Director, External Communications

Company Description

For nearly 70 years, MasterBrand has been shaping the places where people come together, enriching lives and creating meaningful memories for our customers. That, combined with our stylish products, expansive dealer and retail network, and dedicated associates, has helped make us the number one North American residential cabinet business. Our unique culture of continuous improvement is based on trusting the tools, empowering the team and moving forward, and is kept alive by our more than 14,000 associates across 20 plus manufacturing facility and offices. Visit www.masterbrand.com to learn more and join us in building great experiences together!

Job Description

The Director, External Communications reports to the Vice President, Investor Relations, Treasury, and Corporate Communications. The Director, External Communications will be the principal contact for external media relations. This position will partner closely with heads of Investor Relations and Internal Communication functions to provide strategic counsel and support executive management, commercial, and operations functions on external media activity. This position is responsible for development and implementation of the Company’s external communication strategy and objectives.

YOUR ROLE:

• Defines and executes an external communication strategy that aligns with and supports the company’s strategy.
• Develops a strong understanding of the company’s products, markets served, manufacturing capabilities and strategy and be able to clearly articulate it to external audiences.
• Partners with other company communications teams (investor relations, internal communications, and marketing) to develop and align messaging and collaborate on communications plans as needed.
• Creates and issues press releases, media statements, talking points and Q&A documents for senior management, web content, and social posts that ensure consistent messaging and a positive public impression.
• Provides media training to senior management and advises on key message development and delivery.
• Pursues opportunities to feature MasterBrand in various media outlets, including print, TV, radio, podcasts, and the internet or other relevant media platforms.
• Develops strong, high-integrity relationships with targeted external audiences.
• Manages agency relationships and budgets as appropriate.
• Strengthens crisis communications playbook to address issues that could negatively impact the business.
• Measures and analyzes the effectiveness of external communications efforts and provides periodic updates to the Vice President, Investor Relations, Treasury and Corporate Communications along with senior management.
• Consistently demonstrates The MasterBrand Way, positioning the company for growth and helping identify opportunities to reduce waste, complexity, and improve our work environment.
• Participates in company efforts related to ethics and compliance activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• An undergraduate degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field required.
• 10 plus years’ experience in corporate external communications or public relations developing and managing communications plans and programs; agency experience is preferred.
• 3 plus years' experience in managing people.
• Exceptional communication skills such as writing, editing, and proofreading.
• Strong verbal communication skills, as well as ability to present well.
• Knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital media/social media.
• Adept at collaborating with internal and external partners; experience in building relationships with key stakeholders; strong relationship management skills.
• Strong executive presence and credibility; ability to influence senior management.
• Excellent project management skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to work under pressure with maintain composure.
• High-energy, optimistic, and proactive when faced with highly diverse problems.
• Agile, adaptable, creative, and resourceful.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel) required.
• Ability to travel 30-40% annually (within North America).
  
  
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The individual must be able to remain in a stationary position for 90% of the time and constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. This includes typing, clicking, and writing. Frequently positions self to maintain information in drawers and shelving. The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information. Ability to read documents, emails, and computer screens, as well as see details on printed materials and presentations. Consistently works in an indoor setting. While traveling, the individual in this position needs to occasionally move about on the plant floor when facilitating plant tours and engage face to face with process and control owners. Occasionally moves items weighing up to fifteen pounds across plant floor for various needs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This is a remote position with the ideal candidate capable of working efficiently and independently from their home office to fulfill assigned tasks and meet deadlines. As a remote employee the candidate will need internet connectivity capable of supporting virtual communication tools that allow for collaboration with team members, attendance of meetings, and participation in company activities. The ideal candidate will be required to set up and maintain a suitable home office environment conducive to productivity. This includes having a dedicated workspace with a comfortable chair, desk, and adequate lighting. The candidate is expected to travel 30% to 40% of their time to meet with process and control owners, go on plant tours, attend conferences, etc. This travel will require overnight stays and may be multiple days in duration.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT:

MasterBrand Cabinets LLC is an equal opportunity employer. MasterBrand Cabinets LLC’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability/handicap status, marital status, military status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws. MasterBrand Cabinets LLC also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also MasterBrand Cabinets LLC’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Additional Information

Equal Employment Opportunity

MasterBrand Cabinets LLC is an equal opportunity employer. MasterBrand Cabinets LLC’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability/handicap status, marital status, military status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. MasterBrand Cabinets LLC also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also MasterBrand Cabinets LLC’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Reasonable Accommodations

MasterBrand Cabinets LLC is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability and wish to discuss potential accommodations related to applying for employment, please contact us at staffing@masterbrand.com.

• Actual pay will vary based on qualifications and other factors