Director, External Communications

The Director, External Communications will lead Merkle’s communications strategy and tell strategic, high-quality stories that position us as business transformation consultancy leaders. Our ideal teammate is someone with an innate ability to identify, articulate and execute inspiring stories that weave together multiple narratives: capabilities, clients, partnerships, and thought leadership.  

This role reports to the Senior Director, Marketing Strategy, with a dotted line to the VP, Communications, dentsu Americas. It requires an effective balance of strategy and execution, strong relationship-building skills, deep understanding of Merkle’s solutions, and storytelling skill. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, executive presence and cross-functional collaboration skills are a must.  

• Strategic planning of external communications and media engagement strategies designed to enhance Merkle’s reputation, drive positioning and lift brand efficacy with key external stakeholders, including press, clients and industry partners. 

• Drive communications strategy and activation with key alliance partners (e.g., Adobe, Salesforce, Braze) to position joint work, IP, events, and GTM plans. 

• Partner with clients on proactive and reactive communications strategies related to campaign launches, new business wins, corporate positioning and thought leadership opportunities.  

• Amplify thought leadership through trade media and other earned channels, increasing Merkle’s share of voice among our competitive set.  

• Build executive profiles of senior Merkle leaders. Demonstrate command of bylines – sourcing ideas from subject matter experts and creating content for earned, owned and sponsored opportunities. 

• Identify potential story angles and holistically manage announcements, including close cross-functional collaboration to develop messaging, write news releases and award submissions, and engage media and industry analysts. 

• Assist in supporting critical internal communications as needed 

Requirements:  

• 7+ years of experience 

• Ability to take story ideas from concept to launch – creating themes that can be weaved through public relations, social, digital, executive speaking engagements, and more 

• Established relationships with a broad range of media and outlets 

• Ability to bring clarity to ambiguous situations and act decisively

• Excellent written and oral communication skills 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience leading communications for professional services firms  

• Experience managing crisis communications, with a track record of successfully mitigating high-profile business and consumer issues with press, employees, and key stakeholders

At dentsu, we believe great work happens when we’re connected. Our way of working combines flexibility with in-person collaboration to spark ideas and strengthen our teams. Employees who live within a commutable distance of one of our hub offices, currently located in Chicago, metro Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York City, are required and expected to work from the office three days per week (two days per week for employees based in Los Angeles). Dentsu may designate other Hub offices at any time. Those who live outside a commutable range may be designated as remote, depending on the role and business needs. Regardless of your work location, we expect our employees to be flexible to meet the needs of our Company and clients, which may include attendance in an office.

Dentsu is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. We do this without regard to race, color, national origin, sex , sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, political affiliation, religious practices and observances, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. 

Dentsu is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to, among others, individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to search and apply for a career opportunity with us, please send an e-mail to [email protected] by clicking on the link to let us  know the nature of your accommodation request and your contact information. We are here to support you.