external, internal and customer communications; executive visibility and thought leadership; issues management and social/digital communications.
• Demonstrated leadership experience and ability to influence others in a complex organization.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated success in managing complex challenges with broad scope and scale.
• Proven success in creating and executing high profile communication initiatives.
• Strategic thinker with exceptional communication skills.
• 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.
• Ability to meet and exceed expectations of customers, regulators, elected officials and other key stakeholders.
• Advanced skills in public relations, media, public affairs, advertising and community relations.
• Ability to develop comprehensive communications programs that support local, national and global business objectives.
• Exceptional writing and speaking skills with the ability to construct compelling stories that promote the company’s objectives, brand and its employees.
• Strong relationship-building skills with customers, employees, journalists, and other key stakeholders.
• Thorough knowledge of traditional and digital communications tools and tactics, including advertising, social media, e-mail platforms and web content,, etc.
• 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.

Additional Information

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.