Issues and Crisis Manager USA

Please note: The preferred location for this position is Washington, D.C.

About Us

We invite you to help us shape the future of agriculture. At Syngenta, we believe every employee has a role to play in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. To support that challenge, Syngenta’s Communications team is currently seeking an Issues and Crisis Manager.

The role of the Issues and Crisis Manager is to protect and enhance the reputation of the organization in the United States by effectively managing issues and crises that may arise. This role reports directly to the Head of External Communications and operates within a global context, focusing on addressing issues specific to the USA. The Issues and Crisis Manager plays a critical role in formulating proactive strategies, managing external perceptions, and coordinating crisis communication activities. Additionally, this role includes liaising with government officials and coordinating government affairs activities in coordination with Sustainability and Corporate Affairs teams both globally and in the USA.

Accountabilities

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and coordinate reputation management activities and communications, particularly during sensitive or crisis situations. This involves creating crisis communication plans and protocols by effectively liaising with colleagues.
• Implement proactive strategies to monitor public perception, safeguard the organization's online reputation, and promptly identify/address potential risks or threats to the brand and reputation.
• Contribute to the implementation of coherent counter-disinformation strategies by monitoring critical data, analyzing the organization's reputation using media and social listening tools, and developing action pathways to maintain a positive brand image.
• Manage external consultant support for reputation management and establish strong relationships with key external stakeholders, including communications and media professionals, ensuring their assistance aligns with the organization's goals.
• Coordinate government affairs activities, including liaising with government officials, tracking relevant legislation and regulations, and providing strategic advice on government engagement.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and spokesperson during crises, delivering accurate and timely information to both internal and external stakeholders, including government officials.
• Coordinate government affairs efforts, including meetings, briefings, and off-the-record discussions with relevant government officials, ensuring alignment with the organization's goals and interests.

As a world market leader in crop protection, we help farmers to counter these threats and ensure enough safe, nutritious, affordable food for all – while minimizing the use of land and other agricultural inputs. 

Syngenta Crop Protection keeps plants safe from planting to harvesting. From the moment a seed is planted through to harvest, crops need to be protected from weeds, insects and diseases as well as droughts and floods, heat and cold. 

Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Switzerland

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, government affairs, or a related field. Advanced degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in issues management, crisis communication, and reputation management, preferably on a global scale with a focus on the USA. Government affairs experience is a plus.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship support from Syngenta.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in managing complex issues and crises within highly regulated industries.
• Familiarity with crisis communication protocols, best practices, and the ability to adapt strategies based on evolving industry trends.
• Knowledge and experience in integrating crisis communication strategies, government affairs efforts, and wider business and communication plans.
• Understanding of relevant legislation, regulations, and the political landscape that may impact the organization's operations and reputation.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, coupled with the ability to effectively deliver messages to diverse audiences during high-pressure situations.
• Experience cultivating and managing relationships with external stakeholders, including media professionals, industry influencers, government officials, and consultants.
• Strong understanding of digital media, social listening tools, and online reputation management strategies.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments, especially with senior executives, legal teams, government affairs teams, and department heads, to develop and implement crisis response plans and government affairs strategies.

What We Offer:

• A culture that celebrates diversity & inclusion, promotes professional development, and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs.
• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day. 
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution.
• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits.

6B WL

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal.
Learn more about our team and our mission here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any 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.

#LI-DR123