Strategic Communications Manager

ISS seeks a Strategic Communications Manager to develop and execute communications that articulate strategic priorities in a complex environment, that are designed to elevate the brand narrative, drive stakeholder engagement, and support business objectives. This role involves crafting narratives, managing internal and external communications and advising leadership. The ideal candidate is a skilled, strategic communicator with expertise in integrated communications, and business strategy.

Responsibilities include navigating complex client challenges and integrating project stories into team strategies across diverse areas like UX, sustainability, and data analysis. The position requires creative leadership to develop compelling narratives that contextualize business strategy. This role will help communicate business outcomes, derive insights from qualitative and quantitative data, help create coherent narrative arcs across multiple pilots and projects, find through-lines through moments of ambiguity, and creatively activate our brand and client impact through a combination of visual and written communications. 

Once Here, You Will

• Work with diverse teams and engage stakeholders through the entire project journey. Serve as a trusted advisor and consultant to our teams and clients. Build an understanding of our client organizations, and partner with clients to drive change and innovation within their teams and organizations
• Create concise and compelling narratives
• Lead and execute the visual and verbal communication design process
• Get exposure to and involvement with all aspects of our projects: research, inspiration gathering, brainstorm, strategy defining, concept development, prototyping etc.
• Support the Senior Leadership Team with providing strategic frameworks and concepts

About You

• You are wildly curious and creative
• You know how to influence at senior level 
• You partner and co-create with industry disruptors
• You are not afraid to challenge the status quo
• You have an unsatisfiable need to make the world a better place
• You are equally skilled in analysis, critical thinking, seeking and crafting core messages, and delivering narratives in novel ways
• You have a strategic mindset
• You are both a visual and written storyteller
• You are skilled at conveying narratives through both visual and written communication
• You thrive in an environment that demands and recognizes achievement
• Your default approach is supportive, and collaborative
• You embrace demanding challenges, welcome feedback, and persevere in the face of obstacles

About Us

Our Innovation team represents a unique opportunity within ISS where you can solve diverse, complex challenges for our clients and our organization, alongside creative, change-hungry individuals who lead with curiosity, perseverance and a belief in hard work and fun.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Communication Planning & Execution

• Attend senior leadership meetings, aggregate strategic work and create communications strategy to share work internally, with clients, and within the larger organization
• Conduct stakeholder analysis to identify key audiences and tailor messaging accordingly
• Develop and manage communication calendars
• Lead the execution of communication plans across various channels

Internal Communications & Employee Engagement

• Develop and execute internal communication strategies to foster employee engagement, alignment, and advocacy with strategic work
• Craft clear and concise messages for internal audiences on key initiatives and announcements
• Support executive communications and internal event production for strategy focused team meetings

External Communication and Community Engagement

• Develop and execute communication strategy that aligns with client values and meets of-the-moment needs
• External research and analysis of relevant topics
• Identify community engagement opportunities that align with our brand and values
• Plan, organize, and execute community events that promote the company's brand and build positive relationships with local communities
• Identify opportunities for community involvement and partnerships
• Develop and implement communication plans to promote community events and CSR initiatives

Content Development

• Oversee production of our quarterly magazine including special editions
• Ensure consistent brand messaging and visual identity across all communication platforms
• Develop and maintain brand guidelines and messaging frameworks
• Create compelling and engaging content for various communication channels, including website copy, social media posts, and presentations
• Manage content creation and distribution for all strategic communications including client meetings, external publications, and organizational updates

Measurement, Analysis, & Reporting

• Track and analyze the effectiveness of communication initiatives
• Prepare reports and presentations on communication metrics and results
• Conduct thorough assessments of existing communication processes and identify areas for improvement
• Develop and present data-driven recommendations to optimize communication strategies
• Evaluate the impact of communication initiatives on key business objectives and provide insights for future planning

Key Areas of Collaboration & Influence

• Prioritize and foster the team working environment 
• Communicate and work effectively across all service line teams of the account (ISS, other service providers and customer functions across all sites) 
• Collaborate with colleagues across the company so that information is disseminated effectively, working alongside our global colleagues for sharing
• Participate in project groups and meetings as required 
• Transfer best practices
• Use the account and portfolio of sites to promote and further develop ISS 

Ideal Candidate Experience & Skills

• MANDATORY: 2 - 4+ years progressive work experience in strategy or consultancy
• Previous hospitality, tech industry, or brand strategy experience is desirable but not required
• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, strategy, business or a related field. Advanced degree considered an asset
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful integrated communication strategies
• Demonstrated strategic thinking through a proven ability to analyze markets, performance data, and business issues and draw insight/conclusions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, alongside interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to lead through influence
• Strong understanding of brand management and content development
• Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft and ability to navigate and translate work across multiple technology platforms
• Strong understanding of the food service and technology service and related trends
• A solid understanding of innovation and how it should be applied in business
• Ability to work cross-functionally with multiple departments. Proven experience in working collaboratively to refine ideas and solutions based on input from others
• Very good analytical skills, for example, decision-making based on data, facts and logical thinking
• Excellent organizational skills and very good time management, including the ability to tackle and complete tasks autonomously
• Communicate effectively in a structured manner, both verbally and in writing, including with colleagues with different perspectives and seniority levels
• Adaptive thinking and a strong, critical mindset. Forward thinking and adaptable to dynamic situations
• Strong business acumen and presentation skills
• High degree of accountability and personal responsibility
• Team player with sound judgment that welcomes feedback and has a curious nature
• Ability to work autonomously within the framework of established approval channels
• Excellent change management skills, including the ability to anticipate risk and offer recommended solutions

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Sitting at a computer for 50% of the time 
• Walking/inspecting the site 50% of the time 
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 10 pounds 
• Must be able to work under pressure and time deadlines during peak periods 
• Work in-person, in-office, or at our clients’ locations
• Collaborate across time zones
• Be able to adapt to meet our dynamic business needs that may change or evolve over time

HSEQ Compliance: All employees must adhere to Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) policies and procedures to ensure a safe and compliant work environment. This includes following safety protocols, maintaining environmental responsibility, and upholding quality standards in all tasks. Employees are expected to actively participate in HSEQ training and report any potential hazards or compliance concerns.  

ISS offers full-time employees a variety of benefits, including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program based on employment status. The annual salary range for this position is $155000 per year - $215000 per year. Final compensation will be determined based on experience and skills and may vary from the above range. 

As a global organization, ISS Group is committed to making the international community more resilient and just for all people. We encourage diversity and inclusion in their broadest terms, including ethnicity, race, age, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, language, culture, and educational background. We look to lead our industry by example and to positively influence the market wherever we operate.