W. W. Grainger
Director, External Communications
W. W. Grainger, Lake Forest, Illinois, United States, 60045
Location:
LAKE FOREST, IL, US, 60045-5202Work Location Type:
OnsiteAs a leading industrial distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan, and the United Kingdom, we serve more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with innovative technology and deep customer relationships. With 2023 sales of $16.5 billion, we’re dedicated to providing value for customers and fostering an engaging culture for team members.Position Summary:Develop and oversee external affairs strategies to enhance and protect Grainger’s brand and reputation and advance top priority company initiatives with external stakeholders. You will report to the VP, Communications and Public Affairs and be expected to work in either Lake Forest or our Chicago, IL office 3 times per week.You Will:Design and execute external affairs strategies to achieve business goals through earned media, organic social, speaking opportunities, press room content, corporate and employer branding, awards and other company communications.Interface with media outlets, licensing agencies, and other external organizations.Lead crisis communications planning and response.Program manage major company announcements and external events involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.Partner with relevant corporate and business functions to support external strategies and annual priorities.Oversee employer and corporate branding strategies in collaboration with human resources and marketing.Lead the strategy for company awards and oversee all submission processes.Define and document processes and procedures for managing external communications.Serve as the external communications expert and provide strategic counsel to company leaders and subsidiaries.Measure effectiveness of external communications through monitoring systems and channel metrics.Manage key external vendors to help achieve Grainger’s communication objectives.Lead a team of communications professionals in developing external strategies that advance company goals.Serve on the department leadership team, responsible for talent management and strategic planning for department goals.You Have:Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related fields required.10+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications with expertise in external affairs and crisis communications.Proven experience developing and managing media relationships.Experience managing crisis communications planning and execution.Ability to make decisions in a rapidly changing environment.Prior experience managing highly confidential or sensitive company material.Strong ability to lead, influence, and build relationships across all levels of the organization.Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills.Strong business acumen and ability to act as a business leader.Strong executive presence and confidence to challenge the status quo.Proven success working in a matrix environment.Self-reliant, proactive, assertive, and results-oriented.Analytical – able to gather, analyze, and make recommendations based on data.Ability to effectively lead and develop a team.Ability to stand in for the VP of Communications and Public Affairs as needed.Travel Requirements:Must be able to travel within and outside the U.S., up to 20%, depending on business need.With benefits starting day one, our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet team members' individual needs. Check out the highlights below:Medical, dental, vision, life, and pet insurance plans.Paid time off (PTO) and 6 company holidays per year.6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, and financial counseling.Maternity support programs and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents.We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment that includes providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process. Should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.
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LAKE FOREST, IL, US, 60045-5202Work Location Type:
OnsiteAs a leading industrial distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan, and the United Kingdom, we serve more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with innovative technology and deep customer relationships. With 2023 sales of $16.5 billion, we’re dedicated to providing value for customers and fostering an engaging culture for team members.Position Summary:Develop and oversee external affairs strategies to enhance and protect Grainger’s brand and reputation and advance top priority company initiatives with external stakeholders. You will report to the VP, Communications and Public Affairs and be expected to work in either Lake Forest or our Chicago, IL office 3 times per week.You Will:Design and execute external affairs strategies to achieve business goals through earned media, organic social, speaking opportunities, press room content, corporate and employer branding, awards and other company communications.Interface with media outlets, licensing agencies, and other external organizations.Lead crisis communications planning and response.Program manage major company announcements and external events involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.Partner with relevant corporate and business functions to support external strategies and annual priorities.Oversee employer and corporate branding strategies in collaboration with human resources and marketing.Lead the strategy for company awards and oversee all submission processes.Define and document processes and procedures for managing external communications.Serve as the external communications expert and provide strategic counsel to company leaders and subsidiaries.Measure effectiveness of external communications through monitoring systems and channel metrics.Manage key external vendors to help achieve Grainger’s communication objectives.Lead a team of communications professionals in developing external strategies that advance company goals.Serve on the department leadership team, responsible for talent management and strategic planning for department goals.You Have:Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related fields required.10+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications with expertise in external affairs and crisis communications.Proven experience developing and managing media relationships.Experience managing crisis communications planning and execution.Ability to make decisions in a rapidly changing environment.Prior experience managing highly confidential or sensitive company material.Strong ability to lead, influence, and build relationships across all levels of the organization.Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills.Strong business acumen and ability to act as a business leader.Strong executive presence and confidence to challenge the status quo.Proven success working in a matrix environment.Self-reliant, proactive, assertive, and results-oriented.Analytical – able to gather, analyze, and make recommendations based on data.Ability to effectively lead and develop a team.Ability to stand in for the VP of Communications and Public Affairs as needed.Travel Requirements:Must be able to travel within and outside the U.S., up to 20%, depending on business need.With benefits starting day one, our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet team members' individual needs. Check out the highlights below:Medical, dental, vision, life, and pet insurance plans.Paid time off (PTO) and 6 company holidays per year.6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, and financial counseling.Maternity support programs and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents.We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment that includes providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process. Should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.
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