Senior Director, Corporate Communications

cruise US Remote Full-time 2024-10-14

We’re Cruise, a self-driving service designed for the cities we love.

We’re building the world’s most advanced self-driving vehicles to safely connect people to the places, things, and experiences they care about. We believe self-driving vehicles will help save lives, reshape cities, give back time in transit, and restore freedom of movement for many.

In our cars, you’re free to be yourself. It’s the same here at Cruise. We’re creating a culture that values the experiences and contributions of all of the unique individuals who collectively make up Cruise, so that every employee can do their best work. 

Cruise is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, both in our workplace and in our products. If you are looking to play a part in making a positive impact in the world by advancing the revolutionary work of self-driving cars, come join us. Even if you might not meet every requirement, we strongly encourage you to apply. You might just be the right candidate for us.

About the role:

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Senior Director to head our Corporate Communications function to lead our media relations, executive communications, and crisis management efforts. This role will be instrumental in shaping and enhancing our corporate narrative across all channels.

What you’ll be doing:

Media Relations

  • Build and sustain strong relationships with top-tier editors and media outlets, journalists and industry influencers ensuring our company’s story is consistently and strategically placed

  • Oversee the creation and distribution of press releases, media kits, and other communication materials

Crisis & Issues Management: 

  • Lead the development and execution of comprehensive crisis and issues management strategies, ensuring the company is prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging challenges

  • Own the end-to-end process, from identifying potential risks to implementing solutions, and ensure continuous improvement by streamlining internal processes.

  • Partner with cross-functional teams to establish clear protocols and innovative solutions that mitigate risks while maintaining the company’s reputation

  • Guide senior leadership through complex situations with thoughtful, strategic counsel

Corporate Communications Strategy: 

  • Develop and execute a forward-looking communications plan that elevates our brand and positions the company favorably in the marketplace

Executive Communications: 

  • Strategically manage and amplify the external voice of key executives, including the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Safety Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Communications and Marketing Officer through tailored messaging and thought leadership platforms

Policy Communications: 

  • Oversee the company’s policy communications, ensuring alignment with corporate values and objectives, and driving strategic external engagement

Leadership and Team Management:

  • Inspire, mentor, and expand a high-performing communications team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence

 

Cross-Functional Leadership: 

  • Provide proactive leadership across communications and marketing functions, ensuring integration and alignment with overall business goals

What you must have:

Experience: 

  • Minimum of 20 years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related field, with at least 10 years in a leadership role

Skills:

  • Extensive experience in corporate communications, public relations, or a related field, with a proven track record in leading a team

  • Expertise in crisis communications and navigating complex issues with senior leadership

  • Deep understanding of media relations having built strong relationships with influential media contacts across various media channels

  • Ability to craft compelling corporate narratives, executing strategic external communications plans that align with the organization’s goals

  • Experience in managing high-stakes communications and in working directly with C-suite executives

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Proficiency in digital and social media platforms

  • Ability to analyze data and metrics to drive strategic decisions

  • Ability to craft compelling messages and tailor communication strategies for different audiences

  • Strong leadership skills with the passion and ability to inspire a team

Leadership Traits:

  • Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving

  • High level of discretion and professionalism

  • Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple priorities

  • Strong leadership skills with the passion and ability to lead and inspire a team in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment

  • Exceptional management and interpersonal skills

Bonus Points!

  • Experience in the tech industry

  • Passion for the future of mobility

  • Experience handling company communications channels

Why Cruise?

Our benefits are here to support the whole you:

  • Competitive salary and benefits 
  • Medical / dental / vision, Life and AD&D
  • Subsidized mental health benefits
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Paid parental, medical, family care, and military leave of absence
  • 401(k) Cruise matching program 
  • Fertility benefits
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Flexible Spending Account & Health Saving Account
  • Perks Wallet program for benefits/perks
  • Pre-tax Commuter benefit plan for local employees
  • CruiseFlex, our location-flexible work policy. (Learn more about CruiseFlex).

We’re Integrated

  • Through our partnerships with General Motors and Honda, we are the only self-driving company with fully integrated manufacturing at scale.

We’re Funded

  • GM, Honda, Microsoft, T. Rowe Price, and Walmart have invested billions in Cruise. Their backing for our technology demonstrates their confidence in our progress, team, and vision and makes us one of the leading autonomous vehicle organizations in the industry. Our deep resources greatly accelerate our operating speed.

Cruise LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive workplace where contributions are valued and celebrated, and our employees thrive by being themselves and are inspired to do the best work of their lives. We seek applicants of all backgrounds and identities, across race, color, caste, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or parental status, or disability. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on these or other protected categories or social identities. Cruise will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, in accordance with applicable laws.

Cruise is committed to the full inclusion of all applicants. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please let our recruiting team know or email HR@getcruise.com.

We proactively work to design hiring processes that promote equity and inclusion while mitigating bias. To help us track the effectiveness and inclusivity of our recruiting efforts, please consider answering the following demographic questions. Answering these questions is entirely voluntary. Your answers to these questions will not be shared with the hiring decision makers and will not impact the hiring decision in any way. Instead, Cruise will use this information not only to comply with any government reporting obligations but also to track our progress toward meeting our diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging objectives. Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Candidates applying for roles that operate and remotely operate the AV: Licensed to drive a motor vehicle in the U.S. for the three years immediately preceding your application, currently holding an active in-state regular driver’s license or equivalent, and no more than one point on driving record. A successful completion of a background check, drug screen and DMV Motor Vehicle Record check is also required.

Note to Recruitment Agencies: Cruise does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Furthermore, Cruise does not pay placement fees for candidates submitted by any agency other than its approved partners. 

No Application Deadline