Director, External Communications at Dentsu in New York, NY

Job description

Job Description: About the Role Merkle is seeking a strategic, hands-on Director of External Communications to lead our public relations and earned media strategy across the Americas, strengthening Merkle's reputation and positioning as a leader in business transformation. The ideal candidate understands the intersection of business transformation, technology, and customer experience—and has the editorial judgment, media relationships, and writing ability to make Merkle relevant in those conversations. This leader can shape the strategy, develop compelling narratives, advise executives, and personally execute high-impact communications. The Director reports to the VP, Marketing Strategy, with a dotted-line relationship to the VP, Communications, dentsu Americas. Key Responsibilities External Communications Strategy & Reputation Own and execute Merkle's Americas external communications strategy, developing a proactive PR agenda aligned to business priorities, market positioning, and the broader dentsu communications framework. Identify and prioritize external communications opportunities across Merkle's solutions, industries, clients, and partnerships, collaborating with marketing and business leaders to bring them to market. Coordinate with dentsu Communications on messaging, approvals, and reputation management, and collaborate with global communications and Analyst Relations teams to maintain alignment. Media Relations & Earned Visibility Build and leverage relationships with influential journalists, editors, and publications covering customer experience, digital transformation, enterprise technology, AI, and related industries. Develop and pitch timely stories, executive perspectives, and company announcements to secure meaningful earned media coverage. Lead media engagement for company news, launches, and client successes, including press materials, interview coordination, and spokesperson preparation. Editorial Leadership & Executive Communications Shape external narratives from Merkle's research, expertise, and business priorities in partnership with Thought Leadership and Content Strategy teams. Author and ghostwrite executive bylines, opinion pieces, contributed articles, and commentary, translating complex topics into compelling perspectives for business audiences. Build executive visibility through media interviews, speaking opportunities, and thought leadership placements. Performance & Prioritization Manage the day-to-day PR program, coordinating editorial resources, and prioritizing initiatives and investments. Measure effectiveness through quality of earned coverage, share of voice, message pull-through, and executive visibility, using insights to refine the program. Required Qualifications 8+ years of experience in public relations or external communications, preferably within B2B technology, consulting, or professional services. Proven ability to develop and execute proactive PR strategies, supported by established media relationships across business, technology, and marketing publications. Exceptional editorial judgment, writing, and ghostwriting capabilities, including executive bylines, opinion pieces, and contributed content. Experience advising senior executives and translating complex business and technology topics into compelling external narratives. Strong executive presence and ability to lead initiatives, manage competing priorities, and collaborate across matrixed organizations. Preferred Qualifications Experience developing PR initiatives involving enterprise clients, strategic partnerships, and industry events. Experience supporting corporate reputation, issues management, or crisis communications in coordination with corporate communications teams. Experience working across regional and global communications teams and measuring earned media effectiveness. Additional Information : At dentsu, we believe great work happens when we’re connected. Our way of working combines flexibility with in-person c