VP, Global Communications at Weber Shandwick in Tokyo, Tokyo, JP

Part of The Weber Shandwick Collective (TWSC), we’re the earned-first global communications agency, led by world-class strategic thinkers and creative activators. We create shared and sustainable value for businesses, people, and society. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses.

Our game-changing work is recognised by some of the most prestigious industry awards bodies, and we have won more than 135 Lions at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. We’re also PRWeek’s 2024 Global Agency of the Year as well as being listed on the Ad Age A-List 2024 and Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies 2024.

About The Opportunity:

Weber Shandwick is currently seeking an ambitious senior-level Corporate PR professional for our Tokyo office to oversee key accounts. In this role, you will cultivate strong relationships with clients both domestically and internationally, serving as the lead for account and team management, overseeing multiple projects and team members.

Responsibilities include proposing communication programs and specific activities aligned with client goals, ensuring effective project execution, providing career development and learning opportunities for junior team members, and allocating resources in line with client budgets. Along with building strong relationships with our current clients, your responsibilities will also include contributing to new business development.

This position holds significance not only in positively impacting society through various projects but also plays a crucial role in reputation building for Weber Shandwick. It offers an opportunity to enhance practical experience and insights at an advanced level.

What You Will Do:

• Manage relationships with key corporate Japan clients seeking support with “Go Global” communications
• Build trust and develop a deep understanding of clients’ business and target audience, collaborating with team members to provide solutions that meet client needs
• Focus on deepening and improving ongoing relationships with existing clients and actively participate in opportunities to build portfolio of new “Go-Global” Japanese clients
• Comprehend clients’ objectives and communications priorities, devising and executing PR and Communications strategies accordingly
• Foster and nurture strong relationships with the media, and arrange interviews and meetings with the media and key client spokespeople as appropriate;
• Cultivate positive relationships with junior members and nurture their organisational and professional development through hands-on support and mentorship;
• Actively participate in office activities, meetings, seminars, etc., to cultivate strong internal working relationships and enhance collaboration opportunities.

What You Will Need:

• Native-Level Japanese / Business-Level English (Ability to conduct business smoothly);
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Corporate Communications;
• Strong experience planning and executing corporate communications PR strategies and tactics;
• Proven track record of successfully leading and managing large-scale projects, including international events, media programs, campaigns, and crisis scenarios
• Strong experience with media relations, particularly in the English-speaking world (online, business, general newspapers, magazines, TV programmes, SNS, influencers, etc.);
• Experience in planning and executing multi-channel communications strategies and tactics;
• Ability to efficiently navigate and utilise social media;
• Adept writing skills.

Competencies

• Client Service – client focus and ability to build trust and rapport across all levels
• Project Management – ability to delegate tasks and plan/execute projects to meet target deadlines
• Proactivity – exhibit relentless pursuit for new and innovative talent strategies
• Collaboration – build strong relationships at all levels across the organization
• Critical Thinking – ask probing questions; anticipate and address critical talent gaps and needs
• Conflict Resolution – possess sound judgment and savvy in navigating and resolving complex talent and organizational issues
• Business Acumen – align talent strategies to drive business goals

What We Look For:

• Highly motivated individuals with a passion for driving cultural change through Communications;
• Strong knowledge of Japanese corporate culture and business landscape
• Working in a multi-cultural environment and/or experience living abroad a plus
• Strong presentation and communication skills;
• Strong speaking and writing skills;
• A team-player attitude and ability to think outside the box;
• Empathy ownership, and a strong sense of responsibility;
• Creative and innovative individuals with a natural sense of curiosity;
• Proactive networkers who can make connections with people across the business and externally with clients.

Note from the team

Weber Shandwick is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Weber Shandwick is committed to building a culture where all employees are seen as equal, are respected and where all opinions are heard. We take pride in our inclusive hiring, as well as our diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

Personal data held by Weber Shandwick relating to employment applications will be used in accordance with our Recruiting Privacy Statement, which is available on our website.

Due to the large number of applications received, we apologize if we are unable to provide a response or feedback on unsuccessful applications. We appreciate the time taken to apply for the role and your recent interest in Weber Shandwick.

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