Syngenta: Communications Manager

• Manage proactive and reactive external communications, media relations and issues management communications to enhance Syngenta’s reputation as a top innovator and supplier of choice in Crop Protection products/services and Digital technology.
• Know and understand the U.S. crop protection agriculture business and anticipate communications needs.
• Provide proactive and strategic communications and media interview advice and counsel to regional stakeholders and managers.
• Develop external communications strategies/plans in coordination with the North America Strategic Communications plan and North America Crop Protection Commercial plan and ensure effective message/narrative development for business positioning and thought leadership with key audiences through trade, general and business news media and social media channels and events.
• Provide experienced guidance in managing major issues, crisis communications, and strategic messaging. Demonstrate expertise in developing strategy and implementing innovative and effective communications aimed at key audiences including news media, channel partners, growers, suppliers, legislators, regulators, communities, talent recruits, and other stakeholders.
• Work closely with the U.S. Corporate and Crop Communications Team, as well as Legal, Business Sustainability, Regulatory Affairs, Commercial, and other functions to ensure alignment of communications strategies, messages and plans, and efficient communication operations.
• Manage strategic communications resources including budget and suppliers (agencies, writers, graphic artists, video producers, etc.) to develop communications assets, including but not limited to presentations, print and digital collateral, news releases, Q&A’s, backgrounders and videos, etc.
• Represent Syngenta, and company perspective on key issues, with relevant external organizations that support our business and freedom to operate; serve as a member of relevant industry associations communications committees.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications or related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of corporate communication experience and ability to create and implement communications plans.
• Excellent writing and editing skills required. Will be required to complete a writing test.
• Up to 20% domestic travel is required for this position.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship support from Syngenta.

Preferred:

• Experience of delivering effective communications strategies, plans and campaigns in a regulated industry to enable and support business success and protect freedom to operate and reputation management.
• Experience in communications strategy, planning, implementation and supplier management.
• Experience managing media relations and crisis communications events.
• Prior experience with agriculture communications and litigation communications ideal, but not required.
• Expertise in employing digital resources and social media.
• Experience in managing media and external communication efforts to support business and product issues, and litigation.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements and processes.
• Agribusiness market and business understanding.