MSL (Global) Hiring for SVP, Sustainability & Impact at Chicago, IL Full Time

At MSL, we’re on a mission to make every client more influential and a positive force of influence in the(ir) world. Why? Because we know that influence = impact and the more influential you are, the more impactful you can be. We’re proud to partner with incredible brands, companies and leaders who want to push boundaries and create change – and we’re looking for passionate creators and storytellers who want to do the same. But it’s not just our work (and the awards we win for it) that energizes us, it’s who we are as a team. A team of powerhouse professionals that is driven by three core values: Leading, Learning and Loving. A team that has ranked us a “Best Place to Work” in the industry year over year. If you like what you’ve read so far, please go on for details on the SVP Sustainability & Impact role we have open.

What you bring to the table:

As the Senior Vice President, Sustainability & Impact, you will develop and lead our Purpose and Impact practice. We are looking for a dynamic and collaborative leader with energy and insights to counsel our largest clients on how to create value for a wide range of stakeholders by investing in and communicating ESG strategies. The ideal candidate is a thought leader with passion to create, explain and execute practical as well as innovative ways of mobilizing action for the betterment of business. You will build and advance MSL’s point of view and approach, leveraging your specialized expertise and experience to organize, form and promote our growing foundation. Part strategist, part storyteller, part advocate.

What you’ll do:

Sustainability strategies, programming and communications are prominent in our work for major brands and companies, but we also develop ESG approaches, corporate purpose statements and social responsibility programs that propel change at scale. In addition to leading projects specifically focused on impact work, the right person will work with communications teams, creative partners and strategists to develop authentic and powerful programming on behalf of clients.

The work includes a mix of dedicated purpose and sustainability accounts and partnership with both corporate reputation and brand teams. Success is achieved by being an extraordinary team leader, building strategic client relationships and identifying opportunities for unexpected and meaningful collaboration.

If you thrive in a fast-paced, fun, innovative environment and are excited to drive influential and industry-leading work that elevates the role of PR for clients, we want you on our team. We offer a collaborative and creative environment that celebrates innovation, entrepreneurialism and being brave – we want you to push yourself, our teams and our clients out of their comfort zones.

Responsibilities:

• Form, frame and evangelize a strong point of view about sustainability, purpose and the role that brands and business play in addressing evolving social challenges
• Maintain deep understanding of our clients’ businesses, priorities, challenges and competitive landscape in order to build rapport and credibility as an expert counselor
• Drive turning opportunities into projects with new and existing clients; be able to recognize and advance big ideas for organic growth as well as new business
• Manage, coach, and motivate a dedicated team of 3-5 direct reports across corporate and consumer brands practices
• Support cross-functional teams; provide expertise and leadership working with team members across strategic planning, creative and communications disciplines
• Represent MSL key industry events and by cultivating a network of allies and thought leaders for potential collaboration
• Develop go-to-market offering for Purpose & Impact
• Demonstrate strong analytical skills and utilize analytic tools to effectively track, measure and optimize programs, both in real time and for future planning

Requirements:

• At least 10 years relevant experience (i.e., public relations agencies, advertising agencies, brand consultancies, social/digital firms, non-government organizations, client-side, etc.) in role focused on coalition-building, ESG, sustainability or purpose marketing strategy
• Creative thinker with a pulse on what’s happening in sustainability and purpose; passionate about bringing forward-looking ideas to the team and client
• In depth knowledge of how to build partnerships for impact and how to engage multiple organizations around a new idea
• Business acumen to advance creative and meaningful programs
• Skilled at driving innovative approaches related to communications marketing including earned, paid, digital, social and influencer engagement
• Experience developing award-winning / breakthrough campaigns and programs that result in deep impact across corporate and product brands
• Proven experience in managing cross-functional teams with a blend of strong time management, leadership, team building, mentoring and client relation skills
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills as well as an ability to develop presentations are essential

Compensation Range: $143,000-$240,000. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. For this role, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off.