VP of Communications

HirexHire (pronounced hire by hire) is a Chicago-based recruiting and talent consultancy that integrates with companies short-term to provide long-term talent solutions. We take a seat in our client’s everyday operations to understand their people goals, gaps, and challenges. We then develop and implement the processes and technologies to execute a sustainable and scalable talent plan. We partner with companies expecting or experiencing high growth which need to hire at scale or fill a critical role rapidly. Our clients are not looking for quick-fix placements but are thoughtfully building a hiring strategy to scale their businesses. OUR CLIENT Location: Chicago, IL Company Size: 4,000+ Employees What They Do: Our client in the cannabis industry currently operates in a quarter of the country with double-digit retail locations and a triple-digit growth rate making them one of the fastest-growing companies in North America. As they avidly tackle nationwide development with cultivation facilities, dispensaries, and their headquarters in Chicago – the demand to fill their teams is at an all-time high. THE ROLE Our client is seeking a Vice President of Communications to lead the development and execution of enterprise-wide communication strategies that strengthen the organization’s reputation, elevate its brand portfolio, and align key stakeholders around business priorities. This executive leader will oversee corporate communications, internal communications, employer brand, and investor relations while serving as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on messaging, crisis communications, stakeholder engagement, and company-wide initiatives. The ideal candidate brings deep experience leading communications in a complex, highly regulated environment and has a proven ability to influence both internal and external audiences. WHAT YOU WILL DO Lead and develop the communications function, including corporate communications, internal communications, employer brand, and investor relations. Create and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that strengthens brand reputation and supports business objectives. Partner with executive leadership to communicate company priorities, initiatives, and organizational changes across key stakeholder groups. Develop and manage annual communication plans, editorial calendars, and messaging strategies for employees, investors, regulators, community partners, and consumers. Lead communications efforts related to major business initiatives, including acquisitions, earnings announcements, strategic partnerships, social impact programs, and government affairs activities. Oversee investor relations communications, including earnings materials, investor presentations, annual reports, board communications, and shareholder messaging. Serve as a trusted advisor during sensitive issues, crisis situations, and reputation management events. Support executive communications through speeches, presentations, leadership messaging, talking points, and company-wide updates. Ensure consistent messaging and alignment across internal and external communication channels. Foster employee engagement and organizational culture through effective internal communication programs and leadership visibility initiatives. WHAT YOU WILL LIKELY NEED Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Business, or a related field. 15+ years of experience leading corporate communications, executive communications, media relations, investor relations, or public affairs initiatives. Experience building and executing successful enterprise communications strategies for large or complex organizations. Strong background supporting executive leadership and managing high-profile stakeholder communications. Experience overseeing communications for both corporate brands and consumer-facing brands. Demonstrated success managing crisis communications, reputation management, and sensitive business issues. Exceptional writing, storytelling, presentation, and message development skills. Strong business acumen with the ability to translate complex topics into clear and compelling communications. Experience managing external agencies, consultants, and communication partners. Proven ability to build relationships across executive leadership, cross-functional teams, investors, regulators, and external stakeholders. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Must pass any required background checks. Must comply with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be at least 21 years of age. Must be approved by state badging agency to work in the cannabis industry. This is a hybrid role so you must live in or near Chicago IL. #J-18808-Ljbffr