Job Description
The Senior Vice President (SVP), Corporate Communications will report to the Vice Chairman as the Head of Corporate Communications for Focus Features. The SVP will be responsible for establishing the communications strategy to support and build the brand narrative of Focus Features. In addition to setting the strategy, The SVP, will take a leadership role in the executing tactics such as crafting of key internal and external communications as well as lead various projects including shaping press releases, media alerts, planting stories, crisis management, managing executive profiles and list submissions, generating briefing notes, talking points, speeches, and Q&As. The ideal candidate will work proactively to secure appropriate opportunities among trade and consumer front to generate radio, print, online, social media and broadcast opportunities to generate maximum, positive publicity for the studio’s branding, marketing, special projects, community outreach and awards campaigns. This position is based in the Universal City, CA offices.
Essential Responsibilities:
· Develop overarching communications strategy and create and edit key communications materials including announcements, press releases, talking points, Q&A, speeches, program descriptions, articles, and bios that support the strategy.
· Strategically, proactively and reactively manage box office press.
· Forge a strategic and collaborative partnership with our communications group on issues management, messaging and positioning relating to key film priorities, and crisis communications.
· Proactively identify issues and opportunities related to Corporate Communications, establish potential solutions, and communicate to the appropriate key senior Focus Features leaders and stakeholders.
· Oversee preparation of written communications, including talking points, press releases, memos, strategy documents.
· Work within the larger Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG) Communications team to liaise with filmmakers and productions to ensure we’re appropriately aligned as they ramp up.
· Manage the external and internal communication strategies for Focus including media relations, executive thought-leadership, and development of key messages / positioning.
· Work across the Focus departments, including Production and Acquisitions, Physical Production, Business & Legal Affairs, Publicity, and Events to ensure they are aligned and consistent with our communication strategies.
· Act as a liaison between Focus and our parent company NBCUniversal on relevant internal events/communications strategies.
· Identify and liaise with key forums, networking, and thought-leadership opportunities for Focus executives.
· Partner with teams across the division including marketing, special projects and DEI, and programming to provide communications support.
· Utilize existing media relationships and establish new relationships to manage day-to-day transactional media relations, maintaining strong relationships with business and trade reporters, to manage incoming project requests and announcements.
· Work closely with the publicity team to manage crises communications/conflict situations and may be asked to serve as spokesperson.
· Partner with the publicity team to announce production announcements, partnerships, and press releases as needed.
· Other duties and projects as needed
Qualifications
Minimum 12 years of corporate and/or crisis communications experience in the entertainment industry. Preferably in film studio/production support.
· Demonstrated media relationships
Eligibility Requirements:
· Interested candidates must submit a resume/CV through nbcunicareers.com to be considered.
· Must be able to travel and work overtime, and on weekends with short notice.
· Must be willing to work in Universal City, California
Desired Characteristics:
• Bachelor’s Degree. Master’s Degree a plus.
• Strong leader with excellent communications skills to advise top executives, work across various departments, supervise teams and manage external clients and partners.
• Strategic thinking ability combined with tactical implementation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve and collaborate with senior executives, creative partners, and peers across a highly matrixed, fast-paced, innovative, and energetic corporate culture.
• Exceptional strategic and sound judgment and sensitivity to challenging issues and ability to exercise a high level of discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Demonstrated success in crafting a substantive and cohesive set of messages for an organization, which has been successfully communicated to key audiences and resulted in a measurable difference.
• Proven, exceptional writing skills, including strategic positioning of messaging (samples required).
• Proficient copy-editing skills
Additional Requirements:
* **Hybrid** : This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of three days per week.
Salary range: $220,000-300,000 (bonus and long-term incentive eligible)
Additional Information
As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision.
NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.
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