Communications Specialist

Job description

The Communications Specialist will be responsible for supporting a range of AkzoNobel's internal, external and digital communication needs in North America. Main responsibilities will be implementing integrated communication strategies that drive AkzoNobel's corporate brand and business unit objectives. Role will support all facets of communications including internal engagement, reputation management, external communications and public affairs.

Some previous experience of external and internal communications is required as well as a good understanding of digital and public affairs activations. The position will be the direct support for both the External and Internal Communication Managers and will be a member of the North American Communications team. The role will report to the North American External Communications Manager with a matrix reporting line to the North American Internal Communications Manager.

The role will be based in Chicago, IL, the North American regional headquarters for AkzoNobel and the global headquarters for Polymer Chemistry and Surface Chemistry business units.

Essential Responsibilities

The role is best suited for a junior communications professional who is eager to make contributions to the organization while building their knowledge of both AkzoNobel and communications in a corporate business environment. Position will require a team player who can prioritize, plan and coordinate multiple business demands in line with the defined communication strategies.

Key Objectives and Accountabilities

· Responsible for implementing integrated communication strategies that drive AkzoNobel's corporate brand and business unit objectives leveraging the appropriate corporate and business reputation drivers
· Support all facets of communications including internal engagement, reputation management, external communications, public affairs, crisis communications
· Identify and build newsworthy stories from North American organization that help promote the AkzoNobel brand with external stakeholders
· Provide counsel and support for shared service functional areas including HR, Finance, Procurement and Integrated Supply Chain
· Manages the North American communications calendar to align with the global editorial calendar
· Work with the broader AkzoNobel communications team to support the regional external communications manager in preparing briefs and positioning papers on key corporate issues
· Act as a key support and sometimes lead communications projects in the region
· Be the point of contact for external agencies and other suppliers
· Manage a central bank of communications materials, toolkits and templates and oversee cascading of materials within North America

Desired profile

Requirements for Job (education or experience required to be able to perform this job):

· Experience - at least two years of related experience in a marketing or communications role

· Bachelors' degree (Communications, PR, Integrated Marketing Communications) or proven experience in these fields.

· Previous experience working in either a corporate communications or PR agency environment

· Understanding of the chemical and coatings industry and communicating to online and “offline” employees in a manufacturing environment.

· Results oriented, team player who can be flexible and adaptive to changing priorities

· Outstanding writing, editing and proofreading skills

· Excellent oral communications skills

· Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with peers and cross-functional teams

· Ability to work independently and execute tasks efficiently

· Must be a savvy user of social media and be able to generate appropriate content to drive the company's reputation in North America

· Experience with creating internal and external materials for communications activation

· Experience with SharePoint and basic HTML programming