📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Vice President, External Communications
🔹 Company: NBCUniversal
🔹 Location: New York, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (3 days on-site minimum)
🔹 Category: Communications
🔹 Date Posted: April 15, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Shaping and executing strategic communication initiatives for NBCUniversal's Advertising and Partnerships division
- Amplifying the company's voice and elevating its presence within the media and advertising landscape
- Collaborating closely with senior executives to drive innovation and develop team capabilities
- Managing tentpole events and fostering relationships with key industry stakeholders and media outlets
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills to effectively represent NBCUniversal in the advertising and partnerships space.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and execute comprehensive external communication strategies that reflect NBCUniversal's brand and market position
✅ Partner with various NBCUniversal teams to deliver a cohesive message that fits into the broader NBCUniversal message
✅ Elevate the company's presence in the marketplace, focusing on innovation and strategic narratives
✅ Provide senior leadership oversight for tentpole events, ensuring communications goals are achieved effectively
✅ Identify, establish, and maintain personal relationships with key contacts in the press and industry influencers to help advance the business's communications goals
✅ Build and nurture relationships with external stakeholders, including client and partner communications teams
✅ Work closely with leadership teams to understand business goals and effectively communicate them externally through traditional and non-traditional outlets
✅ Grow and develop communications talent and manage overall workload with efficiency and effectiveness
✅ Provide guidance and leadership in crisis communication and complex situations
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of strategic planning, stakeholder management, and crisis communication, requiring a proactive and adaptable approach.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: Minimum of 12 years of experience in a fast-paced communications environment, with a strong focus on advertising and ad tech
Required Skills:
- Proven leadership and management skills, with experience managing and motivating a team
- Strong understanding of ad tech, including CTV, FAST, programmatic, and data-driven measurement
- Demonstrated experience with a variety of traditional and non-traditional media and industry influencers
- Excellent writing skills, with examples of published written work such as op-eds, white papers, and data reports
- Proven ability to work in a matrixed organization and collaborate cross-functionally
Preferred Skills:
- Demonstrated skillset for forward-thinking strategic planning and proactive communication through creative execution
- Seasoned decision-making skills and 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-solving skills and demonstrated ability to build consensus within a matrixed enterprise
- Collaborative team player who seeks out partnership while leading and maintaining multiple individual value streams
- Strong technical skills and proficiency with social media
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should possess a strong background in communications, with a focus on advertising and ad tech, to be successful in this role.
💰 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 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. The actual salary may vary based on factors such as skills, experience, and market conditions.
📌 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 NBC.
Company Description:
- NBCUniversal creates world-class content, distributing it across various platforms, including film, television, streaming, and theme parks
- The company owns and operates leading entertainment and news brands, such as NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, Telemundo, and Peacock
- NBCUniversal is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture, where employees feel supported, embraced, and heard
Company Specialties:
- Film and television production and distribution
- Streaming services
- Theme parks and attractions
- News and entertainment broadcasting
Company Website: NBCUniversal.com
ASSUMPTION: NBCUniversal is a large, well-established company with a diverse range of business units, offering numerous opportunities for growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Executive
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior Vice President, Communications, Advertising & Partnerships
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a minimum of 3 days on-site per week
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance within the communications department or explore opportunities in other business units
- Chance to mentor and develop team members, contributing to the overall growth of the department
- Opportunity to work on high-profile projects and events, gaining valuable experience and exposure
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential, both in terms of career advancement and skill development, given NBCUniversal's size and diverse business units.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate headquarters with a modern, collaborative work environment
Office Location(s): 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City, NY 10112-0002, US
Geographic Context:
- New York City is a major hub for the entertainment industry, offering numerous networking opportunities and industry events
- The office is located in Midtown Manhattan, providing easy access to public transportation and various amenities
- New York City has a diverse and vibrant culture, with numerous attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options
Work Schedule: Full-time, with a minimum of 3 days on-site per week, and flexibility for remote work as needed
ASSUMPTION: The New York City office provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen with the hiring manager or HR representative
- In-depth behavioral and situational interviews with key stakeholders
- Final interview with the Senior Vice President, Communications, Advertising & Partnerships
- Background check and reference checks
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Leadership and team management skills
- Industry knowledge and ad tech expertise
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 planning abilities
- Demonstrate your understanding of the advertising and ad tech landscape, and how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles
ATS Keywords: External Communications, Strategic Planning, Advertising, Ad Tech, Media Relations, Crisis Communications, Team Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Creative Execution, Problem Solving, Negotiation, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Social Media, Technical Skills
ASSUMPTION: NBCUniversal's application process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, communication, and leadership skills, as well as their industry knowledge and cultural fit.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in various communication, project management, and social media management tools to effectively execute strategic communication initiatives.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Inclusion: NBCUniversal strives to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture where employees feel supported, embraced, and heard
- Excellence: The company aims to deliver high-quality content and services that exceed expectations
- Integrity: NBCUniversal is committed to acting with honesty, fairness, and respect in all aspects of its business
Work Style:
- Collaborative: NBCUniversal encourages teamwork and cross-functional collaboration to achieve common goals
- Agile: The company values adaptability and the ability to pivot quickly in response to changing market conditions
- Innovative: NBCUniversal fosters a culture of creativity and continuous improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you embody NBCUniversal's values of inclusion, excellence, and integrity in your daily work?
- Describe a time when you had to adapt quickly to a significant change in your work environment. How did you approach this situation, and what was the outcome?
- How do you balance the need for strategic planning with the ability to pivot and adapt to new information or changing circumstances?
ASSUMPTION: NBCUniversal seeks candidates who align with its core values and work style, demonstrating a strong cultural fit with the organization.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a team and workload effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Navigating a large, matrixed organization with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
- Adapting to the evolving landscape of advertising and ad tech, staying ahead of industry trends and competitors
- Balancing the need for strategic, long-term planning with the ability to execute tactical, short-term initiatives
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require a proactive, adaptable, and strategic approach to succeed.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other communications roles, this position focuses specifically on the advertising and partnerships division, requiring a deep understanding of ad tech and the advertising landscape
- As a senior leadership role, this position offers significant influence and decision-making authority, compared to more junior or mid-level communications roles
- Career progression in this role may involve moving into other senior leadership positions within NBCUniversal's communications department or exploring opportunities in other business units
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique within NBCUniversal's communications department, offering a specific focus on the advertising and partnerships division and significant leadership responsibilities.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy for a high-profile advertising event, such as the Upfronts or NewFronts
- Managing a crisis communication situation, such as a data breach or negative press, to protect NBCUniversal's reputation and mitigate potential damage
- Creating and distributing a white paper or industry report on the state of the advertising landscape, highlighting NBCUniversal's thought leadership and expertise
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, tactical, and leadership aspects of this role, showcasing the diverse range of responsibilities and initiatives required to succeed in this position.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the communications department, and how this role fits into that structure?
- How does this role collaborate with other business units within NBCUniversal, such as film, television, or streaming?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the advertising and partnerships division, and how can this role help address them?
- How does NBCUniversal support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in this role?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does this role accommodate that approach?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates a proactive and engaged approach to understanding the role, the team, and the company, showcasing your interest and commitment to the position.
📌 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, emphasizing your strategic thinking, leadership, and communication abilities
- Prepare examples of your communication, leadership, and strategic planning abilities, demonstrating your fit for this role
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
