Director, Corporate Affairs

Job Description:

As the Corporate Affairs Director for Digital Technologies, you are responsible for the vision, strategy, development, and implementation of global internal and external communication strategies for the Mars Digital Technologies function.
 

You are responsible for implementing communications programs that build excitement, pride, and reputation through thought leadership, empowering and enabling Associate ambassadorship, digital platforms, capability building, and storytelling.
 

This role is pivotal in working with our Digital Technologies leadership team in shaping and delivering communications related to digital innovation, breakthrough technology initiatives (e.g. GenAI, automation), and other digital transformation efforts to internal and external audiences.
 

The Director will lead on all proactive and reactive external communication strategies and execution to tell our story and build reputation, provide counsel to members of the Digital Technologies Leadership Team (and other Digital leaders as needed) on executive visibility, storytelling, and execute an integrated communications strategy.
 

The Director will partner closely with the Corporate Affairs teams in corporate and business segments in service of Mars' narrative pillars. The CA leader comes to Mars with experience working on technology communications and has true energy and passion for driving change and adoption through high quality communications in a global, multi-functional environment.

Communications planning & execution

Responsible for deployment of our global Digital Technologies internal communication strategy, including business communications, integration communications, change management communications, culture shift communications, leading key Associates events such senior leader forums, town halls, and engagement campaigns. This role will work closely with the global Digital Technologies leadership team to ensure consistency in messaging and storytelling.

Crisis communication

In partnership with Digital Technologies leadership team, the CA Director will ensure appropriate crisis communications response for the function – ensuring a proper stakeholder mapping and engagement process, developing messaging, frameworks, stakeholder maps – all in close coordination with relevant CA teams in corporate and business segments.
 

Thought leadership & reputation

In partnership with our global external communications team, develop earned and owned media strategies that tell the story of digital at Mars and ultimately build Mars reputation. Build relationships with media, business and trade orgs. Ensure that Digital leaders are equipped with needed messaging and talking points for external engagements. Monitor industry trends and emerging digital technologies to ensure messaging remains relevant and forward-thinking.

Change Communications Strategy & Implementation
The CA director will lead and execute change communications strategies as needed for transformations for Digital Technologies. This means leading creation of strategies, activation plans, stakeholder mapping, messaging, and close coordination with other functions as needed (e.g., HR) to ensure we deliver smooth and effective change at Mars.
 

Supplier/Partner engagement

Given the importance of supplier partners in our Digital Technologies ecosystem – drive strategic communications and engagement that support collaboration, and shared goals and objectives. Ensure close coordination on key messaging, shared campaigns, and storytelling.

Writing, Editing & Messaging
The leader in this role is a passionate storyteller who is effective in using various mediums to bring our story to life. They will ensure that the function is aligned on core messaging, narrative, and tone.

The CA Director for Digital Technologies will report to the VP for Corporate Affairs.

The role requires strong collaboration skills, comfort with senior leaders, and an ability to influence in a matrixed, global business.

Drive for results, comfort with ambiguity, organizational agility, and an ability to manage and measure work is critical.
 

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline (e.g., Communications, Journalism, Business, Management, etc.) is preferred.
• Well-rounded CA leader with prior experience executing most of the responsibilities identified is required.
• Strong preference for experience working in a global role as well as experience and passion for technology as a value driver in business.
• Strong business acumen and experience driving business-to-business communications.
• Exceptional understanding of the important of technology as a key value driver in business.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, sound business judgement, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Extensive skill in planning and project management, strategic thinking, and in maintaining composure under pressure while meeting multiple deadlines.
• Experience working in a global environment with senior leaders of various countries and cultures.
• Critical thinking skills and good judgement.
• Must be able to demonstrate organizational agility and a successful track record of delivery in a complex matrix business environment.
• Prior experience supporting corporate functions highly desirable.