Vice President, Issues and Crisis

Job description

### About Us At **We.**, we've spent decades at the intersection of technology and humanity, bridging the gap between what businesses create and how people experience those creations. We've learned that beneath even the most unruly situations — whether it's a global crisis, an emerging technology, or a sweeping organizational change—lies a simple human need. That need could be for trust, connection, safety, or a sense of purpose. But it’s always there. And it is only by uncovering these truths that we can make real, meaningful progress. Organizations today operate in a landscape defined by compounding complexity. AI is accelerating the speed of information and misinformation. Geopolitical tensions, regulatory scrutiny, cybersecurity threats, workforce expectations and stakeholder activism can create business risk overnight. In this environment, reputation is earned every day and tested in critical moments. At We. Communications, we help leading organizations navigate complexity and build meaningful connections with the audiences that matter most. Drawing on deep expertise across technology, healthcare, consumer and nonprofit sectors, we partner with clients undergoing transformation, helping them understand emerging risks, engage stakeholders, strengthen reputation and communicate with clarity when the stakes are high. We are seeking a **Vice President, Issues + Crisis** to join our Corporate team. This leader will serve as a trusted advisor to clients, helping them prepare for and navigate high-stakes issues, crises and public affairs challenges while protecting and strengthening reputation. Our Corporate team brings together strategists, storytellers and counselors who thrive in dynamic, high-pressure environments. We believe the most effective communications humanize complexity, helping organizations build trust, navigate change and lead through moments of uncertainty. We work collaboratively across disciplines, sectors and geographies, combining intellectual curiosity, human connection and deep expertise to help clients solve difficult challenges and realize opportunities. ***While the Vice President position can be based in any of We.'s markets, there is a strong preference for candidates based in Washington, DC.*** **What you’ll be doing:** - Serve as a senior counselor to Fortune 500 companies, large nonprofits and philanthropies, and other leading organizations facing complex reputation, business, policy and stakeholder challenges. - Lead issues management and crisis communications programs across a range of scenarios, including cybersecurity incidents, litigation, regulatory investigations, executive issues, labor and workforce matters, geopolitical events, public affairs challenges and business transformation initiatives. - Help clients anticipate and navigate emerging risks, providing strategic counsel that strengthens reputation, builds stakeholder trust and helps prevent issues from escalating into crises. - Develop crisis preparedness plans, escalation protocols, stakeholder engagement strategies, response playbooks and executive communications frameworks. - Lead crisis simulations, executive trainings and scenario planning exercises with senior leadership teams and cross-functional stakeholders. - Partner closely with communications, public affairs, legal, government relations, investor relations, HR and business leaders to align strategies and drive effective decision-making during high-stakes situations. - Develop and coordinate integrated communications campaigns designed to influence stakeholders and achieve business outcomes in a range of scenarios, including crisis management, litigation, labor relations, public affairs, and reputation recovery. - Counsel C-suite executives and communications leaders on sensitive issues, stakeholder engagement and executive visibility. - Support business development efforts, including thought leadership, proposal development, client pitches and organic growth opportunities related to issues management, crisis communications and public affairs. - Help shape and evolve We.'s Issues + Crisis offering, methodologies, tools and market positioning. - Serve as an expert resource across We.'s priority sectors, supporting client teams, mentoring colleagues and partnering on integrated opportunities across the agency. **What you’ve been able to accomplish:** - 8-10+ years of experience in strategic communications, issues management, crisis communications, public affairs or related disciplines with agency experience preferred and a demonstrated track record of leading high-performing teams. - Extensive experience counseling senior executives and communications leaders through complex reputation, business and stakeholder challenges. - Proven ability to develop and lead issues management and crisis communications strategies across a range of scenarios, including regulatory, legal, workforce, geopolitical, cybersecurity and reputational issues; policy and public affairs experience preferred. - Strong understanding of today's information environment, including the impact of AI, social media, digital communities and emerging technologies on stakeholder perception and organizational reputation. - Experience leveraging media monitoring, social listening, AI-powered intelligence and other data-driven tools to identify emerging risks, detect early signals and inform strategic decision-making. - Ability to identify trends, connect disparate signals and anticipate potential issues before they escalate into broader reputation challenges. - Experience partnering effectively with legal, public affairs, government relations, investor relations, HR and executive leadership teams during high-stakes situations. - Experience across the full business development lifecycle, including thought leadership, conference speaking, networking and prospecting, developing proposals, contributing to RFP responses and leading pitches both in-person and virtually - Strong presentation, consulting and writing skills, with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences. - Experience working across global markets, mentoring and developing teams, and thriving in a fast-paced, client-service environment. #LI-AK1 #LI-Hybrid **Compensation** The base annual salary range for this role, applicable across all U.S. locations, is outlined below. The actual salary may vary based on several factors such as business requirements, job responsibilities, skills, experience, and geographical location. Salary Range $147,000—$188,000 USD ### Benefits As part of our commitment to the success and well-being of our team, regular employees working 20 hours or more per week are eligible for the following benefits: - Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision coverage - Pretax accounts including HSA (company match), Medical & Dependent Care FSA - Generous time off including PTO, Holidays, Annual Wellness Break, Summer Fridays and Personal Days - Short & Long-Term Disability, paid by company - Parental Leave, up to 12 weeks for birthing and non-birthing parent - Caregiver Leave, up to 2 weeks to help eligible family member with serious health condition - Community Engagement, up to 24 hours - Bi-annual Wellness Credits, up to $300 per year - Support with home office equipment - Monthly Technology Credit (to offset internet / phone costs) - 401(k) Traditional and Roth options with company match - Learning and Development Programs for our employees ***Equal Opportunity:*** ***We.** provides equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against an employee or applicant because of age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or other legally protected class status.* ***Diversity and Inclusion:*** ***We.** values a diverse and inclusive workforce and is committed to creating a workplace where everyone thrives. We promote an atmosphere in which diversity of people and ideas are welcomed and valued. Diversity includes differences in race, religion, gender identity or expression, age, lifestyle, ethnic background and sexual orientation as well as differences in experiences and ideas.* **North America non-remote employees are required to come into the office 3 days a week.**