Director of Communications

The Director of Communications translates business strategy and direction into meaningful, inspiring communications for internal and external stakeholders. This role focuses on increasing earned media coverage and driving employee engagement for the Winnebago Industries enterprise brand, as well as partnering with our iconic Winnebago, Grand Design RV, Newmar, Chris-Craft, Barletta brands. In addition, this position oversees strategic enterprise communications aimed at enhancing the company's reputation as a leader in the outdoor industry, while driving collaboration and coordination with business unit leaders.

Responsibilities

Enterprise Communications

• Develop communications strategy and programs that increase Winnebago Industries' visibility and brand recognition among shareholders, media, and other external stakeholders
• Build positive relationships with key stakeholders, including employees, customers, media, trade associations and others, to proactively manage the reputation of Winnebago Industries and enable the company's continued evolution as a leader in the outdoor industry focused on quality, service, and innovation
• Oversee the WinnebagoInd.com website and Winnebago Industries social channels with measurable KPIs
• Coordinate process, approvals, and calendars with business unit teams to ensure a holistic, complementary communications approach (this position does not own communications at the business unit level)
• Support Investor Relations communications activities
• Evaluate and implement solutions, including technology, for distributing communication and sharing information with stakeholders based on the needs of each audience. Track engagement across various platforms and make data-driven decisions.

Media Relations

• Lead media relations and function as a primary corporate media contact, including facilitating interviews and responding to media inquiries
• Develop and maintain strong, productive relationships with the RV & marine industry, business, consumer, and innovation press
• Work with internal teams and external resources to develop and pitch media opportunities and respond to media inquiries to advance Winnebago Industries' goals
• Develop high-quality written materials that convey Winnebago Industries' corporate narrative, including messaging platforms, press releases, fact sheets, talking points, executive briefing documents, PowerPoint presentations, digital copy, etc.

Internal Communications

• Oversee Enterprise-level internal employee communications to engage teammates
• Partner with central functions to develop communications strategy and cadence on key topics including Safety, Corporate Responsibility, DEI, and HR
• Manage and improve internal communication channels including the intranet, newsletters, emails, and executive communications
• Support BU and Functional communications and share best practices

Reputation Management & Crisis Communications

• Serve as a strategic communications counselor to various C-suite and senior executives on reputation-related issues and initiatives
• Engage with senior executives to promote industry-leading initiatives and increase positive industry awareness for the company through executive visibility programs (including speaking opportunities)
• Monitor and mitigate issues on an ongoing basis to protect the company's reputation; align with Enterprise Crisis Management team and provide crisis communications support as needed

Team Leadership

• Attract, retain, and develop top talent to build a team with deep business knowledge that is curious, empowered, and high performing
• Promote a culture of diversity and inclusion
• Establish a high level of trust and collaboration with the business units
• Manage agency partners and establish measurable KPIs

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field
• 10+ years of relevant work experience in corporate communications, public relations, or journalism. Prior corporate communications experience preferred
• Established media relations skills and strong understanding of changing media landscape, including experience building and managing media programs that deliver measurable results
• Outstanding writing and editing skills
• Excellent, persuasive, interpersonal and presentation skills
• Strategic thinker and strong executor - must have the ability to deliver high-quality initiatives under tight deadlines and on a budget
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse and remotely located teams and agency partners to foster collaboration and achieve goals
• High degree of integrity; able to be trusted with sensitive, often confidential information
• Comfortable with change; able to be flexible and agile in a constantly evolving environment
• Highly collaborative and willing to pitch in and help where needed
• Willing to travel as necessary (up to 25%)