Director - Global Response Communications

Chicago, IL

The Director of Global Response Communications will be responsible for marshalling a coordinated, cross-divisional response plan in high-stakes moments to defend United’s reputation for issues as they arise across the globe. This position must anticipate problems and quickly and methodically work to mitigate issues. They will serve as an engaged and visible advocate for United in the media, lead the social media intelligence team – our internal brand and issues surveillance team – and provide real-time analysis of daily stories. This position will also spend significant time working directly with the media – from international to national to local outlets – in answering questions, correcting inaccuracies, finding information and explaining issues as they arise to properly inform the media of the facts. They must develop relationships with media and advocacy organizations. This position will also lead the crisis communications planning process to prepare the company in the event a major issue arises.

Manage a fast-paced, multi-issue, day-to-day environment while serving as company spokesperson and marshal a coordinated and cross-divisional response plan
Develop understanding of several issues within the company and be able to craft messaging that effectively delivers a positive message
Work cross-functionally with several departments within United
Influence public opinion, corporate ranking, and policy decisions through strategic communications activities
Interact constantly with all media types within the US and abroad when necessary to explain facts, find information, correct inaccuracies and provide context
Develop communications, international relations and marketing materials by writing and editing press releases, media materials, speeches, scripts, articles and business presentations
Lead Social Media Intelligence team and have a full understanding of how social media affects the aviation industry and public perception
Serve as weekend and after-hours approver for on-call process roughly once a month

Required

Bachelors degree in related field
8+ years working with Corp Communications
Experience working with executives and senior level management
Experience working cross functionally within corporate environment
Demonstrated track record of conducting successful, proactive communications programs that employ creativity; use of a variety of tools, forums and media; and a proven, broad capability for crisis management
Ability to plan, manage and develop corporate brand, image and public relations programs in order to raise public awareness of the company and its accomplishments as well as to safeguard the company’s image and reputation
Able to interface with all levels of employees and management as well as with outside agencies
Ability to counsel senior executives and navigate complex business issues
Ability to develop messaging, and integrated communications plans and strategies
Analytical thought process with high integrity
Execution and process oriented, forward thinking, diligent and creative
Capacity to deliver against quality, timing and cost targets
Trustworthy with material confidential information
Able to work effectively and efficiently in cross-functional teams
Superior business writing and editing skills
Strong project management skills
Ability to manage multiple projects
Excellent interpersonal and verbal skills; promotes open communication within the department and the division
Motivational and persuasion skills
Highly effective in a fast-paced environment, strong quantitative and analytical skills, excellent cross functional collaboration with teams; works well under pressure

Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled/LGBT