Manager, Global Public Affairs

Xylem. Derived from classical Greek, our name refers to the supporting tissues that help transport water and nutrients from a plant's roots to its leaves.

To the people of Xylem, our name stands for our promise to live our values while solving our customers' most challenging water problems, and to set industry standards for fluid technology applications and water solutions.

Position Overview:

The Manager of Global Public Affairs will support the Vice President, Global Public Affairs to manage key programs to position the Xylem brand promise and performance in all business areas with the company's external publics, including shareholders, customers, the media, regulators, etc. representing Xylem as a world leader in water technology and applications expertise throughout the water cycle.

Responsibilities:

Provide day to day oversight of Xylem's media relations activity, working with each of the Value Centers to proactively generate steady and meaningful press coverage for the company.

• Monitor external coverage of Xylem in news media and the internet
• Enhance relationships with news media ensuring accurate media coverage of Xylem.
• Lead effective deployment of enterprise-wide communications resources, including media monitoring and press inquiry database services.

Manage the external website - governance, content and design - partnering with Value Center communications  leads for improved alignment and consistency of Xylem's web presence. 

• Lead Xylem's Social Media Council, and partner with Value Center communication leads to ensure appropriate and effective use of social media tools to advance business goals and drive company reputation.

Protect and enhance the company's reputation as a responsible employer with genuine concern for the welfare of its employees, customers, shareholders and communities by serving as an integral member of the crisis reputation management team. 

• Ensure crisis communication plans are consistently integrated across the Value Centers and manage annual training and plan updates as appropriate.

Serve in an ongoing partnership with Investor Relations to enhance the company's reputation as a high-quality investment for current and potential shareholders.

• Develop and support press releases on key company announcements including earnings, acquisitions and other financial communications. 
• Develop responses to media inquiries and serve as a secondary Xylem spokesperson.

Develop and produce the company's annual report, responsibility report and other corporate materials.

Manage key aspects of Xylem's PR plan to successfully position the company as a leader in corporate responsibility, innovation and strategy.

• Develop and implement a strategic approach to key reputation lists and rankings, including the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, FORTUNE Most Admired and other leading indicators of corporate reputation.
• Provide strategic communications support for Xylem senior leadership, as part of the company's PR plan.  Develop speech content, briefing books and research materials and staff key events to provide onsite counsel.
• Serve as day-to-day liaison with Xylem's public relations agency to ensure PR plan is successfully executed.  Measure and share results with senior management.
• Develop and execute external communications plans to support Corporate Responsibility and Human Resources (including employment branding and Diversity & Inclusion).

Qualifications:

Required Experience:

• B.A. or B.S. degree in Communications, Journalism, English, or related field.
• 7 or more years experience in diverse aspects of media relations.
• Effective Communication: Successful candidate is able to convey his/her ideas and messages effectively, both formally and informally, in speaking and in writing. He/she delivers clear, concise, accurate, articulate and persuasive written and oral messages, supplies supporting facts as necessary and is adept at tailoring communication to the targeted audience.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Successful candidate believes in teamwork and identifies with the team. He/she readily collaborates with others, recognizing and valuing their contributions and encourages team members to support each other.
• Influence: Expertise in counseling senior management and working across divisions/functions and geographies.
• Prioritization and Planning. Successful candidate effectively manages multiple tasks to complete complex projects with a sense of urgency. He/she is organized and efficient, and able to define objectives, sequence, timeline, interdependencies and contingencies for projects or initiatives, maximizing time and resources and overcoming obstacles.

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Acting as a spokesperson for the company is a major responsibility.  This individual will have to help ensure company compliance with all applicable SEC and Securities law, and demonstrate sound judgment. 

Desired Skills:

• Master's degree preferred.
• Financial and/or Corporate Social Responsibility/Sustainability experience a plus.

Minimum Education Requirements:

• BS/BA Degree or Equivalent