OVERVIEW
Weber Shandwick is one of the world’s leading global communications and marketing solutions firms with offices in 79 cities and a network extending to 120 cities on 6 continents. In the Asia Pacific region the firm operates in 18 markets including owned as well as affiliates and representative firms in other locales – spanning Greater China, Japan and Korea, India and Southeast Asia. Our heritage in Asia Pacific stretches back more than 60 years.
Weber Shandwick was named Asia-Pacific PR Consultancy of the Year 2017, 2019 and 2020 by PR Awards Asia, the ICCO Regional Network of the Year Asia Pacific in 2017, 2018 and 2019, Asia-Pacific Consultancy of the Year 2017 and 2019 by Provoke and Regional Network of the Year in 2017, 2018 and 2023 by Public Affairs Asia. We were also named PRWeek Purpose Awards Agency of the Year 2020 and 2021, Global PR Agency of the Decade at the 2020 Global Sabre Awards by Provoke Media.
More than ever, organisations need to solve for unprecedented challenges born of technology-driven disruption. We fuse global teams grounded in technology, digital innovation and analytics to help clients. As we live in an always-on world, our brand positioning reflects this need to engage with our always-on audience, just as we advise our clients to do. We inspire. We incite. We shape ideas and conversations, and we activate our global reach for local causes and multinational brands alike, and we’re always ready for more problems to solve.
Our Values:
CURIOSITY – We cultivate curiosity and challenge convention. Because solving any problem begins by asking the right questions
INCLUSION – We foster teams and environments built on belonging and openness to possibility. Because the best ideas have no bias
COURAGE – We stand up for what we believe in. Because being comfortable with the uncomfortable is how progress is made
IMPACT – We strive to make a meaningful difference in everything we do. Because we owe it to our people, or clients and the world
About the opportunity:
We are seeking a strategic and dynamic individual to fill the role of VP, Head of Communications for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. As the Head of Communications, you will play a crucial role in leading internal and external communication initiatives, enhance brand reputation, support on initiatives that foster employee engagement, and manage digital platforms across the region.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Communications Leadership
- Develop and implement the overarching communications strategy for the APAC region, aligned with the company's global vision and objectives.
- Provide strategic counsel to the CEO, APAC and senior leadership team on communication matters, ensuring messaging consistency and effective stakeholder engagement.
- Develop and drive external communication strategies to enhance Weber Shandwick's brand reputation and visibility across the APAC region.
- Support CPO, APAC on development and delivery of strategic internal communication strategies enhancing employee value proposition and employee engagement;
- Build and maintain relationships with key media outlets, industry influencers, and stakeholders.
- Develop compelling content, press releases, and thought leadership pieces to position the company as a leader in the industry.
- Provide leadership in managing communications during crisis situations or reputational issues in the APAC region.
- Develop crisis communication plans, coordinate with global crisis teams, and ensure effective messaging and stakeholder engagement in challenging situations.
APAC Growth Support
- Collaborate with regional leadership and business development teams to develop and implement communications plans that support business growth objectives.
- Provide communication expertise and support for client engagement initiatives, and industry events.
- Ensure effective communication of the company's value proposition and differentiation to target audiences.
- Proactively develop and execute strategies to enhance Weber Shandwick's industry recognition and secure prestigious awards across the APAC region.
- Identify relevant award opportunities, coordinate submissions, and work closely with internal teams to gather supporting materials and narratives.
- Maximize the visibility and impact of award wins through strategic communication efforts.
Employee Engagement
- Support APAC CPO in internal communication efforts to inform, engage, and inspire employees across the APAC region.
- Develop and execute communication programs that promote company culture, enhance employee engagement, and foster a sense of belonging.
- Develop and implement initiatives to enhance employee engagement and drive communication through all channels and platforms.
- Oversee the management and optimization of digital platforms, including the company's website, social media channels, and internal collaboration tools including intranet.
- Ensure that digital platforms effectively support communication goals and engage both internal and external stakeholders.
Performance Tracking and Reporting
- Monitor and measure the effectiveness of communication initiatives, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and providing regular reports to senior management.
- Continuously refine and improve communication strategies based on data insights and feedback.
PERSON PROFILE
- Extensive experience in communications, public relations, or related fields, preferably with experience in the APAC region.
- Proven experience in leading internal and external communication initiatives, including employee engagement, media relations, and executive communications.
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a track record of developing and executing successful communication strategies.
- Excellent leadership and management skills, with the ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex ideas to diverse audiences.
- Strong media relations experience, with a network of media contacts across the APAC region.
- Crisis communication and issues management experience is preferred.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in additional languages spoken across the APAC region is a plus.
Note from the team
Weber Shandwick is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Weber Shandwick is committed to building a culture where all employees are seen as equal, are respected and where all opinions are heard. We take pride in our inclusive hiring, as well as our diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
Personal data held by Weber Shandwick relating to employment applications will be used in accordance with our Privacy Statement, which is available on our website.
Due to the large number of applications received, we apologize if we are unable to provide a response or feedback on unsuccessful applications. We appreciate the time taken to apply for the role and your recent interest in Weber Shandwick.
