The Vice President of Corporate Communications will set the strategic direction of Smartsheet’s communications efforts in line with our business goals, company vision, and brand. We are looking for a proactive, creative, and strategic thinker and doer with a proven track record of supporting organizations in all aspects of communication, including: executive communications, public relations, industry analyst relations, internal communications, and social media. The successful candidate is a team player with a can-do attitude and the ability to work across teams and projects, who can deliver effective communications strategies on deadline in a fast-paced environment. We’re looking for someone who can manage between high-level stakeholders and think big picture but also roll up their sleeves to get the job done. Strong writing skills, executive presence with a keen understanding of the technology industry and relevant SaaS experience preferred.
This position will report to the President, Go-to-Market and can be based remotely from anywhere within the United States where Smartsheet is a registered employer.
You will:
- Define and execute a strategic plan with specific KPIs for the global communications function at Smartsheet, aligned to corporate priorities
- Lead & develop a 15-person integrated communications team encompassing public relations, internal communications, industry analyst relations, executive communications, and social media functions
- Act as a trusted communications advisor to senior executives, proactively advise on industry trends, and guide global corporate strategy
- Manage communications budget, optimizing value and results from agency relationships in all key regions and markets globally
- Partner with C-Suite and Investor Relations on earnings scripts and crisis communications management
- Promote, maintain, and defend corporate reputation; build proactive strategies and execute rapid response to time-sensitive messaging, including crisis, change, and employee communications programs
- Identify, advise on, and execute high-visibility executive speaking opportunities aligned with the business priorities
- Lead Smartsheet social media efforts to achieve the next performance level, drive growth in reach, engagement, customer evangelism and advocacy that drive revenue from social channels
- Drive strategy and execution of industry analyst program inclusive of inquiries/briefings, advisory days, event sponsorships, analyst roadshows, etc
- Oversee measurement and business reviews of the global communications program's impact. Provide regular reports to Smartsheet leadership on engagement and impact
You have:
- 15+ years of leadership experience in corporate communications - including experience with and managing teams in public relations, internal communications and executive communications, in the technology industry. SaaS/software experience preferred; public company experience required
- Experience leading a team with proven ability to communicate, delegate, build a team, and develop direct reports; Minimum of 10 years in people management
- Analytical skills, including an understanding of key financial metrics and communications requirements relevant to a publicly-traded company, as well as M&A communications experience
- Demonstrated experience presenting to and interacting with press, executive leaders, board members, customers, and a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders
- Experience managing relationships with PR agencies and vendors
- Demonstrated proficiency of excellent writing and editing skills, including the ability to write about complex topics in a simple, easy to understand way
- Ability to work one-on-one with business leaders (at all levels of the organization) on communications projects from conception to launch – and provide strategic advice and execution support throughout the process
- Executive presence; ability to think on your feet and maintain calm demeanor under pressure
- The ability to manage multiple projects at once while delivering high quality work, adhering to standards for internal client service and meeting deadlines
- Strong team ethic and collaborative work style; but must be able to work independently, assume responsibility and be accountable. Ability to manage and coach, partner with peers and exhibit a global mindset
- Ability to address the communications needs of a growth company that faces both opportunities and threats.