Director Corporate Reputation and Public Affairs​/DC Metro

To be considered for the Director Corporate Reputation and Public Affairs position at EY, candidates typically need extensive experience in public relations, crises management, and communications. A strong understanding of media relations, along with proven leadership skills in managing regulatory and legislative communication, is essential. Additionally, having the ability to counsel senior executives and a keen awareness of the rapidly changing media landscape is highly valued.

As the Director of Corporate Reputation and Public Affairs at EY, you will be responsible for crafting and implementing communication strategies that amplify EY's brand reputation while managing public affairs. This entails developing relationships with media, advising executives on communication opportunities, and monitoring trends to mitigate reputational risks. You will also lead your communications team with an emphasis on professional development and integrated campaign strategy.

Handling crises is a crucial aspect of the Director Corporate Reputation and Public Affairs role at EY. The director is expected to manage media relations during crisis situations, devising strategic communications to mitigate damage to reputation. You'll work closely with the Americas Chief Communications Officer to develop appropriate messaging and serve as a media spokesperson when circumstances dictate.

The Director Corporate Reputation and Public Affairs at EY has a significant impact on the company's brand. By shaping communication strategies and managing public relations efforts, this role safeguards and enhances EY's reputation. Through proactive campaigns and effective crisis management, you’ll play an essential part in ensuring EY's messaging resonates positively with stakeholders and clients alike.

Working as the Director Corporate Reputation and Public Affairs at EY means being part of a dynamic team in an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives. The role involves collaboration with senior leadership and offers opportunities for innovation between traditional and digital communication channels, creating an engaging and supportive environment for career growth.

In answering this question, highlight your understanding of communication strategies that align with both public relations and public affairs. Discuss the importance of leveraging both traditional and digital channels, developing proactive campaigns, and managing reputational risks, emphasizing your ability to adapt strategies to the changing media landscape.

Provide a specific example that illustrates your crisis management skills. Detail the situation, the actions you took, and the outcomes. Focus on your effective communication with stakeholders, quick decision-making, and how your strategies mitigated reputational damage for your previous employer.

Discuss the various resources you use to stay informed, such as industry publications, networking events, webinars, and professional organizations. Highlight your commitment to continuous learning, staying ahead of trends, and how this knowledge would benefit EY as you develop communication strategies.

Explain that a comprehensive media training program involves preparing executives for various scenarios, including crisis situations. Discuss how you would tailor training sessions to focus on messaging, delivery techniques, and how to handle difficult questions, ensuring that executives feel confident and well-prepared.

Outline the key performance indicators (KPIs) you use to evaluate the effectiveness of public relations campaigns. Discuss metrics such as media reach, audience engagement, sentiment analysis, and the direct impact on EY's brand perception, showcasing your analytical skills in assessing and adjusting strategies.

Share your personal experiences that drove your passion for reputation management. Highlight how you believe that a company’s reputation is integral to its success and discuss how you enjoy the challenges and opportunities of enhancing a brand's image through strategic communication.

Illustrate your collaborative experience with senior executives, detailing how you've provided strategic counsel on communication initiatives. It's vital to show how you foster constructive relationships that support executives in delivering their key messages effectively.

Discuss how digital media is crucial for reaching diverse audiences quickly and effectively. Highlight your experience in integrating digital campaigns with traditional media efforts to enhance overall communication strategies and engage stakeholders meaningfully.

Emphasize your open attitude toward feedback as an opportunity for growth. Discuss your approach to requesting, processing, and implementing constructive criticism to refine your strategies, showcasing your willingness to adapt and improve continually.

Describe your leadership style, focusing on how you foster collaboration, empower team members, and encourage creativity. Highlight the importance of mentorship and providing professional development opportunities, illustrating how this approach leads to a motivated, high-performing team.