VP, Issues and Crisis

About the role

At We. , we've spent decades at the intersection of technology and humanity, bridging the gap between what businesses create and how people experience those creations. We've learned that beneath even the most unruly situations - whether it's a global crisis, an emerging technology, or a sweeping organizational change-lies a simple human need. That need could be for trust, connection, safety, or a sense of purpose. But it's always there. And it is only by uncovering these truths that we can make real, meaningful progress. Organizations today operate in a landscape defined by compounding complexity. AI is accelerating the speed of information and misinformation. Geopolitical tensions, regulatory scrutiny, cybersecurity threats, workforce expectations and stakeholder activism can create business risk overnight. In this environment, reputation is earned every day and tested in critical moments. At We. Communications, we help leading organizations navigate complexity and build meaningful connections with the audiences that matter most. Drawing on deep expertise across technology, healthcare, consumer and nonprofit sectors, we partner with clients undergoing transformation, helping them understand emerging risks, engage stakeholders, strengthen reputation and communicate with clarity when the stakes are high. We are seeking a Vice President, Issues + Crisis to join our Corporate team. This leader will serve as a trusted advisor to clients, helping them prepare for and navigate high-stakes issues, crises and public affairs challenges while protecting and strengthening reputation. Our Corporate team brings together strategists, storytellers and counselors who thrive in dynamic, high-pressure environments. We believe the most effective communications humanize complexity, helping organizations build trust, navigate change and lead through moments of uncertainty. We work collaboratively across disciplines, sectors and geographies, combining intellectual curiosity, human connection and deep expertise to help clients solve difficult challenges and realize opportunities. While the Vice President position can be based in any of We.'s markets, there is a strong preference for candidates based in Washington, DC.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior counselor to Fortune 500 companies, large nonprofits and philanthropies, and other leading organizations facing complex reputation, business, policy and stakeholder challenges.
• Lead issues management and crisis communications programs across a range of scenarios, including cybersecurity incidents, litigation, regulatory investigations, executive issues, labor and workforce matters, geopolitical events, public affairs challenges and business transformation initiatives.
• Help clients anticipate and navigate emerging risks, providing strategic counsel that strengthens reputation, builds stakeholder trust and helps prevent issues from escalating into crises.
• Develop crisis preparedness plans, escalation protocols, stakeholder engagement strategies, response playbooks and executive communications frameworks.
• Lead crisis simulations, executive trainings and scenario planning exercises with senior leadership teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Partner closely with communications, public affairs, legal, government relations, investor relations, HR and business leaders to align strategies and drive effective decision-making during high-stakes situations.
• Develop and coordinate integrated communications campaigns designed to influence stakeholders and achieve business outcomes in a range of scenarios, including crisis management, litigation, labor relations, public affairs, and reputation recovery.
• Counsel C-suite executives and communications leaders on sensitive issues, stakeholder engagement and executive visibility.
• Support business development efforts, including thought leadership, proposal development, client pitches and organic growth opportunities related to issues management, crisis communications and public affairs.
• Help shape and evolve We.'s Issues + Crisis offering, methodologies, tools and market positioning.
• Serve as an expert resource across We.'s priority sectors, supporting client teams, mentoring colleagues and partnering on integrated opportunities across the agency.
• What you've been able to accomplish:
• 8-10+ years of experience in strategic communications, issues management, crisis communications, public affairs or related disciplines with agency experience preferred and a demonstrated track record of leading high-performing teams.
• Extensive experience counseling senior executives and communications leaders through complex reputation, business and stakeholder challenges.
• Proven ability to develop and lead issues management and crisis communications strategies across a range of scenarios, including regulatory, legal, workforce, geopolitical, cybersecurity and reputational issues; policy and public affairs experience preferred.
• Stro

Benefits

Your Match

How well this role fits your profile.

Company Intel

What employees say

Worked at wecommunications? Share your experience