Vice President, Communications - Technology

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Vice President, Communications - Technology

🔹 Company: Weber Shandwick

🔹 Location: Tokyo, Tōkyō, Japan

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: 📣 Marketing Communications (MarCom)

🔹 Date Posted: Tue Apr 01 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

📌 Essential Job Details

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading communication strategies for technology clients
• Developing relationships with key stakeholders
• Overseeing multimedia communication plans
• Mentoring team members and ensuring collaborative success

ASSUMPTION: The role involves both client communication and internal team leadership due to the mention of strategic planning and team collaboration.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Act as a trusted advisor to technology sector clients

✅ Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies

✅ Collaborate with creative and analytics teams

✅ Cultivate media relationships for enhanced client visibility

✅ Provide strategic counsel focusing on customer success

✅ Measure performance and suggest improvements

✅ Mentor and develop team members

ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities reflect a balance between client interaction and internal team management. The role likely requires frequent consultation with media outlets due to the emphasis on media relations.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Not specified

Experience: Minimum of 10 years in public relations or communications, focusing on consumer technology

Required Skills:

• Public relations and communication expertise
• Strong client leadership abilities
• Strategic planning capabilities
• Media relations experience

Preferred Skills:

• Engagement with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs)
• Influencer engagement expertise

ASSUMPTION: Required and preferred skills focus on client interaction, strategic insight, and media engagement essential for a senior communication role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Not specified. Typically, similar roles in Tokyo's market range from JPY 12M to JPY 18M annually, dependent on experience.

Benefits:

• Healthcare plans
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, likely with occasional extended hours due to client demands

ASSUMPTION: Standard benefits and working hours apply, with flexibility often required in senior roles.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Public Relations and Communications Services

Company Size: 51-200 employees, allowing for significant personal impact and close-knit work environments

Founded: Company founding details are not specified

Company Description:

• Focused on modern health marketing and scientific communications
• Cater to both early-stage biotechs and major pharmaceutical companies
• Emphasize the translation of complex science into understandable messaging

Company Specialties:

• Medical and public health education
• Digital communications
• Corporate health policies

Company Website: http://www.dna-comms.com/

ASSUMPTION: The company values diversity and inclusion, essential for applicants to understand cultural fit.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Executive-level position focused on both strategy and execution

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Executive Vice President (EVP) with team leadership responsibilities

Work Arrangement: Primarily on-site, facilitating direct team interaction and client meetings

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for advancing to EVP roles
• Development of high-profile client portfolios
• Contribution to organizational strategy

ASSUMPTION: Growth is fueled by both role performance and innovation in client engagement strategies.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern corporate office with access to collaborative spaces

Office Location(s): Based in Tokyo, at the heart of technological innovation in Japan

Geographic Context:

• Proximity to major technology hubs
• Access to international and local networks
• Culturally rich environment offering personal growth

Work Schedule: Primarily daytime with potential for additional hours as needed

ASSUMPTION: Tokyo location offers significant advantages for cultural and technological exposure, critical for a communication-focused role.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial HR screening and interview
• Technical interview focusing on PR skills
• Panel interview with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Client management expertise
• Strategic planning prowess
• Analytical abilities with a focus on innovation

Application Tips:

• Highlight experiences in consumer technology communication
• Demonstrate leadership through examples
• Detail successful client campaign strategies

ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Consumer Technology, Strategic Planning, Media Relations

ASSUMPTION: The interview process emphasizes strategic ability and leadership skills, essential for the VP role.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• PR and media monitoring tools
• Social media management platforms
• Data analytics software

ASSUMPTION: The role likely uses industry-standard communication and analytics tools to ensure effective strategy implementation.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation and creativity in communication
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Focus on customer success and satisfaction

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable to fast-paced environments
• Emphasis on strategic thinking and execution

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you handle high-pressure client situations?
• What is your approach to media relationship building?
• Describe a successful strategic plan you have led.

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should resonate with the company's core values and demonstrate adaptability in dynamic settings.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Navigating complex client demands
• Maintaining consistent communication in fast-paced environments
• Integrating cross-functional team efforts
• Balancing strategic and operational responsibilities

ASSUMPTION: Challenges stem from the dual focus on client management and internal team leadership.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Typically involves significant media engagement
• Requires strong internal leadership skills
• Focus on strategic innovation and client success

ASSUMPTION: Roles similar to this often demand an equal emphasis on media strategy and client relationship management.

📝 Sample Projects

• Launching a major consumer technology product
• Executing a regional media engagement campaign
• Developing an influencer partnership strategy

ASSUMPTION: Projects focus on high-impact client campaigns in consumer technology.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the main challenges your team has faced this year?
• How do you measure success for communication strategies?
• What is the growth potential within this role?
• How does the company support professional development?
• What is the leadership style of the current EVP?

ASSUMPTION: Asking detailed questions about challenges, growth, and the leadership style provides deeper insights into the role's expectations and environment.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the company's career site
• Prepare a portfolio highlighting relevant project experiences
• Customize your resume with the identified ATS keywords
• Be ready to discuss how you have driven success in previous roles
• Follow up with the HR contact for application status updates

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.