📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Vice President, External Communications
🔹 Company: NBCUniversal
🔹 Location: New York, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (3 days on-site)
🔹 Category: Communications
🔹 Date Posted: April 28, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (3 days a week minimum)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing strategic communication initiatives for NBCUniversal's Advertising and Partnerships division
- Shaping the company's voice and elevating its presence within the media and advertising landscape
- Collaborating closely with senior executives to drive innovation, develop team capabilities, and manage tentpole events
- Fostering relationships with key industry stakeholders and media outlets to advance the company's communications goals
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills to effectively manage external communications for a large, complex organization.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Developing and executing comprehensive external communication strategies that reflect NBCUniversal's brand and market position
✅ Partnering with various NBCUniversal teams to deliver a cohesive message that fits into the broader NBCUniversal message
✅ Elevating the company's presence in the marketplace, focusing on innovation and strategic narratives
✅ Providing senior leadership oversight for tentpole events, ensuring communications goals are achieved effectively
✅ Identifying, establishing, and maintaining personal relationships with key contacts in the press and industry influencers to help advance the business' communications goals
✅ Building and nurturing relationships with external stakeholders, including client and partner communications teams
✅ Working closely with leadership teams to understand business goals and effectively communicate them externally through traditional and non-traditional outlets
✅ Growing and developing communications talent and managing overall workload with efficiency and effectiveness
✅ Providing guidance and leadership in crisis communication and complex situations
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong decision-making skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field (required)
Experience: Minimum of 12 years of experience in a fast-paced communications environment, with a strong understanding of ad tech and experience in CTV, FAST, programmatic, or data-driven measurement (required)
Required Skills:
- Proven leadership and management skills, with experience managing and motivating a team
- Strong understanding of traditional and non-traditional media, along with a good understanding of the economic marketplace and technology space
- Proven writing skills, with examples of published written work such as op-eds, white papers, and data reports
- Experience working in a matrixed organization with strong cross-functional collaboration skills, and an enterprise-mentality ensuring alignment with broader enterprise goals
Preferred Skills:
- Demonstrated skillset for forward-thinking strategic planning and proactive communication through creative execution
- Seasoned decision maker with excellent multitasking skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced working environment
- Strategic and creative thinker who can project manage and execute an advanced, integrated communications campaign
- Problem solver and adept negotiator with demonstrated ability to build consensus within a matrixed enterprise
- Strong technical skills and proficiency with social media
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a proven track record in external communications, with a deep understanding of the advertising and media landscape, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $190,000 - $235,000 (SIC and long-term incentive eligible)
Benefits:
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Employee discounts on NBCUniversal products and services
Working Hours: Full-time, with a minimum of 3 days on-site per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a role of this level and experience within the New York metropolitan area.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Entertainment Providers
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Founded: NBCUniversal was founded in 2004, following the acquisition of Universal Studios by General Electric, which later merged with Comcast in 2011.
Company Description:
- NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies, creating and distributing world-class content across its portfolio of film, television, and streaming services
- The company owns and operates leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock
- NBCUniversal produces and distributes premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group, and has world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences
Company Specialties:
- Film and television production and distribution
- Streaming services
- Theme parks and attractions
- News and entertainment broadcasting
Company Website: http://www.NBCUniversal.com
ASSUMPTION: NBCUniversal is a large, complex organization with a diverse range of business units and brands. This role will require strong communication skills and the ability to navigate a matrixed organization.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Executive
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior Vice President, Advertising and Partnerships Communications
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site per week)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a senior leadership role within the communications department or broader NBCUniversal organization
- Opportunity to gain experience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and work with high-profile brands and executives
- Possibility to expand skills and knowledge in the advertising and media landscape
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to develop leadership skills, gain experience in a complex organization, and expand industry knowledge.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate headquarters
Office Location(s): 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City, NY
Geographic Context:
- New York City is a major media hub, with a vibrant and dynamic entertainment industry
- The office is located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, offering easy access to public transportation, dining, and cultural attractions
- The city offers a diverse range of neighborhoods and communities, with a wide range of housing options and amenities
Work Schedule: Full-time, with a minimum of 3 days on-site per week
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is fast-paced and dynamic, with a strong focus on collaboration and cross-functional teamwork. The office is located in a bustling urban area, offering easy access to a wide range of amenities and attractions.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen with a member of the HR team
- First-round interview with the hiring manager and/or other members of the communications team
- Second-round interview with additional stakeholders, potentially including senior leadership
- Final-round interview, followed by a decision and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Leadership and management skills
- Industry knowledge and understanding of the advertising and media landscape
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Provide specific examples of your communication, leadership, and strategic thinking abilities
- Demonstrate your understanding of the advertising and media landscape, and NBCUniversal's business and brands
ATS Keywords: External Communications, Strategic Communications, Advertising, Partnerships, Media Relations, Stakeholder Engagement, Crisis Communications, Team Management, Strategic Planning, Creative Execution, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Media Relations, Social Media, Technical Skills
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a strong focus on communication skills, industry knowledge, and leadership abilities. Candidates should be prepared to provide specific examples of their relevant experience and skills.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Cision, Muck Rack, or other media database and monitoring tools
- Social media platforms (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook)
- Project management tools (Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in a range of communication and project management tools, as well as a strong understanding of the media landscape and relevant industry trends.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence: We strive to be the best in everything we do
- Innovation: We foster a culture of creativity and continuous learning
- Collaboration: We work together to achieve our goals and support each other's success
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a strong focus on results and accountability
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a emphasis on cross-functional teamwork
- Data-driven and strategic, with a focus on continuous improvement and optimization
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and are you able to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously?
- Are you a strong communicator, with excellent written and verbal skills?
- Do you have a proven track record of success in external communications, with a deep understanding of the advertising and media landscape?
- Are you a strategic thinker, with the ability to develop and execute advanced, integrated communications campaigns?
- Are you a collaborative team player, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and industry influencers?
ASSUMPTION: NBCUniversal is a large, complex organization with a diverse range of business units and brands. This role requires strong communication skills, a deep understanding of the advertising and media landscape, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
- Navigating a complex, matrixed organization with a diverse range of business units and brands
- Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders and industry influencers in a competitive landscape
- Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement, with a minimum of 3 days on-site per week
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for growth and development, but also presents unique challenges in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on external communications for NBCUniversal's Advertising and Partnerships division, requiring a strong understanding of the advertising and media landscape
- Similar roles in other organizations may have a broader focus on internal communications or public relations, rather than external communications specific to advertising and partnerships
- Career progression in this role may lead to senior leadership positions within the communications department or broader NBCUniversal organization
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in external communications specific to advertising and partnerships, with significant potential for growth and development within a large, complex organization.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic communications plan to launch a new advertising platform or product offering
- Managing media relations for a high-profile event or announcement, such as the launch of a new streaming service or partnership
- Creating and distributing a white paper or data report to establish thought leadership in the advertising and media landscape
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a wide range of opportunities to develop and execute strategic communications initiatives, with a strong focus on innovation, creativity, and results-driven execution.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the top priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does this role fit into the broader organizational structure, and what are the key stakeholders and relationships to build and maintain?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how have previous incumbents approached them?
- What opportunities are there for growth and development within the communications department or broader NBCUniversal organization?
- How does NBCUniversal support work-life balance, particularly for employees working in a hybrid arrangement?
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for growth and development, but also presents unique challenges in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Candidates should be prepared to ask thoughtful, insightful questions to gain a deeper understanding of the role and organization.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on communication, leadership, and strategic thinking abilities
- Prepare examples of your published written work, such as op-eds, white papers, and data reports, to demonstrate your writing skills and industry knowledge
- Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the advertising and media landscape, and NBCUniversal's business and brands
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR team one week after submitting your application, inquiring about the status of your application and expressing your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
