Yamaha Motor Ventures & Laboratory Silicon Valley (“YMVSV”) exists to accelerate the efforts of teams driving disruptive change.  We have the resources and backing of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (“YMC”), but we also have the openness and agility of a startup.  We also manage the Yamaha Motor Exploratory Fund, a $100M dedicated fund that invests in exploratory areas such as mobility, sustainability, robotics, agriculture, medicine, and aviation (the “FUND”).

As our Head of Communications, you will be responsible for developing and executing strategic internal and external communications campaigns that inform, engage, and inspire our entire organization. You will design creative, innovative ways to reach this all-important audience that are in tune with YMVSV's culture, values, strategy, and vision.  You will serve as a trusted adviser to our senior executives, helping them more effectively communicate across their teams and identify an effective, authentic leadership style.  From company-wide meetings, to change communications, to building out our intranet, to keeping our increasingly international team in the loop, the work will cross various mediums (written, audio, visual, video) and require a skilled communications guru who can distill complex information, see around corners, and remain calm under pressure. This is a highly visible and collaborative role that requires close partnerships with leaders and teams across the business, and you will have a comprehensive view of our communications strategy and activities.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Be at the forefront of all communications by shaping strategy for programs and executing new and existing initiatives.
• Assist with shaping our brand by building consistency with the look and feel of all of our internal and external documents, including YMVSV's company website.
• Build relationships with our leadership team and become a trusted adviser for their communications at a team and company level and public postings.
• Partner with the Investment Team to create structured messaging so we can easily share our investment opportunities with the Investment Committee in Japan.
• Work across the business to discover, curate and share compelling stories about our company, our portfolio companies, and our people.
• Enjoy thinking creatively and analytically. You have a knack for beautiful, high-impact design, enjoy creating presentations and other visual assets and assisting team members create presentations, too.
• Make recommendations around how we leverage various internal communications tools.
• Be responsible for extending our communications program internationally as we expand into other countries.
• Identify opportunities to amplify content and news across various channels and outlets and keep your finger on the pulse of local, industry and competitor news.
• Partner closely with cross-functional teams to develop targeted, strategic communications programs to reach and engage their teams.
• Manage, collaborate and create press releases regarding new Fund investments, what's new with our current portfolio companies and what's happening at YMVSV.

ABOUT YOU:

• You have 6+ years of communications experience with a focus on tech or at a company with an international presence.
• You have excellent oral and written communications skills and are obsessed with being grammatically and culturally correct.
• You are able to work across mediums, including slide creation, visual design, videos, press releases, etc.
• You are highly organized, deadline-driven, and detail-oriented.
• You can take data and create fascinating stories from it.
• You possess an outstanding work ethic, the ability to perform under pressure and within ambiguity, and prioritize and deliver short- and long-term projects.
• You are a good partner to others, intellectually curious, and open to feedback.
• Experience working with and generating reports from Salesforce; admin experience a plus.
• Japanese or other foreign language skills a plus, but not necessary.

TRAVEL & LOCATION

Position is based in Palo Alto, CA.

Frequent domestic and international travel of approximately 20-30% may be expected or required, particularly to areas such as Japan and Europe.

Must be a local candidate. Relocation not available.

YMVSV is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

AT YAMAHA, WE ARE THE “KANDO” CREATING COMPANY

What is Kando you ask? Quite simply, Kando is an emotion that is best described as the feeling of deep satisfaction and intense excitement that we experience when we encounter something of exceptional value. We create Kando for our customers by offering them the most exciting and highest quality products in our industry. In order to achieve this, we need passionate people who believe in what we do. Is that you?

ABOUT YAMAHA MOTOR VENTURES & LABORATORY SILICON VALLEY (“YMVSV”)

Our work encompasses venture capital investments, portfolio management, innovation projects, and strategic efforts in collaboration with Yamaha Motor's global operations.  We're active members of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and we value action-oriented efforts.  Some of the areas we explore include the future of mobility, sustainability, robotics, agriculture, medicine, and aviation.  YMVSV is a wholly owned subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.  For more information:  https://www.ymvsv.com/