Director, Public Relations

Celanese is executing our strategy that positions us for continued growth in the years to come. The strategy is built with an eye toward our vision (“Improving the world and everyday life through our people, chemistry and innovation”) and rooted in our set of core values (People, Safety, Customers, Quality, Community, Shareholders). We seek a leader to join our team guiding our internal, external, and executive communications efforts and support the evolution of the Celanese Global Communications function into a robust, industry-leading communications team.

The Director, Corporate and Business Communications, is a skilled consultant and storyteller who takes complex issues, ideas or facts and creates concise and compelling information for internal and external audiences. Through effective written and oral communications, this individual executes company’s corporate communications strategies and plans, builds corporate brand awareness and thought leadership externally, and contributes to a strong company culture internally. Keys to success include building and nurturing effective working relationships with business and functional leaders.

The role is ideal for an outstanding professional with at least 12 years of increasingly responsible business experience and a proven track record of success in the areas of internal and change communications, executive communications, and external communications including media and public relations, social media, and thought leadership (either in a corporate or agency setting).

• Develop the strategic overall message platform for specific Celanese business units and support functions, bringing structure to the Celanese narrative both internally and externally. Partner with Global Communications peers to execute integrated communications plans for the corporation and its leadership. Play a role in setting and achieving objectives through performance targets and quantifiably measure progress.
• Translate business strategies into key messages, manage the dissemination, assess and adjust as necessary. Coordinate with business units, Government Affairs, Investor Relations and other teams to ensure consistency of messaging. Serve as communications business partner to both Celanese Engineered Materials and Acetyls business units and Legal function.
• Advise and assist executives in developing messages and strategies to drive the organization’s and their functions’ goals and objectives. Develop relationships at all levels of the organization to support and provide counsel to internal Celanese teams as a business partner. Doesn’t simply take direction, but provides counsel and feedback to inform business decisions.
• Develop and execute external and internal thought leadership programs: Identify and secure strategic opportunities for public or special appearances and visibility opportunities by senior management including speaking engagements, events and forums, and earned media.
• Gather information for and prepare press materials including releases, statements, Q&A, bylined articles, talking points and other documents.
• Monitor and manage issues and crises germane to company interests. Partner with Investor Relations, Government Affairs, Legal, and other functions to respond or make recommendations on how to respond, as appropriate. Serve as a member of the corporate crisis management team.
• Support efforts on internal media training, crisis communications response, key message development/delivery, etc. Serve as corporate spokesperson to news media and other stakeholders as needed.
• Partner with the business leads and Marketing Communications on customer-facing communications.
• Represent Celanese on industry-wide working group addressing industry reputational challenges.

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a four-year college or university required, preferably in English, Public Relations, Communications or a related field. Experience with manufacturing-based companies and/or companies with geographically and functionally diverse operations is a plus.
• 12+ years of professional experience, including at least five years of supervisory experience with proven success at not only leading execution but building a diverse and high-performing team. Agency experience is a plus.
• Exhibits excellent written and verbal communication skills from concept to completion, including message development, audience analysis (including tone and voice), and the creation, editing and tailoring of compelling communications for a variety of channels, in a clear, timely and effective manner.

• Demonstrates strategic, creative business approach while maintaining a strong focus on execution.
• Displays original thinking and creativity, intellectual curiosity, self-confidence and maturity. Meets challenges with resourcefulness. Generates suggestions for improving work with innovative approaches and ideas.
• Predisposed to proactive communications planning. Embraces a problem-solving mindset, bringing forward solutions after gathering and analyzing information.
• Possesses strong business acumen and comfort with C-suite executives.
• Models strong project management skills and the ability to juggle multiple demanding initiatives concurrently.
• Demonstrates attention to detail, accuracy and thoroughness.
• Seeks ways to improve and promote quality and efficiency, and works with a strong sense of urgency and a high degree of initiative
• Possesses ability to lead and/or participate in cross-functional teams. Contributes as a strong team player with the ability to engage people of diverse skills, levels, experience and personalities. Also demonstrates excellent influence management skills in order to impact colleagues and client groups to set/change direction and implement effective internal/external communications programs. Understands the nuances of leading peers through influence instead of position.
• Holds a high level of professional integrity, confidentiality and the ability to handle sensitive issues and situations with poise and emotional maturity.

• Works comfortably in a highly dynamic, fast-paced corporate environment where a high degree of flexibility is required. Demonstrates adaptability.

• Models a positive attitude and a good sense of humor.
• This position is located in Irving/Las Colinas and requires weekly in-office attendance on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (at minimum).