Director, External Communications, North America

Introduction: A Career at HARMAN Lifestyle

We're a global, multi-disciplinary team putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. As a member of HARMAN Lifestyle, you connect consumers with the power of superior sound.

• Contribute your talents to high-end, esteemed brands like JBL, Mark Levinson, and Revel

• Unite your passion for audio innovation with high-tech product development

• Create pitch-perfect, cutting-edge technology that elevates the listening experience

About the Role

As the Director, Communications, Consumer Audio North America, you will oversee the development and execution of the Consumer Audio North America (US and Canada) communications strategy within the company's Lifestyle division. In this role, you will shape the narrative that represents our brands, foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including ambassadors, influencers, journalists, and guide our communications through times of growth, change, and crisis. You will actively develop and leverage narratives and key communications initiatives across the US and Canada, create synergies and message consistency in alignment and collaboration with the Lifestyle Global Communications team, North America region, and Marketing leadership strategic directions.

This high-impact role requires a combination of strong interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and creativity, possessing the ability to connect dots, capture a story, and proactively identify and navigate issues that may impact HARMAN's reputation, as well as the reputation of its consumer-facing brands. In this role, the individual will also assist with driving communications programs that create value to HARMAN's corporate interests, including directing thought leadership programs, mergers & acquisitions, issues management, and crisis communications.

What You Need to Be Successful

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field preferred.

• 15+ years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related field, with significant experience in the tech industry.

• 5+ years of experience with influencer relations.

• Familiarity with AI communication tools and digital platforms.

• Proven expertise in corporate and brand communications with the ability to craft engaging narratives.

• Experience in crisis communications with a demonstrated ability to lead during high-pressure situations.

• Stature, gravitas, and confidence to earn the credibility and respect of your colleagues, global internal stakeholders, and business partners.

• A deep understanding of the business and consumer needs; capacity to analyze information and act on insights.

• Proven ability to influence others; demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate with a geographically dispersed team, ability to work in a highly matrixed environment. Comfortable interacting with and persuading personnel from executives to entry level-within HARMAN, agencies, and partner organizations to align against a common agenda & priorities.

• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas to a broad audience.

Bonus Points if You Have

• Master's degree preferred.

• Interpersonal skills (people skills or soft skills). Ability to treat people with sensitivity and respect, responding to the needs of different people in different scenarios, active listening, giving, and receiving feedback, non-verbal communication, problem-solving skills, and teamwork.

• Diplomatically manages challenging or tense interpersonal situations fairly, regardless of personal biases or beliefs.

• Ability to set priorities, focus energy and resources, strengthen operations, ensure that employees and other stakeholders are working toward common goals, establish agreement around intended outcomes/results, and assess and adjust the organization's direction in response to a changing environment.

• Capability to convey confidence in employees' ability to be successful, especially at challenging new tasks; delegating significant responsibility and authority; allowing employees freedom to decide how they will accomplish their goals and resolve issues.

What Makes You Eligible

• Due to the nature of global infrastructure, you understand that flexibility in working hours is required.

• Be willing to travel up to 20% domestic and international travel.

• Be willing to work remotely in a Home Office in the LA area and come into the Northridge, CA office once a week (this could be on 24-hour notice).

• Successfully complete a background investigation and drug screen as a condition of employment.

What We Offer

• Competitive wellness benefits and 401K Retirement Savings plan.

• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages career development opportunities.

• Flexible work schedule with a culture encouraging work-life integration and collaboration in a global environment.

• Professional development opportunities through HARMAN University's business and leadership academies and extensive course catalog.

• Tuition Reimbursement.

• Access to employee discounts on world-class HARMAN products (JBL, Harman/Kardon, etc.).

• "Be Brilliant" employee recognition and rewards program.

You Belong Here

HARMAN is committed to making every employee feel welcomed, valued, and empowered. No matter what role you play, we encourage you to share your ideas, voice your distinct perspective, and bring your whole self with you - all within a support-minded culture that celebrates what makes each of us unique. We also recognize that learning is a lifelong pursuit and want you to flourish. We proudly offer added opportunities for training, development, and continuing education, further empowering you to live the career you want.

About HARMAN: Where Innovation Unleashes Next-Level Technology

Ever since the 1920s, we've been amplifying the sense of sound. Today, that legacy endures, with integrated technology platforms that make the world smarter, safer, and more connected.

Across automotive, lifestyle, and digital transformation solutions, we create innovative technologies that turn ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Our renowned automotive and lifestyle solutions can be found everywhere, from the music we play in our cars and homes to venues that feature today's most sought-after performers, while our digital transformation solutions serve humanity by addressing the world's ever-evolving needs and demands. Marketing our award-winning portfolio under 16 iconic brands, such as JBL, Mark Levinson, and Revel, we set ourselves apart by exceeding the highest engineering and design standards for our customers, our partners and each other.

If you're ready to innovate and do work that makes a lasting impact, join our talent community today!

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HARMAN is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or Protected Veterans status. HARMAN offers a great work environment, challenging career opportunities, professional training, and competitive compensation. (www.harman.com)

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