Director of Industry PR

For 23 years, Autodesk has invested in people, software, and technology to help customers realize their ideas-to compete and win. We first revolutionized the software industry with the AutoCAD® product, which introduced drafting on a PC. The widespread popularity of AutoCAD software forged our company's lifetime commitment to practical innovation that drives productivity and profitability. AutoCAD also paved the way for our technology leadership in industries such as building, infrastructure, manufacturing, media and entertainment, and wireless data.POSITION SUMMARY:A senior role in Worldwide Marketing reporting to Corporate Communications, incumbent is responsible for developing and driving vertical and cross-divisional communications strategies. This role primarily focuses on developing and implementing innovative, proactive, strategic public relations (PR) programs that communicate a shared vision and unified positioning for the company’s divisions.S/he will be responsible for aligning divisional PR strategies with the goal of establishing and maintaining a favorable image of the company’s divisions with a global audience of investors, customers, potential customers, employees, business analysts, the media community, and the public overall.This individual is also responsible for ensuring that each vertical/division develops and executes a strong competitive PR program in the US that establishes Autodesk as a leader in all competitive markets. S/he will help manage the PR agency to produce optimal results.POSITION PROFILE:The position’s ongoing goal is to align business priorities with PR efforts, to increase the impact and delivery of corporate messaging and news, and strengthen the company’s positive market presence. Its focus is to support and communicate Autodesk’s transition from a products-based company to a full solutions provider, maintain this image and manage PR programs throughout the US to equally benefit the divisions and overall company.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:Manage the delivery, communication and progress reporting of consistent messages to promote the company’s leadership image throughout various vertical markets, including, press releases, presentations, customer success stories, contributed articles, speaking engagements, analyst relations, awards, events, and executive training and preparedness.Implement a cross-divisional PR strategy that can be leveraged to support business units as well as corporate goals, to support the Autodesk brand.Strategize with division marketing, brand managers and PR managers to develop and drive external components of product launch plans, including messaging, timing, and media relations.Interface with advertising and other corporate marketing functions to synchronize timing of PR activities with other components of Web and print campaigns.Collaborate with regional PR teams to execute programs globally.Maintain awareness of campaign roadmap and key messages and incorporate them into PR plan and activities.Manage PR agency relationship and the messages and stories the agency creates.Develop reporting tools, message pull-through metrics and program measurement.Manage and develop divisional PR managers.Manage news flow and press releases program internally, in conjunction with PR agencies and PR managers.Protect Company reputation by neutralizing potentially damaging publicity. He/she shields the company, runs damage control and crisis management activities and communications.May work with Investor Relations and Finance to contribute divisional content for earnings press releases and scripts for executives.SKILLS/EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:
12-15 years PR experience (both agency and vendor is strongly preferred) preferably in software technologyBS or equivalent in Marketing or CommunicationsProven and documented accomplishment in the development and execution of worldwide PR programsExcellent leadership, collaboration, communication and change management skillsAttention to detailExpertise in team building, diplomacy and use of data to support recommendations; fortitude to drive strategy and comfort leading organizational change - particularly related to managing PR teams/assets and relationshipsAbility to manage up into most senior management ranks; excellent negotiation, influencing and presentation skillsManagement experience requiredAgency/vendor resource managementDevelopment and maintenance of internal operational procedures and processes that support external communications programsPERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:Highly professional and organizedLeadership through influenceSelf starter with minimal need for supervisionHigh degree of diplomacy and superior interpersonal skillsSense of humor and ability to manage flexibly in a company/organization undergoing changeAutodesk is always looking for extraordinary people who strive for excellence. We recognize that our success is in large part due to the outstanding talent and dedication of our employees. Your opinions, ideas, and participation in the company's decisions and actions aren't just welcome-they're expected. We take pride in a culture based on respect, collaboration, and diversity.
Because each of us has different needs and our own lifestyle, Autodesk offers a variety of benefits. A rewarding career and personal life depend in part on our continued good health and peace of mind. Autodesk therefore offers a wide range of high-quality health insurance plans, survivor and income protection plans and flexible spending accounts as part of our flexible benefits program.
REQUIREMENTS
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