At Mars, we leverage science and technology to enable the world we want tomorrow. Investing in science and technology enables us to generate new solutions that help solve consumer problems, as well as address global challenges – for people, pets and the planet. The CA Director for R&D and Science role partners with senior stakeholders leading R&D and science at Mars to develop and drive strategy and communications activities. The Director will lead a team responsible for communications and engagement for the Mars Advanced Research Institute (MARI), the Global Food Safety Center (GFSC) and Corporate R&D including Quality, Innovation, SRA and Data & Digital Systems.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, Communications or Public Relations, preferred.

• Experience in a mid to senior-level communications role in-house or within an agency desirable. Minimum 10 years working experience.

• Experience of working with science, research & development, technology topics preferred.

• Outstanding writing, oral and interpersonal skills. Strong ability to write, edit, review and simplify complex topics.

• Expertise in media related to Science and Technology topics, and a keen sense of what makes news.

• Experience of working in external engagement including conferences, thought leadership, networks.

• An understanding and working experience with social web and social networks, specifically the ability to manage multiple social media profiles

• Peer relations and ability to get things done through both formal and informal networks, including key people in the various divisions within Mars.

• Sound decision-making critical thinking and judgment skills are essential in the area of communications and risk mitigation.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Developing and executing a communications strategy that builds Mars’ reputation externally and internally as a company that invests in science and R&D to drive innovation for consumers and help solve global challenges.

• Acting as thought partner and communications advisor to the Mars VP of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mars Chief Science Officer, VP of MARI, VP of GFSC and functional leads for Corporate Innovation, Corporate Quality, Data and Digital Systems. Serving as a partner across the organization to create alignment among key stakeholders and help demonstrate business value.

• Providing oversight and connection for a team leading CA work for the Mars Advanced Research Institute, the Global Food Safety Center, Science translation and Corporate R&D (Quality, Corporate Innovation, Digital and Data). Ensuring connectivity between work streams to ensure consistent messaging and optimization of opportunities to communicate.

• Leading translation and messaging of materials to convey our Science and R&D efforts and demonstrate business value to both internal and external audiences. Exercising critical judgement to mitigate communications risks, and support issues management in relation to science research.

• Leading strategy and execution of external communications to drive and protect reputation, including support around conference participation, media opportunities, thought leadership forums, presence on owned channels, traditional and social media outreach.

• Leading strategy and execution of internal communications to generate excitement and engagement with Associates and understanding of business value brought by science and R&D.

• Leading change management communications on organizational changes or leadership changes in partnership with other functions, if needed.

• Partnering with central and segment internal and external comms team to identify and activate communication opportunities in the science and R&D space.

• Partnering with the central and segment public affairs team to support stakeholder outreach and engagement, and issues management to protect our reputation.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 diverse 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.

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