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Lawson Products · 4 days ago

Director of Communications & Change Management

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$158K/yr - $189K/yr

10+ years exp

Lawson Products is a leader in the MRO industry, dedicated to enhancing operational efficiency and performance for its customers. They are seeking a Director of Corporate Communications & Change Management to develop and execute strategies that enhance the company’s brand and engage employees while managing change effectively.

LogisticsSupply Chain Management

Responsibilities

Plans and implements Lawson’s corporate communication strategy, incorporating messaging that drives our culture and business strategy

Develops and executes internal communication programs to deliver communications objectives throughout the organization

Assesses, develops and implements change management strategies and plans that prepare the organization by anticipating and minimizing employee resistance and business disruption

Collaborates with senior leaders, HR and other stakeholders to reinforce Lawson’s culture and brand. Ensure corporate strategy, corporate milestones and organizational changes are communicated internally

Develops and delivers external communication plans that align with Lawson’s corporate strategy, working closely with senior leadership to ensure the planning and execution of communications are timely, accurate and effective

Develops and manages content for external stakeholders on key company milestones and other announcements, including press releases, Q&A’s and corporate presentations

Manages and directs the media relations partnership with Lawson’s external communications firm to assist with strategic communications projects

Develops content for website and social media. Partners with HR on initiatives such as Total Rewards, engagement surveys and wellness surveys

Collaborates with IT on the utilization and continuous improvement of communication technologies such as the company’s intranet

Oversees content of all marketing and sales media. Partners with the product management, marketing and sales teams to ensure company publications, marketing materials, websites and client/community engagement communications all build and protect corporate brand name and image

Directs Lawson’s brand and reputation, ensuring Lawson is viewed favorably by the public and its employees

Monitors Lawson’s branding strategy, programs and initiatives to ensure all brand touch points and messaging are in keeping with brand values and corporate guidelines as detailed in Lawson’s Style Guide. Participates in the rollout of new brand positioning, providing input, guidance and oversight of the messaging and positioning to internal stakeholders (e.g. sales, marketing, product and legal). Works collaboratively with sales and product management/marketing with regard to brand communication-related initiatives. Facilitates idea exchange

Supervises all aspects of the corporate communications team, including budgets, staff, contractors and vendors, workflow and dissemination of information to Lawson employees

Provides business solutions, stakeholder analysis and communication strategy that enhance business outcomes and accelerate the adoption of strategic business initiatives, focusing on the people-aspect of change

Defines appropriate approaches and delivers change management practices and processes to the organization, demonstrating the value of a structured process for change management

Facilitates stakeholder analysis, utilizing tools and creating processes to measure and report on communication effectiveness

Identifies potential resistance areas of affected audiences, creating mitigation plans and activities to reduce project risks

Facilitates change-planning sessions with project subject matter experts, leaders and managers to define the change management process for project initiatives

Other duties as assigned

Qualification

Corporate communications strategyChange managementMedia relationsStakeholder analysisContent management systemMicrosoft OfficeProject managementProofreadingCopy editingLeadershipInterpersonal skillsPresentation skills

Required

Bachelor's degree or higher in a writing discipline, such as English, journalism, communications or a related field, with 10 years of progressive experience in a similar corporate communications position or an equivalent combination of experience, education and training

Demonstrated leadership roles in previous positions desirable, with previous team management and supervision experience

Exceptional verbal, written and presentation skills, including excellent proofreading and copy editing skills

Strong experience working with domestic media and a track record of building relationships with external stakeholders and media consultants

Strong experience with the people-aspect of change management, familiar with stakeholder analysis and communication strategy, which accelerate the adoption of business initiatives and mitigates employee resistance

Experience writing across a variety of platforms

Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate and work well with others in a professional office environment

Strong expertise of Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as experience with a content management system

Strong project management skills, including strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask, prioritize and meet deadlines. Demonstrated leadership in executing large projects in a fast moving culture

Proven ability to demonstrate executive presence and partner across various functional areas and levels