Vice President, Corporate Communications

Job description

Vice President, Global Communications & Public Relations Position Summary The Vice President, Global Communications & Public Relations is responsible for developing and executing Alcon's global communications strategy to strengthen corporate reputation, advance business priorities, support commercial growth, and reinforce Alcon's position as the global leader in eye care. As a member of the Global Communications Leadership Team, this executive will lead enterprise communications efforts across corporate communications, public relations, executive communications, internal communications, product communications, media relations, issues management, and reputation management. The role serves as a strategic advisor to executive leadership and works closely with business leaders to ensure aligned, impactful communications across all stakeholder groups. The Vice President is responsible for driving measurable communications outcomes that enhance brand awareness, support new product adoption, strengthen stakeholder trust, and increase engagement among associates, customers, healthcare professionals, investors, media, and other external audiences. Key Responsibilities Corporate Communications & Reputation Management Develop and execute a comprehensive global communications strategy aligned with Alcon's business objectives and growth priorities. Shape and steward Alcon's corporate narrative across key stakeholder audiences. Strengthen and protect Alcon's reputation as the global leader in eye care. Drive communications programs that reinforce company purpose, strategy, innovation leadership, and culture. Monitor emerging issues, stakeholder perceptions, and reputational risks and develop proactive response strategies. Public Relations & Media Relations Lead global public relations strategy and execution. Build and maintain strong relationships with business, healthcare, trade, financial, and international media. Develop proactive earned media strategies that increase visibility for Alcon's business, innovation, and leadership. Oversee media engagement, executive media preparation, and spokesperson readiness programs. Lead crisis communications planning and response efforts in partnership with Legal, Regulatory Affairs, and business leaders. Product Communications & Commercial Activation Develop communications strategies supporting Alcon's new product introductions, innovation pipeline, and key growth initiatives. Partner with Global Franchise, Commercial Excellence, and Marketing leaders to maximize awareness, adoption, and differentiation of Alcon's products and technologies. Lead external communications programs supporting major launches, clinical milestones, scientific congresses, regulatory approvals, and innovation announcements. Ensure communications strategies align with commercial priorities while adhering to regulatory and compliance requirements. Partner with product, medical affairs, and commercial teams to elevate Alcon's leadership in key therapeutic categories and technologies. Executive Communications & Thought Leadership Serve as a strategic communications advisor to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team. Lead executive visibility and thought leadership programs that elevate Alcon's profile among industry, healthcare, business, and investor audiences. Oversee development of speeches, presentations, leadership messaging, and executive communications content. Support executive participation in industry forums, customer events, investor conferences, and strategic engagements. Internal Communications & Employee Engagement Lead Alcon's global internal communications strategy. Ensure associates understand company strategy, priorities, performance, and transformation initiatives. Drive communications programs that strengthen engagement, culture, and alignment across a global workforce. Support enterprise change, organizational transformation, and leadership communications initiatives. Advance understanding of Alcon's purpose, values, and strategic priorities. Investor Relations Support Partner closely with Investor Relations, Finance, and senior leadership to support investor-focused communications activities. Provide communications counsel related to earnings announcements, investor events, leadership transitions, transactions, and major corporate developments. Ensure consistent messaging across investor, corporate, executive, and external communications. Support efforts to strengthen confidence and trust among investors, analysts, and financial stakeholders. Communications Strategy, Measurement & Operations Establish communications priorities, communications planning processes, and measurement frameworks that align with business objectives. Define and monitor key performance indicators that demonstrate communications effectiveness and business impact. Leverage media intelligence, stakeholder insights, reputation monitoring, and analytics to inform communications strategy. Oversee agency partnerships, communications technology platforms, budgets, and operational governance. Build organizational capabilities in communications planning, measurement, reputation management, and emerging communications technologies. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Business, Marketing, or related field. 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in corporate communications, public relations, corporate affairs, or related disciplines. Demonstrated success leading enterprise communications strategies for a global organization. Significant experience in media relations, reputation management, executive communications, and issues management. Experience supporting major product launches, innovation communications, or commercial growth initiatives. Proven ability to influence executive leaders and manage complex stakeholder environments. Strong business acumen and ability to align communications strategy with business objectives. Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills. Preferred Experience within healthcare, medical technology, pharmaceutical, consumer health, or other highly regulated industries. Experience supporting publicly traded companies and investor communications activities. Experience leading global teams and managing communications across multiple geographies. Advanced degree in Communications, Business, Public Affairs, or related discipline. Success Measures Success in this role will be demonstrated through: Strengthened corporate reputation and stakeholder trust. Increased visibility and influence of Alcon's executive leaders and thought leadership platforms. Successful communications support of key business priorities and product launches. Enhanced associate engagement and alignment with company strategy. Effective management of issues, crises, and reputational risks. Strong partnerships with Commercial, Marketing, Investor Relations, and business leaders. Demonstrated contribution of communications activities to business performance and growth objectives. Development of a high-performing, globally integrated communications organization. ATTENTION: Current Alcon Employee/Contingent Worker If you are currently an active employee/contingent worker at Alcon, please click the appropriate link below to apply on the Internal Career site. Find Jobs for Employees Find Jobs for Contingent Worker ALCON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY Alcon takes pride in maintaining an inclusive environment that values different perspectives and our policies are non-discriminatory in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability,