Director, Corporate Communications & PR

WW is looking for candidates to help change people’s lives. We are a global wellness technology company inspiring millions of people to adopt healthy habits for real life. We do this through engaging digital experiences, face-to-face workshops and sustainable programs that encourage people to move more, shift their mindset and eat healthier while enjoying the foods they love. By drawing on over six decades of experience and expertise in behavioral science, we build communities in order to deliver wellness for all.

Director, Communications & PR

Who we are

We are the Communications & PR team - part of the global marketing organization. We work cross-functionally with nearly every team within the organization and are passionate, hard-working, and agile, driven by a mission to inspire people to live their healthiest lives. Once you get to know us, you’ll find a fun-loving, collaborative team that thrives in a fast-paced, ever-often-changing environment.

What you will do

Reporting to the Head of Global Communications & PR, you will be responsible for developing and executing strategic communications initiatives that elevate WeightWatchers’ visibility, reputation, and thought leadership across diverse audiences.

Partnering closely with the Head of Comms & PR, you will build relationships with key internal cross-functional stakeholders and work closely to keep up with potential news-driving moments for the organization - by story mining and collaborating on narratives and key messages. This role will mostly focus on engaging in strategic development, writing, and media relations within the business media, leveraging executive storytelling as well as key company initiatives to effectively drive positive buzz to showcase our business transformation. This role will help educate and create new pathways for relevance within the ever-changing media landscape while continuing to change perception, drive reappraisal and up-level brand reputation.

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with a team-oriented mindset that thrives in uncertainty, for overcommunication and collaboration to drive impactful moments that support our overarching business strategy, transformation, and corporate-level innovations.

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate closely with the Head of Global Communications & PR to shape and implement overarching communications strategy, focusing on unique tactical PR initiatives and recommendations tied to the organization’s corporate level innovations to storytell and drive interest across audiences.

Generate and maintain all corporate-level messaging across business units to support the goal of one cohesive narrative to unify our external talking points across thought leaders to drive greater in-market clarity.

Create talking points guide and playbook that can be used as support for employees and internal stakeholders as we continue to move together through our business transformation.

Develop unique briefing materials, narratives and talking points to support executives for interviews, speaking engagements, and potential byline concepts.

Generate and maintain internal cross-functional relationships including the internal communications lead, DEI, and social impact, as part of the broader people team, WeightWatchers for Business marketing and sales teams, product and tech teams, science and medical teams, all integrated marketing, brand and social teams, customer care, member communications, partnerships, legal, IR and more.

Serve as the lead on supporting comms and PR for WeightWatchers for Business in partnership with the current PR agency to drive awareness of the product offering, including regular check-ins, strategy recommendations and alignment, press release development and key media relationships and storytelling.

Proactively generate strategic recommendations, story angles and pitches to support our business storytelling efforts across traditional earned media, as well as speaking engagements and editorial awards and recognitions

Manage all inbound media opportunities in partnership with the Consumer PR lead, particularly regarding science, healthcare, human resources, and more by assessing and providing strategic recommendations, liaising with the reporter, and ensuring control of the narrative.

Provide support on crisis communications situations along with management of day-to-day agency partnership.

Manage internal stakeholder requests for partner and vendor case study asks - formalizing the processes around when and how to engage with cases that are publicly facing and need various approvals

Lead meetings pertaining to your areas of focus - provide event and interview recaps and share notable/secured press coverage in real time with key internal and external stakeholders.

Generate strategic reporting to ensure internal stakeholder visibility, clarity, understanding and importance of the global communications function.

Who you are

Collaborate closely with the Head of Global Communications & PR to shape and implement overarching business strategy and transformation messaging.

10+ years of external communications & PR experience (in-house at highly matrixed, fast-pace organization or agency, preferably in healthcare, life-sciences or regulated industry)

Must be willing/able to come into the NY office at least 2X/week

Experience leading strategic business communications with an emphasis on new developing industries.

Excellent strategic planning, project management, and problem-solving abilities

Excellent written and verbal communications, editing and presentation skills

High degree of professionalism and experience collaborating with and influencing a variety of C-suite executives

Keen understanding of business priorities and how to story tell around strategic pillars to amplify brand messages where relevant

Team player with a willingness to take on big tasks and get your hands dirty, no matter what it takes

Adaptable and flexible (with working hours, travel as needed and getting things done), in support of business needs and team collaboration

Resourceful and proactive – resolves conflicts & looks for solutions and information in creative ways

A proven and demonstrated ability to lead and follow through on commitments

Can effectively execute complex communications strategies, plans and campaigns independently or as a part of a team and meet deadlines in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment

Commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration and belonging; demonstrated experience in building relationships, integrating strategies and connecting the dots with large complex organizations

Ability to handle matters with a high-level of confidentiality, discretion and professionalism

Committed to quality, while being able to prioritize and seamlessly pivot and excel in a dynamic and evolving leading-edge organization

Proficiency with Google Suite, Dropbox, PRNewswire, Globe Newswire, Slack, MuckRack and other leading business and communications tools and platforms

Base salary may vary depending on, but not limited to: skills, experience, and location. Base Salary is $180,000 - $2000,000K/annually.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of our organization's cross-channel communications efforts, drive impactful storytelling, and showcase your expertise in managing business strategy messaging, crisis communications, and high-profile special projects.

At WW, it is our priority to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed as individuals, as an organization, and as fellow humans, to advocate for and support our employees, our members, and our communities. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, marital status, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.

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