Director, Media Relations

Our expanding global PR team is seeking a media relations professional to help bring the Cognizant brand and our stories to life. The successful candidate will be a compelling storyteller, impactful writer, and passionate about "working the phones" and engaging in social media. This individual will have a proven track record in placing coverage in tier 1 business, technology and trade media, and the ability to generate opportunities with print, online and broadcast media. Savvy in effectively leveraging paid content platforms and ability to use social media is also required. This newly-created role, based in the United States, is part of the Americas and corporate PR team, and will help develop and lead media relations strategies for global storytelling regarding corporate news and corporate-level initiatives, including: M&A; financial communications; client wins; technology advancements; corporate sports sponsorships, public affairs; diversity and inclusion; and environmental, social and corporate governance. Additionally, this individual will work closely with internal/executive communications colleagues to help bring executive thought leadership platforms to life through strategic media relations.

This individual will also partner with the Global Communications operations and social media leads on editorial direction for the Cognizant.com Newsroom @CognizantNews Twitter feed.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and lead execution of corporate media relations strategy to promote and enhance the Cognizant brand. This will include leading PR for corporate sports sponsorships; M&A; financial communications; client wins; technology advancements; public affairs; Cognizant Research initiatives; and partnering with communications teams to promote Cognizant's diversity and inclusion, and environmental, social and corporate governance initiatives.
• Prepare plans, press releases, statements and talking points
• Proactively engage with media; build and maintain strong, positive relationships with the journalists and media influencers who are key to Cognizant
• Develop pitch angles and corporate storylines based on news and corporate initiatives to secure high-visibility placements
• Support development of blogs and other bylined content
• Partner within the Global Communications team to ensure content is leveraged across paid, earned, shared and owned communications channels
• Manage day-to-day media inquiries; serve as company spokesperson
• Lead press events
• Conduct media training
• Support interviews for senior executives and Cognizant SME
• Manage complex reactive communications, including crisis communications
• Stay abreast of industry trends and market developments; in partnership with PR agency teams, identify and capitalize on news-jacking opportunities
• Provide editorial direction for the Cognizant Newsroom and @CognizantNews
• Manage PR agency resources for effective program execution
• Build a strong internal network and evangelize the PR function in a highly matrixed organization; collaborate with teams including Influencer Relations, Government Affairs, Internal Communications, Field Marketing, Social Media
• Effectively utilize media measurement, analysis and reporting tools

BASIC & PREFERRED QUALITIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English or related field
• 8+ years of work experience in agency or corporate setting
• Domain expertise in public relations and/or corporate communications
• Experience with strategic communications, public affairs and crisis communications
• Outstanding written and oral communications skills
• Strong interpersonal skills - a blend of judgment, strength of conviction with diplomacy and a constructive attitude
• Personally active on social media-LinkedIn and Twitter-with the ability to develop strategy, partner with social media team in execution
• Ability to understand and distill complex subject matter

• Ability to work as part of a cross-functional, cross-geography team in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously

• Ability to deliver quality work under time constraints
• "Campaign mindset"-always thinks proactively to advance the Cognizant story
• Can pivot among owned, earned, paid and placed media tactics to the benefit of the Cognizant brand
• Be an excellent and strategic writer who can write and edit media statements quickly; capture the "voice of the leader" with minimal edits
• Have outstanding relationships and credibility with the media, ideally with top-tier technology and business media
• Strong hands-on work ethic
• Thrives in the execution of all these tasks

Employee Status : Full Time Employee

Shift : Day Job

Travel : No

Job Posting : Feb 26 2023

About Cognizant

Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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