Director – Public Relations

Welcome to Vaco – an uncommon company with an empowered culture. At Vaco, we welcome talented innovators seeking a collaborative environment where creative freedom rings. 

Since 2002, we have expanded to more than 40 locations, and we have no plans of slowing down anytime soon. We are seeking big thinkers to lead us into the future and explore the career of a lifetime.

• Ranked the #1 Best Staffing Firm to Work for in North America by Staffing Industry Analysts (Category: 500+ Employees)

• An Inc. 5000 fastest growing private company in America every year since 2007!

Description:

The Director, Public Relations manages the public relations (PR) function of the Enterprise. This role focuses on developing and executing comprehensive PR strategies that align with the company’s objectives and enhance the perception of the organization across all channels. The Director, Public Relations serves as both a strategist and a hands-on player-coach, driving impactful media relations, ensuring alignment with broader communication goals, and supporting crisis communications as needed.

Essential Job Functions:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops and executes PR strategies that align with corporate objectives, working closely with senior leadership to ensure integrated communication plans and enhance brand perception
• Cultivates relationships with key media contacts, overseeing proactive pitching, interviews and briefings; ensures consistent and accurate representation of the company’s messaging across digital, print and broadcast platforms
• Leads the creation of press releases, media statements and key messaging documents, while monitoring industry trends and news to identify PR opportunities and mitigate risks
• Manages and mentors the PR team, ensuring high performance, professional development and alignment with goals and deadlines
• Leads crisis communication efforts, developing and implementing plans to manage crises effectively and protect the company’s reputation
• Works cross-functionally across the marketing teams to align PR efforts with broader campaigns, while partnering with internal stakeholders to ensure cohesive messaging across departments

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Desired Competencies: 

• Strategic Mindset- Looks from above to provide objective perspectives to represent strategies creating lasting business value
• Embraces new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm
• Collaborative- Partners and connects with others to achieve shared goals or objectives, seeking input and inspiring others to value the same, building trust with each collaborative interaction
• Situational Adaptability- Responds to changes, delays, or unexpected events in a positive manner; adapts working style to best fit a given situation with a strong work ethic
• Stakeholder Management- Effectively prepares and balances the needs of multiple stakeholders while acting fairly in the decision-making process
• Strategic Mindset- Looks from above to provide objective perspectives to represent strategies creating lasting business value

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or related field required
• At least 8 years’ experience in public relations, with at least 3 years in a leadership role managing teams and media relations required
• Familiarity with PR metrics and reporting, ensuring PR efforts are aligned with business outcomes required
• Experience with PR tools (e.g., Muck Rack, Cision) and project management platforms (e.g., Monday.com, SharePoint) required
• Prior PR experience in our areas of specialization (consulting, managed services and talent solutions) preferred

Location:  In office.

Hybrid/Remote option may be considered with Management approval.

Travel Requirements: 10% travel (e.g. 10% travel to differing locations, 90% of the time working from an office)

Physical Demands: The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position:

Frequent:              Sitting, walking, eye/hand/foot coordination and repetitive motion.

Occasional:         Standing and bending.

Infrequent:           Lifting up to 10 pounds.