Director, External Corporate Communications, North America

The Director, External Corporate Communications, North America will drive The Estée Lauder Cos. external relations across the region, leading integrated communications programs that support business priorities and strengthen the company’s reputation. The Director will work in close partnership with brand and cross-functional teams in the region and globally. This role requires strong judgement in high-profile situations, experience navigating a highly matrixed organization, the ability to deliver at pace, and a proven track record of advising senior leaders. You are deeply executing the strategies you help shape, and translating business priorities into clear, compelling and credible external communications. You are able to anticipate issues, see around corners and proactively position the organization and our leaders. This position will be based in New York and will report to the Vice President, Corporate & Brands Communications, The Americas.

Responsibilities

Support the development of a North America corporate media strategy, positioning The Estée Lauder Cos. and regional leaders across key topics such as beauty & luxury, consumer trends, retail, and digital and social commerce; Design and deliver integrated initiatives across earned, owned and digital channels, in partnership with relevant brand and cross-functional teams in the region and globally; Foster relationships with top-tier U.S. and Canada corporate media and event organizers; Prepare and advise senior executives for media and speaking engagements; Submit regional leadership for relevant talent awards and rankings; Draft and oversee outputs including executive briefings, talking points, pitches, award submissions, press releases, opinion pieces, stakeholder communications, etc.; Develop clear, insight-led narratives on industry topics and for major regional announcements, partnerships and milestones; Embed with regional brands and business teams to story mine opportunities, together with the VP; Successfully parse business performance, industry and consumer data to support key narratives; Build relationships with relevant industry and stakeholder organizations; Manage executive and company participation for relevant board seats, membership initiatives, awards programs and annual calendar of events; Provide counsel to leadership on reputational risk, including vetting proposed brand activations, partnerships and spokespeople, according to established company vetting procedures; Track emerging trends and issues that may pose a reputational impact to our company or brands; Serve as the secondary point of contact for issues management and crisis communications across the Americas; Maintain alignment with Legal, Government Affairs, Crisis, Corporate Citizenship & Sustainability and other key cross-functional teams

Requirements

10+ years’ experience in corporate communications, public affairs and/or issues management; Experience in beauty, wellness, personal care, retail, luxury or other related industry; Experience advising senior executives in high-stakes situations; Ability to operate at pace, manage multiple priorities and work effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments; Proven ability to influence across a highly matrixed organization; Strong leadership, team management and stakeholder management capability; Sound judgement and calm under pressure; Hands-on proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, including PowerPoint (visual storytelling); SharePoint (or similar intranet CMS); Microsoft Teams; MuckRack; Exceptional writing and editing skills with strong editorial judgment; Proven ability to turn complex business topics into clear, engaging content; Portfolio or work samples required (writing, editorial placements, etc.); Strong judgement in high-profile situations; Experience navigating a highly matrixed organization; Ability to deliver at pace; Proven track record of advising senior leaders

Nice to have

Agency experience; Airtable; CreatorIQ (Tribe); Familiarity with Circana, Nielsen, or similar data sets

Benefits

health insurance coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance); wellness and family support programs; life and disability insurance; retirement savings plans; education-related programs; paid holidays and vacation time; competitive incentive compensation programs; Commission/Bonus Plan eligibility