Head of External Communications

Our Corporate Communications team is seeking a seasoned communications leader to design and execute our external communication strategies, thought leadership and influencer programs, as well as support our product communications. This includes advancing corporate visibility and understanding of the company's strategy, products, capabilities and people. This role will lead a talented team and manage external agency partnerships to ensure cohesive and impactful communication strategies.

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to create and execute engaging programs to effectively deliver corporate, scientific and product messages to key audiences, including business and trade media through traditional PR and social media. Candidates must have an aptitude and passion for science and the ability to turn complex science into compelling stories that are memorable and repeatable.

This is a highly visible role, often working with the CEO and reporting directly to an executive team member, the Vice President of Corporate Communications. This position will operate out of our Waters headquarters in Milford, MA.

• Develop and lead the implementation of the Company’s external communication strategies and tactics, across business, brand and product related announcements;
• Manage multichannel communication roll-outs for PR programs, events and product news working cross-functionally to integrate digital, social, earned and owned media strategies;
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging across all channels;
• Facilitate incoming media inquiries, prepare spokespeople for media interviews and other engagements, and proactively seek opportunities to enhance Waters’ industry leadership position;
• Cultivate relationships with media and external partners to ensure alignment with company goals and objectives;
• Lead and mentor a team of fantastic communication professionals, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment;
• Successfully manage agency strategy, budget and relationship;
• Partner with the VP of Corporate Communications on M&A and investment communications aligned with the company’s growth strategy;
• Monitor and analyze communication metrics to measure the effectiveness of campaigns and adjust strategies as needed;

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field; advanced degree preferred;
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in external communications, proven track record of demonstrating impact, driving awareness and improving reputation for brands and products;
• Experience in the life sciences industry with the keen ability to distill complex science into simplified yet sophisticated messages and narratives for PR and social media;
• Strong understanding of the changing media landscape and ability to take a creative approach in breaking through the noise;
• Demonstrated success working in a cross-functional matrix environment and ability to influence others to gain cross-functional alignment on communications strategy and execution plans;
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and strong program management skills;
• Ability to challenge the status quo and regularly think of ways to do things differently more efficiently and with greater productivity;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Must have a strong executive presence and comfort in presenting to an executive team, including CEO;
• Previous experience managing agency partners;
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and make informed decisions;

Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT), the world's leading specialty measurement company, has pioneered chromatography, mass spectrometry and thermal analysis innovations serving the life, materials, and food sciences for more than 60 years. With approximately 8,000 employees worldwide, Waters operates directly in 35 countries, including 15 manufacturing facilities, with products available in more than 100 countries. Our team focuses on creating business advantages for laboratory-dependent organizations to enable significant advancement in healthcare delivery, environmental management, food safety, and water quality.   

Working at Waters enables our employees to unlock the potential of their careers. Our global team is driven by purpose. We strive to be better, learn and improve every day in everything we do. We’re the problem solvers and innovators that aren’t afraid to take risks to transform the world of human health and well-being. We’re all in it together delivering benefit as one to provide the insights needed today in order to solve the challenges of tomorrow. 

Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our core values at Waters Corporation. It is our responsibility to actively implement programs and practices to drive inclusive behavior and increase diversity across the organization. We are united by diversity and thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products, our customers and our community. Waters is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or protected Veteran status.