Director, External Communications, Global Marketing

Chicago, IL (On-site)

$100K/yr – $120K/yrDirector/Executive6+ years expFull time

Posted 2 weeks ago

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Job Summary

Own high level executive communications and media strategy, shaping how leadership stories land with business and industry audiences across earned media, thought leadership and high profile content.

  • Lead executive storytelling and thought leadership across platforms and awards moments.
  • Shape proactive media relations and secure top tier coverage with business and trade reporters.
  • Advise executives on messaging and reputation while refining high profile content and editorial standards.

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Executive Storytelling & Thought Leadership: Partner with Zeno’s executive leadership team to develop compelling thought leadership, executive platforms and industry narratives that elevate Zeno’s reputation.
  • Earned Media Strategy & Media Relations: Develop proactive media strategies, build relationships with key business, marketing and trade reporters, and secure meaningful coverage that raises Zeno's visibility and influence.
  • Executive Writing & Content Development: Lead development of executive bylines, POVs, LinkedIn content, blog posts, award entries and media materials with a strong editorial and industry lens.
  • Strategic Counsel: Serve as a trusted advisor to executives and internal stakeholders on media engagement, messaging, media inquiries and reputation positioning.
  • Editorial Oversight: Help sharpen executive content, thought leadership, award submissions and other high-profile communications, partnering with teams to ensure strategic alignment, messaging excellence, accuracy, and quality.

Requirements

  • 6+ years of experience in earned media, corporate communications, executive communications or journalism within an agency, media organization or fast-paced company environment.
  • Proven success securing high-impact earned coverage across business, marketing, communications and industry trade media.
  • Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with industry, national business and top-tier media.
  • Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills with experience developing executive-level content across multiple formats and audiences.
  • Demonstrated ability to work directly with senior executives and C-suite leaders, building trust and shaping strategic narratives.
  • Ability to identify emerging trends and translate them into timely media opportunities and executive thought leadership.
  • Strong understanding of communications, marketing and business trends, with the ability to turn insights into stories people care about.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment while maintaining strong attention to detail.
  • Collaborative, entrepreneurial and solutions-oriented mindset with exceptional organizational and project management skills.
  • Proven ability to craft and pitch compelling narrative frameworks for executive platforms and media moments.

Benefits

  • Healthy, happy employees make Zeno better, so we have programs that support physical, mental and financial wellness.
  • Our culture and benefits are designed to promote flexibility, celebrate diversity and support work/life balance.
  • We offer a variety of medical, dental and vision insurance with prescription plans, as well as short and long-term disability.
  • Our Be Kind to Your Mind program focuses on mental health, providing a paid subscription to Headspace and access to mental health providers and other services through a best-in-class employee assistance program.
  • Employees are encouraged to bring their authentic self to Zeno and participate in our employee resource groups which build communities for sharing and support.
  • And while we love our work, we believe in the restorative power of time off with generous vacation, paid holidays and self-care time.
  • Employees are supported in their pursuit of financial wellness with a 401(k) plan, pretax flexible spending accounts, tuition assistance, life insurance and free access to a certified financial coach.
  • And our unique ZenoFit program provides a monthly allowance to fund activities in your personal life that bring you joy and keep you healthy.
Zeno Group logo

Zeno Group

Zeno Group is the fiercely independent and global, integrated communications agency, born from PR. We bring together the boldest and brightest talent to help clients across industries and sectors unleash the power of strategic communications. Guided by our purpose to champion the courageous to achieve something better for humankind, we push boundaries to achieve real business value and societal impact for clients. Winner of the industry’s most coveted awards including the 2023 PRWeek Purpose Agency of the Year, 2023 PRovoke Purpose-Driven Agency of the Year, 2022 PRWeek Global Agency of the Year, 2022 PRWeek U.S. Large Agency of the Year, 2022 PRovoke Best Large Agency to Work For in North America, 2021 PRovoke Global Creative Agency of the Year, 2021 PRovoke North American Agency of the Year, 2021 PRWeek Agency of the Year and a four-time winner of PRWeek’s Best Places to Work. Zeno has also been previously recognized by the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Zeno is a DJE Holdings Company.

Founded in 1998
New York, NY, US
899 employees (182 in marketing)

Traffic Signals

Monthly Visitors
34K
Traffic Source Mix
Search
42.7%
Direct
43.6%
Referral
8.4%
Social
3.8%
Paid
1.1%

Headcount Trend

Current headcount: ~910

Marketing Team

Marketing Team Size
140 (15% of company)
Median Career Experience
11 years
Median Tenure
4.8 years
Marketing Roles Posted (Last 30 Days)
21

Funding

Last Raise
Pre Seed, 3 years ago

Funding History

  • Oct 2022
    Pre Seed

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