Director, Media Relations and U.S. Public Affairs

Be an essential element to a brighter future. 

We work together to transform essential resources into critical ingredients for mobility, energy, connectivity and health. Join our values-led organization committed to building a more resilient world with people and planet in mind. Our core values are the foundation that make us successful for ourselves, our customers and the planet. 

Job Description

We work together to transform essential resources into critical ingredients for mobility, energy, connectivity and health. Join our values-led organization committed to building a more resilient world with people and planet in mind. Our core values are the foundation that make us successful for ourselves, our customers and the planet.

Albemarle is seeking a Director, Media Relations and U.S. Public Affairs to strengthen the company’s brand and reputation globally through strategic media relations and U.S. community affairs. Reporting to the Head of Global Communications, this highly experienced individual serves as a thoughtful advisor and communicator focused on managing the company’s reputation as the primary media contact as well as lead for community engagement in our Kings Mountain, NC site. This role is classified as hybrid (3 days per week in office), with in-office time in both Charlotte, NC and Kings Mountain, NC

What You Will Do

• Serve as company spokesperson and primary media contact.

• Determine media inquiry response strategies and develop and manage deadline-driven, reactive media responses that require collaboration with leadership and global communicators.

• Monitor external media visibility and deploy data-driven insights for both risk and opportunity. Develop and maintain monthly and quarterly measurements that inform strategic planning for corporate communications.

• Develop stakeholder and community engagement strategies that enhance our company’s reputation and align with business objectives for resource sites across the U.S.

• Serve as a strategic communications and public affairs advisor to U.S. site and project leadership, fostering relationships with key community stakeholders to drive meaningful engagement.

• Liaison with government relations and project team on permitting and grant issues and communications

• Manage review of messaging for Kings Mountain resource, i.e website, social, collaterals

• Partner with critical functions like Investor Relations, Government Relations, and External Affairs on external matters related to media outcomes.

• Define, execute, and measure a strategic proactive and reactive media relations plan including corporate brand objectives and metrics to successfully elevate the company’s visibility and build/protect its reputation with key audiences worldwide.  

• Deliver clear and compelling messaging/talking points, Q&As, briefing documents, holding statements, etc. Ensure content and materials are high-quality, accurate, appropriate in tone/messaging, and support the company’s key priorities and messages.

• Initiate and maintain relationships with key executives, leaders, internal and external stakeholders. Provide counsel regarding stated media needs/opportunities to gain support for and participation in key engagements.

• Drive and responsibly execute the corporate crisis communication playbook as it relates to media and external influencer audiences. Serve as the primary corporate point of contact on issues and crisis communications.

• Manage all facets of modern media content dissemination including formal press release distribution process through current and evolving social media channels when required. Lead in advising future standards for external content distribution as new media channels and technologies evolve.

• Collaborate with Communications team peers to help design the communications strategic plan and oversee the resources and budget to accomplish stated objectives.

What You Bring

Required:

• 7 - 10+ years of communications or public relations experience, preferably with a B2B, publicly traded multinational company.

• 7+ years in media relations leadership with international media experience, with demonstrated experience working with community and government relations.

• 3+ years of people management with experience in coaching, corporate performance reviews, and career pathing.

• Proven experience in dealing with issues / crisis communications.

• Strong understanding of AP style.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations or similar field of study. Master’s degree a plus.

• Highly effective media relations skills and knowledge of top-tier media, including all media levels, formats, and types.

• Excellent persuasive writing, editing and verbal skills deployed in a variety of long- and short-content formats.

• Experience in community/government affairs and supporting stakeholder engagement strategies.

• Strategic thinker able to navigate messaging across key stakeholder audiences – from governments, communities, customers, investors and general public.

Benefits of joining Albemarle

• Competitive compensation

• Comprehensive benefits package

• A diverse array of resources to support you professionally and personally.

We are partners to one another in pioneering new ways to be better for ourselves, our teams, and our communities. When you join Albemarle, you become our most essential element and you can anticipate competitive compensation, a comprehensive package, and resources that foster your well-being and fuel your personal growth. Help us shape the future, build with purpose and grow together.

Be an essential element to a brighter future

#LI-JH2

Benefits of Joining Albemarle

• Competitive compensation

• Comprehensive benefits package

• A diverse array of resources to support you professionally and personally.

We are partners to one another in pioneering new ways to be better for ourselves, our teams, and our communities. When you join Albemarle, you become our most essential element and you can anticipate competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and resources that foster your well-being and fuel your personal growth. Help us shape the future, build with purpose and grow together.