Director External Communications

About Us

HEINEKEN USA Inc., the nation's leading high-end beer importer, is a subsidiary of HEINEKEN International N.V., the world's most international brewer. Key brands imported into the U.S. are Heineken - the world's most international beer brand, Heineken 0.0 - an alcohol-free beer innovation, the Dos Equis Franchise, and the Tecate Franchise. For news and updates, visit HEINEKENUSA.com

Who We Are

At HEINEKEN USA, we're a team with a passion to bring our iconic brands to the next level. The work is challenging, we learn from our experiences (even our mistakes), and we love what we do. You'll be empowered to think differently, try new things, and GO PLACES.

About the Role:

Lead HEINEKEN USA's external communications function in a way that builds cultural relevance for our brands, strengthens corporate reputation and protects the Company during moments of heightened scrutiny. The role is approximately 60% focused on Integrated Brand Communications across different audiences and 40% on Corporate Communications, Reputation, Executive Thought Leadership and Crisis & Issues Management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead HEINEKEN USA's external communications strategy across Brand and Corporate Communications, ensuring programs support business objectives, generate favorable earned media and strengthen reputation.
• Lead Brand PR strategy across HEINEKEN USA's portfolio, managing agency partners and working with Global Brand PR teams to translate marketing priorities into culturally relevant U.S. communications programs.
• Partner closely with Marketing leadership and Brand teams to shape earned-first communications strategies around priority brands, innovations, partnerships, sponsorships, premium experiences and major cultural activations (Dotted line to brand leads).
• Lead proactive Corporate Communications and reputation strategy, translating business priorities and company milestones into compelling external narratives.
• Own HEINEKEN USA's annual reputation research process and translate findings into a strategic roadmap that guides proactive storytelling, executive visibility and issues preparedness.
• Develop and manage executive thought leadership strategies for senior leaders, including media interviews, speaking engagements, conferences, awards and other external visibility opportunities.
• Serve as a strategic communications advisor to the CEO, CMO, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and other senior leaders on reputational issues, external communications priorities and media engagement.
• Lead Crisis & Issues Communications, including preparedness, scenario planning, response strategy, messaging development, cross-functional coordination and media response during emerging issues or crises.
• Serve as a key company spokesperson and oversee executive messaging, briefing materials and media preparation.
• Mentor and develop members of the External Communications team and provide strategic counsel across the broader Corporate Affairs organization.
• Manage external PR agencies and communications partners, including strategy, scope, budgets, performance, measurement and KPIs.
• Maintain strong relationships with key media, industry organizations and external stakeholders, and liaise with HEINEKEN Global Communications on priority programs and issues.

Basic Qualifications/Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience developing earned communications strategies for consumer brands and culturally relevant campaigns.
• Strong media relationships and experience working with consumer, business, marketing and/or trade media.
• Demonstrated experience managing crisis and reputational issues.
• Experience providing strategic communications counsel to senior executives.
• Experience leading teams, agencies and complex cross-functional programs.
• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills.
• Bachelor's Degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Mix of agency and corporate CPG experience preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary Range: $175,000 - $190,000 + Annual Bonus
• Benefits - Medical/Dental/Vision + Matching 401k Plan
• Vacation - 20 Days Paid Vacation & Unlimited Wellness Days
• $200 Monthly Beverage Allowance

HEINEKEN USA is an equal opportunity employer. Embracing and celebrating diversity is core to HEINEKEN's purpose of "brewing the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better world". We believe that people as diverse as our brews - including and not limited to gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religious belief, nationality, social background, disability and thinking style - enrich our lives and strengthen our business. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates as we champion a culture of belonging that provides fair and equal opportunities for all.

This position is not available for visa sponsorship.

This position does not provide relocation assistance