External Communications & Science Advocacy Director

As the External Communications & Science Advocacy Director on the Mars Petcare Global Corporate Affairs External and Science Communications Team, you are responsible for the strategy, development, and implementation of Purpose-led global campaigns and communications programmes and deliverables.

You will implement advocacy and communications strategies and programs that build the Mars Petcare segment’s share of voice and reputation through scientific thought leadership, lead global campaigns and provide direction and enable delivery of the substantive programmes and stories behind proactive and interactive social media platforms and channels along with strategy and planning around key stakeholder and partner events.

About Mars Petcare

Part of Mars, Incorporated, a family-owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love, the 100,000 Associates in Mars Petcare are dedicated to one purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. Mars Petcare is a leading veterinary health provider through a network of thousands of pet hospitals around the world. And, our portfolio of 50 brands serves the health and nutrition needs of the world’s pets while the WALTHAM Petcare Science Institute has advanced research in the nutrition and health of pets for over 50 years. We’re also active in innovation and technology for pets, with WISDOM PANEL™ genetic health screening and DNA testing for dogs, the WHISTLE™ activity monitor, and LEAP VENTURE STUDIO accelerator and COMPANION FUND™ programs that drive innovation and disruption in the pet care industry.

Key responsibilities

Purpose initiatives and campaigns

Based on your expertise and experience working with external scientists and veterinary professionals you will devise and manage key global initiatives and campaigns, activating advisors and partners both internal and external in delivering CA programmes that bring to life our Purpose and elevate our reputation. Will also work in partnership with the Mars Petcare Global Content and Channels Leads and with our Divisional external comms leads to ensure we deliver integrated and relevant external communications content, in line with the Petcare business objectives.

External visibility and advocacy

Will act as media or event spokesperson where relevant based on your experience and expertise. Will also engage third parties and external partners in proactive mitigation and wider professional and stakeholder engagement and education in areas of mutual interest (preventive health, end pet homelessness, sustainable pet ownership). Strategic placement of self or internal/external partners at relevant internal and external events (conferences, Leaders meetings, academic discussions, professional society event etc)

Writing, Editing & Messaging

The Associate in this role will be responsible for many different communications and will need a deep understanding of science, pet care industry, vet how to write and adjust as needed the overall tone and approach for storytelling. This role will be accountable for ensuring that the as relevant external partners and internal teams working on science and advocacy communications across Mars Petcare and Mars Inc are aligned on core messaging, narrative, and tone.

Issues management and fostering responsible pet ownership

Based on expertise and experience this Associate will proactively ensure that Mars Petcare is advocating for responsible pet ownership as a key element of living our Purpose. Also, ensures that the organisation and the Petcare Leadership Team are prepared to respond if there is an imminent crisis/threat to the business and share best practice globally.

Agency Management

The Corporate Affairs team has several relationships with agencies. The Associate in this role will need to know when to engage these resources; thinking critically about the quality and efficiency delivered.

Skills and experience required:

• University degree, and minimum 15 years advocacy and communications experience in an agency or corporate environment; ideally in an a veterinary, scientific, technology or health field
• Experience in and enjoyment from fostering advocacy and communicating about science and health
• Excellent at writing, possess proven editing skills and operate with an attention to detail; including experience with media relations, writing news releasees and briefing materials for executives including slide presentations, LinkedIn
• Experience in social media and web content strategy and be adept at knowing how and when to suggest editorial ideas and provide framework for integration of content across multiple platforms
• Proven experience in co-creating, facilitating and sustaining external campaign and engagement programmes with internal and external stakeholders
• Proven experience managing advocacy relationships with external thought leaders, acadamia and professional societies
• Experience working with large, ideally global teams

Key characteristics:

• Flexible, agile and quick thinking
• Stellar attention to detail and command of the English language
• Able to work within a layered and decentralized business
• Able to take business priorities and bring them to life through advocacy, campaigns, writing, editing, communication planning, and social/digital execution
• Able to synthesize multiple levels of information and translate into targeted social/digital communications
• Comfort around ambiguity and ability to influence without authority
• Innovative, content-led approach to communications
• Great at developing new relationships, driving positive change, and highly innovative

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 like-minded and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.