VP, PR and External Communications

Calling All Rule-Breakers, Innovators & Fun-Loving Self-Starters!

Are you smart, sassy, and scrappy? Do you love to laugh out loud? You’re just what we’re lookin’ for, Gorgeous!

You’re sooo Benefit!

The VP, PR & External Communications will be responsible for the development, integration, and implementation of a broad range of external communication relative to the strategic direction and position of Benefit Cosmetics. Reporting to the SVP, Global Communications, this role will support the creation and execution of Benefit’s external communication strategies across all customer-facing channels. Overseeing a team of communications and PR professionals, this role will drive brand desirability and ensure consistency of the brand voice over various channels across the markets globally.

What You’ll Do

Strategic & Creative Vision

• Oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive global external communications strategies to drive the overarching narrative and multi-stakeholder messaging for Benefit Cosmetics.
• Inspire the team with bold, creative thinking, ensuring external communications efforts embody the Benefit brand DNA and support the company and Communications department long-term plan (LTP).
• Collaborate and support omnichannel and local marketing teams to develop and implement bold global go-to-market strategies, identifying effective and new opportunities to partner across channels.
• Partner with Benefit’s Corporate Social Responsibility and DE&I partners on all brand campaign communications, guiding the external messaging or positioning for major company initiatives such as International Women’s Day (IWD) and Pride.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Serve as a strategic communications partner and counselor for leadership teams.
• Develop strong partnerships with cross-functional stakeholders to gather a deep understanding of desired brand positioning, business goals, and key initiatives to effectively guide external communications strategies.
• Partner with internal stakeholders in Omnichannel Marketing, Creative, Category Strategy, PSI, and others to develop innovative programs that support Benefit’s brand visibility, connection, and credibility with key audiences.
• Partner closely with Omnichannel Marketing leadership to collaborate, develop, and implement effective and innovative influencer strategies, supporting the company’s social media strategy.
• Work with Internal Communications and Employer Branding teams to ensure external communications strategies are deployed to employees and prospective employees effectively.

Team Leadership & Management

• As a key leader within the Communications Department, lead by example, collaborate actively with peers, and support junior staff as needed.
• Hire, manage, and develop an internal team of professionals at various stages in their careers.
• Manage agency/agencies to deliver on communications and messaging strategies.
• Oversee and manage an external communications budget in partnership with the Head of Global Communications and Finance team, meeting deadlines and remaining within budget parameters.
• Attend networking events, seminars, and conferences to build skills, network, and develop new business contacts.
• Implement best practices and identify/develop narratives, interdependencies, and synergies.

External Communications Excellence

• Oversee PR, experiential, and earned influencer strategies in coordination with external communications and business priorities, ensuring high-quality execution.
• Lead the development and implementation of global press, earned influencer, and external communication strategies for Benefit that reinforce and protect the brand’s reputation and positioning, driving brand desirability.
• Develop and oversee Benefit’s messaging approach for business, trade, and consumer press globally.
• Cultivate and maintain excellent relationships with top-tier stakeholders shaping public opinion, including media, editors, creators, influential third parties, and non-industry groups.
• Support the strategy for the National Brow and Beauty Authority (NBBA) program to achieve business and brand goals, integrating program elements into all external communications campaigns.
• Lead global crisis and issues management programs, ensuring prompt support with cross-functional stakeholders, reducing harm to Benefit’s brand reputation, and maintaining brand and product messaging.
• Serve as a company spokesperson, particularly during crises or on highly sensitive issues where the company’s image and reputation are at significant risk.
• Use quantitative and qualitative insights to drive decisions, measure success, and encourage positive change within the organization.
• Analyze, measure, and report on communication activations, providing clear takeaways, next steps, and potential optimizations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required. A degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• 10-12 years of experience in cosmetics/beauty industry communications or a related field required; equivalent experience may be accepted.
• 5-8 years of people leadership experience required; equivalent experience may be accepted.
• Strong knowledge of Office 365.
• Experience managing a communications or similar functional team in a large, matrixed global company.

Schedule

• Hybrid—requires onsite presence weekly.
• This position will be based out of our Global HQ in San Francisco, CA.

Compensation

The target salary range for this position is $250,000 – $275,000 annually. The actual salary offered will depend on various factors, including years of relevant experience, certifications or other professional licenses held, other legitimate, non-discriminatory business factors specific to the position, and the geographic location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will perform the job.

This position is eligible to earn an annual bonus and includes the following benefits: comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans; a 401(k) plan with employer matching; various paid time off programs; employee discounts and perks; life insurance; disability insurance; and flexible spending accounts.

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