Director, Communications

In recent years, Pearson has transformed what we do, focusing on 'education in the broadest sense of the word', and how we do it, embracing technology to change the way that people learn.We lead our markets in quality, innovation and in profitability, and bring together some of the most valuable brands in publishing: the Financial Times, Penguin, Dorling Kindersley, Scott Foresman, Prentice Hall, Addison Wesley and Longman. From our roots as the world's largest book publisher, we've grown to provide a range of related services: testing and learning software for students of all ages; data for financial institutions; public information systems for government departments.With more than 29,000 employees based in 60 countries, we are a family of businesses that draws on common assets, processes and shares a common purpose: to help our customers live and learn. Pearson is listed on the London and New York stock exchanges (UK: PSON; NYSE: PSO) and in 2006 we had sales of £4,423m ($8,669m) and operating profit of £592m ($1,160m).Pearson Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D. The Director, Communications will create strategic programs and campaigns to communicate clear, consistent, proactive and reinforced messages on key products, programs and achievements to internal and external audiences. In collaboration with all stakeholders, the director will create a clear voice and brand for Pearson. The successful candidate will be world-class communications professional with a proven record of contributing to the growth of a singular corporation. State-of-the-art knowledge and experience of new media outlets, i.e. blogs, podcasts, etc., great cultural sense and the ability to effectively engage leadership as it relates to development of product positioning is essential. Proven track record in establishing and maintaining strong communications processes and messaging is required. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES- Develop, direct, initiate, plan, manage, coordinate, implement and monitor proactive communications strategies and ideas to support the Pearson education business and products, complement the overall brand strategy and reinforce the corporate position to ensure positive publicity and coverage. - Develop and implement effective messaging to drive awareness and tell the story of Pearson and the educational outcomes of its products, services and solutions.- Support internal and external communications of marketing, strategic planning, competitive and market intelligence and research organizations.- Develop processes to improve ongoing stream of accurate communications both internally and externally.- Support the CEO and SVP and other School leadership in developing clear, stellar presentations, speeches, papers and other materials for distribution.- Work with the VPs, Marketing and Strategic Partnerships, to manage close working relationships with the education industry, to create a database of key contacts with the goal of building strong relationships that will enhance the company's visibility in key markets and areas (i.e. customers, education community, associations, think-tank and lobbying organizations). - Support corporate communications with intervention or inoculation strategy when called upon for crisis intervention.- Encourage communication and cooperation between business units. - Other duties as assigned. - Minimum of 10 years' related experience, working with publishing, education or media company. Communications background and experience a strong plus.- Bachelor's degree required; preferably in journalism, communications, English, marketing or a related field- Demonstrated ability to counsel and exhibit credibility with senior management on communications issues. Ability to project a confident leadership image to superiors, peers and subordinates. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills. - Ability to work across a large organization to manage a number of programs/projects simultaneously, set priorities and communicate needs within a team environment. Able to be hands-on as well as strategic. A team player who can lead by example, with high accountability for his/her actions. - Individual is proactive and demonstrates high level of energy, creativity, commitment and enthusiasm to take on a complex and challenging array of brands. - High degree of personal initiative; strong interpersonal and teaming skills; high tolerance for rapid change; and flexibility.- A leader capable of working effectively through others who are not direct reports; able to thrive in a matrix environment where priorities can shift quickly. - Knowledge of digital technology and new media channels.- Experience with the Education Media a plus.