Global Head of Corp Communications, Policy & Crisis Management
M+C Saatchi SSK is seeking an MD, Global Head of Corporate Communications, Policy and Crisis Management. The world is in a state of chaos—making the need for a special kind of leader in the world of Corporate Communications, Policy, and Crisis Management. As that leader, you will be responsible for guiding high-stakes communication strategies that protect and enhance our clients' reputations. This role requires deep expertise in corporate communications, public policy, crisis management, along with a proven track record of delivering results in complex, fast-paced environments. As a strategic thinker and strong leader, you will advise clients through complex challenges while driving the agency’s growth and expansion in corporate communications and public affairs.
What You'll Do:
Leadership & Strategy Development
- Develop and execute corporate communication strategies that align with clients' business goals and enhance public perception
- Provide expert counsel on policy and regulatory issues, helping clients navigate complex landscapes with clarity and confidence.
- Serve as the primary crisis management strategist, leading response efforts, mitigating reputational risk, and developing long-term recovery strategies.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to drive growth within the corporate communications and public affairs practice, identifying new business opportunities.
- Drive the growth of the corporate communications and public affairs practice by identifying and pursuing opportunities that align with the agency’s growth objectives.
Client Advisory & Relationship Management
- Act as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives, providing guidance on corporate communications, public policy, and crisis management.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships, delivering tailored, impactful solutions that drive value. Reputation and revenue growth.
- Lead the development of messaging frameworks, media strategies, and stakeholder engagement plans to reach diverse audiences.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead and inspire teams by fostering collaboration across the region, ensuring that all initiatives are aligned with broader organizational goals and contribute to integrated growth. Mentor and develop a high-performing communications team, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
- Provide guidance, feedback, and support to junior team members, ensuring best-in-class client service.
- Drive the recruitment and retention of top talent in corporate communications and public affairs.
Crisis Management & Preparedness
- Develop and implement crisis communication plans, including scenario planning, media training, and rapid response protocols.
- Lead cross-functional crisis response teams, coordinating PR, legal, and operational efforts in real time.
- Enhance clients’ crisis preparedness through audits, simulations, and ongoing advisory services.
Policy & Regulatory Affairs
- Monitor and analyze policy and regulatory developments, advising clients on strategic responses.
- Engage with policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to align public policy with client interests.
- Provide insights on navigating governmental and regulatory environments, including advocacy and lobbying strategies.
Thought Leadership, New Business & Public Engagement
- Represent M+C Saatchi SSK at industry conferences, media engagements, and new business pitches, positioning the firm as a leader in corporate communications and crisis management.
- Author thought leadership pieces, white papers, and op-eds on key corporate communications, public policy, and crisis issues.
- Foster partnerships with academic institutions, industry bodies, and key stakeholders to advance the corporate communications field.
- Partner with business development teams and external partners to expand the corporate reputation practice, identifying and pursuing new avenues for agency growth.
What You'll Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Political Science, Law, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
- 20+ years of experience in corporate communications, public policy, and crisis management, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership role, including demonstrated success in business development and revenue generation.
- Proven success managing high-profile communication strategies and crisis situations.
- Deep understanding of public policy, regulatory environments, and media landscapes.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and influence stakeholders.
- Strong leadership and team management abilities, with a focus on mentorship and talent development.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to operate under pressure in fast-paced environments.
- Experience advising C-suite executives and senior leadership teams.
- Established network in public relations, public policy, and media industries with the ability to leverage relationships for business development.
- Comes with a portfolio of clients and business opportunities that complement our existing portfolio.
Key Competencies
- Strategic Thinking – Ability to develop and implement long-term strategies that drive business outcomes and protect client reputations while fostering agency growth.
- Crisis Management – Expertise in handling crises with a calm, decisive, and solutions-oriented approach.
- Client Focus – Proven ability to build trusted relationships and deliver exceptional client service at the C Suite level
- Leadership – Strong team-building and mentorship skills, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture. Demonstrates the ability to integrate diverse perspectives to drive strategic outcomes, enhancing the overall business impact.
- Communication – Outstanding ability to simplify complex issues and deliver clear, persuasive messaging.
- Policy Expertise – Deep knowledge of public policy, regulatory issues, and governmental processes, providing strategic guidance to clients.
- Media Relations– Deep knowledge of media relations and a rolodex of key relationships in the media landscape that can help drive narratives for our clients.
- New Business Development - expertise in driving and managing new business pipeline in the corporate communications space
What you'll get:
We value our teams and are committed to their success! We offer a competitive salary, a comprehensive employer subsidized benefits package which includes group medical, dental and vision coverage, Health Savings Account, 401k retirement plan with annual company match, employee wellness, commuter benefits and cellular phone allowance, generous paid time off and employee volunteer day to encourage social responsibility giving time to the non-profit, community service or charity of your choice. Salary and package is highly competitive. All candidates must have the ability to work in the US; we are unable to sponsor any work visas for this role.SS+K is an Equal Opportunity Employer and shall treat all applicants for employment equally based upon job-related qualifications and without regard to race, color, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin, disability, religion, or any other characteristic protected by law.
About M+C Saatchi SSK:
M+C Saatchi SSK is a full-service marketing & communications agency that combines the rigor of political strategy and the power of creativity to help brands navigate, create, and lead meaningful change. For 30 years, we’ve worked with both disruptors and the disrupted— from big brands like JPMorgan Chase, Delta, Starbucks, Microsoft, Meta, Mount Sinai Health System, and HBO, to challengers like Iceland Tourism, Smartsheet, Airbnb and Lyft. And our commitment to change has led us to create essential campaigns for organizations like Communities in Schools, Planned Parenthood, Girls Who Code, Lebron James’ More Than a Vote, and Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
About M+C Saatchi Group
M+C Saatchi Group is a creative solutions company that connects specialist expertise, fuelled by data, technology, and culture, to help clients navigate, create, and lead meaningful change. The Group operates across five core divisions: Connected Creativity; Passion Marketing; Global & Social Issues; Brand, Experience & Innovation; and Performance Media. Headquartered in London, operations span 23 countries with major hubs in the UK, Europe, US, Middle East & Africa, Asia and Australia. M&C Saatchi Group’s two principles, Diversity of Thought and Brutal Simplicity of Thought, guide how they build teams and solve problems.
All employee information is kept confidential according to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES.
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DM-SSK
- Group company
- M+C Saatchi SSK
- Locations
- New York
- Remote status
- Hybrid
- Employment type
- Full-time
New York
About M+C Saatchi Group
M+C Saatchi Group was founded in 1995 and is now the biggest Independent creative agency group in the World. Founded on one core principle, Brutal Simplicity.
Global Head of Corp Communications, Policy & Crisis Management
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