VP Communications and Engagement

It’s never been a more exciting time to join Vistra. 

At Vistra our purpose is progress. We believe that our clients have the power to change the world and to do great things for global progress, and we exist to remove the friction that comes from the complexity of global business – to help our clients achieve progress without friction.

But progress only happens when people come together and take action. And we’re absolutely committed to building a culture where our people can do just that. 

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as VP Communications & Engagement. Reporting to the Global Director Culture and Engagement, this full-time and permanent position is based in the US  and offers regional coverage, allowing you to make a significant impact to our US business and it’s growth.

This role is responsible for shaping and delivering the internal and external communication strategies that shape our colleague experience, drive engagement and bring to life the Vistra values and employer brand, while building market awareness of Vistra and protecting our corporate reputation. At Vistra we call this brand on the inside and brand on the outside.

The VP  Communications & Engagement will be responsible for supporting local activation of global colleague engagement programmes and activities, as well as being the dedicated ‘go-to’ communications business partner for the Vistra Funds Solution Business Unit (at a global and market level), and the market lead on PR and corporate communication within the US, working in collaboration with the regional marketing manager and global corporate communications manager. The role will be weighted towards colleague communication (60%) and corporate communications (40%).  

As part of an integrated and multidisciplinary corporate communications team, the role will work together with People HR, Marketing and brand, corporate communications, sustainability and colleague engagement experts to deliver a communication agenda that delivers measurable business value.  The role will also work with senior leaders within the VFS Business Unit and the Corporate Development (M&A) team.
 

Key Responsibilities:

Plan & Deliver Internal and External Communication in US market:

• Serve as the lead advisor and point of contact for all communications requirements in the US market
• Execute global colleague programmes, adapting to local market and BU context as required, that build engagement, support talent, meaningfully enhance the colleague
• experience support delivery of the organisation’s goals
• Be a key custodian of the Vistra employer brand, a culture champion and storyteller of the corporate narrative
• Provide strategic advice and coach leaders on effective and impactful communication, including presentation and media training.

Change Management & Communication:

• Develop and implement successful change communication strategies to support change (operating model, organisation structure, technology transformation) that build trust, manage resistance, embedding behaviours that deliver successful change outcomes

Corporate Narrative and Content Strategy:

• Identify and produce high-quality, targeted, and timely content for internal and external channels to build awareness of Vistra, support commercial objectives and showcase our culture and employer brand
• Contribute to global editorial meetings and establish relationships with content contributors working closely with marketing, brand, corporate communication, and talent teams to understand their goals

BU Communications Stakeholders:

• Partner with senior leaders in the VFS business unit to define communication priorities and lead local market delivery of communications to raise brand awareness and profile in the market and support commercial priorities

PR & Corporate Communications:

• Collaborate with the global corporate communication team,  global and regional marketing teams to define and deliver a PR/Media strategy for the market that support commercial (VGS and VFS) and employer brand  objectives
• Build relationships with regional business and industry media to identify and secure opportunities that build brand awareness and position Vistra as a thought leader
• Manage media outreach to secure positive coverage, amplify local customer and stakeholder events
• Manage and coordinate relationships with PR agencies as required.
• Provide in region crisis and issues communication support (directed by VP Corp Comms Global); first point of contact in timezone for crisis situations 

M&A:

• Collaborate with the wider Engagement team and Corporate Development to deliver M&A internal and external communications, ensuring all stakeholders are informed, aligned, and engaged throughout the deal lifecycle
• Support the delivery of cultural integration programmes for M&As, working closely with both acquiring and divesting entities to protect and enhance brand reputation, employee engagement, and client trust

Measuring Impact:

• Define success measures and set up processes and mechanisms to track impact through clear metrics
• Evaluate data and insights to monitor progress and propose improvement opportunities.

Relevant Skills & Experience:

• Communication strategy: Proven experience in developing and delivering communication and engagement programmes in a global context that foster culture, build corporate reputation and elevate employer brand 
• Employee engagement: Deep expertise in applying behavioural science to communication activities
• Content development: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and storytelling.
• Change Communication: Practical experience in change management and developing and implementing successful change communication strategies and cultural transformation
• PR and social media: Experience in PR and social media  nurturing media relationships, and building compelling content and thought leadership content strategies, 
• Leadership engagement: Experience working directly with senior leaders, managing complex stakeholder interests across teams and geographies, and acting as a trusted communications partner
• Global matrix organisations: Understanding and experience of organizational dynamics and management of complex stakeholder interests across geographies
• Project management: Ability to prioritise and manage complex, fast-paced projects with multiple stakeholders, tight deadlines and budgets
• Marketing and Brand: Understanding the role and mechanics of marketing and brand and interconnectedness with corporate communication, culture and engagement

Attributes:

• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, including C-suite, media, clients, and employees
• Business acumen and understanding of the business landscape, macro trends and impact on customer needs
• Strong project and change management skills, with the ability to manage complex, fast-paced projects with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines
• Collaborative, resilient, and culturally attuned
• Pragmatic with a bias for action
• Adaptive and confident in navigating a global, matrix structure and operating model
• Values-led, with the ability to humanise behaviour and engage people through change
• Highly self-motivated, organised, and able to work independently
• Solutions and outcomes-focused, with first-class judgement and the ability to evaluate information, challenging how things are done to push for the optimal outcomes

Company Benefits:

• Unlimited PTO
• Medical PPO Plan
• 401k Plan with Employer Match
• Paid Parental Leave (All Gender)
• Voluntary Benefits (Pet Insurance, Legal, more)
• Hybrid / Remote Flexibility depending on role

If you are excited about working with us, we encourage you to apply or have a confidential chat with one of our Talent Acquisition team members. Our goal is to make this a great place to work where all our people can thrive. We hope you join us on this exciting journey!