VP, Communications

The Role 

The Vice President of Communications is responsible for leading the development and implementation of integrated strategic communications that reinforce the Green Thumb’s mission, values, and beliefs among its key stakeholders. This role protects and enhances the Company’s corporate and house of brands reputation, and leads the strategy, planning and execution of Green Thumb’s corporate communications across channels including PR/media, social media, internal communications and investor communications. The Vice President of Communications will collaborate with the CEO, VP of Brand Equity, General Counsel, Head of Investor Relations, and other senior business leaders to create and execute a robust approach to communications while strengthening the company’s reputation, both internally and externally.   

This is a hybrid role based in Chicago, IL. In office expectation is 2-3 days per week, but could be more depending on business needs. Our office is located in the River North neighborhood in downtown Chicago. 

Responsibilities 

STRATEGY, PLANNING & LEADERSHIP 

• Lead the Green Thumb Communications team, inclusive of internal communications, corporate communications, employer brand, public relations and investor communications, to ensure alignment of activities and individual growth and development. 
• Serve as a strategic corporate communications partner to the Vice President, Brand Equity, ensuring alignment between Green Thumb’s corporate narrative and the storytelling of its House of Brands — including, not limited to RYTHM, Dogwalkers, Beboe, incredibles – to strengthen awareness, trust, and differentiation across consumer and corporate audiences. 
• Lead the development and implementation of a corporate communications strategy aimed at protecting and enhancing the organization’s standing as a trusted and leading operator and employer in this new and evolving cannabis industry. 
• Partner with executive leadership to align and articulate business priorities in a way that engages and motivates key stakeholders. 
• Lead and oversee an annual editorial calendar of key communication activities to share our story with each of our core audiences, including employees, leaders, investors, government, regulators, community partners and consumers.  
• Lead the build of internal/external communications for corporate programs and initiatives, including but not limited to M&A, earnings, social impact, strategic partnerships, government affairs, and other company announcements. 
• Partner with senior leaders to ensure that positions on key issues and initiatives impacting the company enhance the organization as a whole. 
• Handle sensitive or proprietary company information; Proactively plan against and advise leadership during challenges and crises. 

MEDIA & PUBLIC RELATIONS 

• Direct and manage communications agencies (e.g. PR and IR) to ensure all communication plans are integrated into corporate narrative and executed on strategy, on time, and on budget; act as company liaison for PR agencies. 
• Oversee and guide the day-to-day proactive pitching and fulfillment of local and national media requests, speaking engagements, appearances, and major news pieces around corporate strategy and thought leadership, providing counsel, training, responses, and talking points when appropriate. 
• Champion Green Thumb’s House of Brands within external communications and media strategy, ensuring each brand receives appropriate visibility and integration into proactive storytelling, earned media, and thought leadership efforts. 
• Draft, edit and continuously improve communications strategy and messaging materials, including press releases, briefing documents, FAQs and fact sheets for external audiences (media releases, speeches, bylines, etc.). 
• Support investor communications including quarterly earnings, updates to investor presentations and the annual report and CEO letter. 
• Oversee the monitoring and tracking of media coverage and mentions for stakeholders including senior leadership teams and board directors. 
• Serve as a key communications representative; when necessary, act as company spokesperson. 
• Oversee the management of Green Thumb’s owned digital media platforms including our company website and corporate social channels. 
• Elevate Green Thumb’s corporate brand and narrative by building awareness and positive reputation across owned channels.   

INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS 

• Build culture & employee engagement by leading an internal communications plan that engages employees, connects them to the company’s mission and priorities, and increases visibility of Green Thumb’s corporate programs. 
• Support executive communications, including executive messages, talking points, strategic business updates, people-related communications, organizational announcements, as well as other timely business messages. 
• Facilitate communication and operational effectiveness across the senior leadership team by organizing meetings and events, building agendas and supporting materials, and connecting the dots across the organization. 

Qualifications  

• 15+ years of experience in corporate, executive and crisis communications, media relations, internal and external communications; public company preferred 
• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in Communications or related field preferred 
• Proven track record of building and implementing a successful corporate communications strategy  
• Demonstrated success managing communications for both a corporate brand and multiple consumer brands within a single organization. 
• Ability to build cross-functional relationships and interact successfully at all levels of the company
• Experience selecting, directing and managing communication agencies 
• Critical thinker with superb storytelling, writing, editing and presentation skills 
• Highly motivated, self-directed, innovative and able to work independently or among teams with keen judgement, common sense and resourcefulness 
• Possesses a strong sense of urgency and thrives in a demanding, fast-paced environment 
• Adaptive problem solver who effectively navigates change and drives towards alignment; decides and acts without having the picture totally defined; appropriately changes strategy in response to new information 
• Operates with a high level of professionalism and integrity, including dealing with confidential information 

Additional Requirements 

• Must pass any and all required background checks  
• Must be and remain compliant with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry  
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age 

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