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Director, Communications
Volkswagen Group of America
Santa Monica, CA, United States
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Audi Director, Communications
Description
"Vorsprung durch Technik" or, "Progress through Technology" is our company ethos and is the core belief that drives the development of every Audi vehicle. It inspires the innovative solutions, revolutionary engineering and progressive design that have become synonymous with the Audi name. And it reminds us to challenge ourselves, rewrite the rules from time to time and always fuel our pioneering spirit. The spirit that sets us apart on the racetrack and the open road. In our relentless pursuit to become the number one premium car brand in the America, we need employees who share in this spirit of challenging the status quo in everything that we do.
This position is location in New York, NY or Santa Monica, CA.
Role Summary
• The Director, Communications is responsible for several important communication areas, including Brand, Lifestyle, Sponsorships, Arts, Film, Sports, Drive Progress, etc. This role develops key messages, execution of communications and issues management related to all Brand communications.
• Work in tandem with the SVP, Chief Communication Officer to create a proactive agenda and annual narrative aimed at raising the brand’s visibility to external audiences and core constituents, which include employees, consumers, dealers and the media. Drive recognition of the Audi brand as the number one premium brand.
• Develop strategy for National and Regional lifestyle media, relationships, coverage; handling brand communications; partner with PR and Marketing programs/initiatives/events; Social media integration with events and programs; Companywide Digital influencer strategy and programs; Development of ‘big ideas’ to keep Audi relevant in American culture and influential ‘thought leadership’ communities. Develop incremental focused communications plans for key influential markets: LA, NY, SF and Miami.
Role Responsibilities
Leadership / Strategy
• Serve as one of the lead spokespeople for the Audi brand in the U.S., mentor future spokespeople, and counsel executives prior to interview and speaking events.
• Direct the day-to-day Communication staff located in LA, California.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with AUDI AG Communication colleagues in the Internal Communication and Lifestyle departments and with the colleagues who support the functional areas of marketing.
• Represent the brand at industry functions and activities.
• Serve as primary Audi representative in high-profile, sensitive, influential communities, i.e. an ambassador of Audi in National, NY, LA, SF, and Miami across multiple industries/levels
• Serve as consultant, advisor and filter for potential PR and Marketing opportunities
• Role leads the AoA Digital Influencer strategy and programs supporting needs of PR, Marketing, Social, etc.; including leading agency personnel involved in Digital influencer programs.
• AUDI AG point person for VIP partnerships, collaborate on International programs
• Development of strategies and lead execution of ‘big ideas’ to keep Audi relevant in American culture and influential ‘thought leadership’ communities
• Ability to recognize, curate and develop creative, innovative ideas and programs that will differentiate the Audi brand and position Audi as a progressive, leading Luxury brand.
• Agency planning, execution on annual objectives for lifestyle and media coverage/ events
• Manage High-level entertainment industry partnerships and relationships; Negotiate contracts/deal points on AoA projects with media, lifestyle, industry partners
• Event strategy for product and non-product events. Flawlessly lead event planning/execution
• Research and introduce new technologies and processes that aid the Communication staff in attaining recognition as the leading premium brand through media coverage.
Communications / Brand Building
• Media relations with national, local and digital media representing, business, general interest, lifestyle, and automotive outlets
• Lead development and maintenance of Lifestyle media relationships and story ideas on national level
• Lead annual narrative development for Progressive Brand, Drive Progress and contribute to Thought leadership strategies and messaging
• Garner regional, national and global lifestyle media coverage on AoA events and partnerships
• Support automotive media launches, programs and relationships on national level
• VIP introductions and relationships at senior level in multiple industries: entertainment, sports, arts, film, business, design, fashion, tech on national level
• Deliver consistent brand messages on Brand, Lifestyle, and products
• Leads initiatives to build on broadcast news coverage momentum, including outreach to have key Audi executives on camera major events, such as AFI, Aspen Ideas Fest, etc. This includes national and local TV, Podcasts and radio
• Maintain product knowledge of extensive Audi portfolio for communications and messaging
• Support the VP of Marketing and MTM, SMEs in public appearances (interviews and speeches, etc.) Collaborate with the Marketing, Digital Operations, and Social Media team to develop Communication strategies that enhance the brand reputation through the annual advertising, marketing, and experience and launch plans
• Find ways to amplify Marketing, Experiential, Sponsorship and Media programs through additional Communications/Media activities and support
• Partner with Marketing Content Manager and Marketing team leaders to create content for PR and Buzz; collaborate with the Marketing team to develop messages and assets that support the Progressive Brand narrative
• Partner with HR and Marketing to support #Drive Progress initiative messaging, sponsorships and amplification of Brand actions
• Sponsorship negotiation/execution for multi-million dollar PR and marketing partnerships and sponsorships
• Brand reputation management
• Oversee/manage PR Agency of Record annual P.O. process, negotiation and ongoing agency relationship
• Work closely with AoA Social Media team to identify opportunities and coverage plans
• Coordinate multimedia opportunities with AUDI AG Communications and AoA resources
Qualifications
Experience
• 10+ years of relevant experience
Education
• Bachelor’ Degree in Communications, Journalism, or an associated area (Arts & Sciences, Economics, Sociology, Psychology)
• Master’s Degree in Business or Communications (desired)
General Skills
• Analytical and conceptual thinking – using logic and reason, creative and strategic
• Communication skills – interpersonal, presentation and written
• Leadership – inspiring team and across the organization
• Integration – joining people, processes or systems
• Team management skills
• Influencing and negotiation skills
• Problem solving
• Resource management
• Computer savvy – skilled in the use of software
• Self-motivated
• Flexibility
• Composure, Maturity
Specialized Skills
• Journalism-oriented writing skills
• Strategic communication planning and execution
• Media/blogger, Digital Influencer and VIP relationships across business, lifestyle, auto, consumer, entertainment, industry trade media
• Extensive media relationships and robust media skills; including Broadcast media
• Social Media acumen; strong story-telling and ability to recognize and/or develop innovative ideas; deep understanding of social technologies and practices
• Passion for Luxury and/or Audi brand
• Experience advising senior leadership
• Events strategy, execution, project management
• Experience in Luxury, Automotive or Technology companies (desired)
• Experience with global communications (desired)
Work Flexibility
• Moderate to extensive traveling, Flexible work schedule that may require weekends and late nights
We are proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.