Employee M&A Communications Lead

Introduction

Our Corporate Affairs team drives broad, cross-company reputation and positioning initiatives by bringing together complimentary functions that shape perceptions of the company among specific audiences: top tier reporters, industry analysts, current or potential clients, and IBMers. As part of Corporate Affairs, the Financial Communications team works directly with IBM’s senior leadership on communicating financial moments in time, as well as M\&A transactions and other Corporate Development initiatives to internal and external audiences.

Your Role And Responsibilities

Our Corporate Affairs team drives broad, cross-company reputation and positioning initiatives by bringing together complimentary functions that shape perceptions of the company among specific audiences: top tier reporters, industry analysts, current or potential clients, and IBMers. As part of Corporate Affairs, the Financial Communications team works directly with IBM’s senior leadership on communicating financial moments in time, as well as M\&A transactions and other Corporate Development initiatives to internal and external audiences.

We’re seeking an outstanding communications professional with the right experience, expertise and enthusiasm to manage communications, internally and externally, for some of IBM’s most important and mission critical moments – financial and corporate development initiatives. To be successful, you must come to work with a growth mindset, be comfortable working autonomously, embrace collaborating with large cross-company, multi-disciplinary and global teams, and have the ability to translate complex concepts.

You will work closely with executive leadership, Marketing and Communications colleagues, and the broader IBM Finance and Operations team – including the controller’s office, accounting, tax, treasury, financial reporting, corporate secretary’s office, corporate development (including transaction and integration leadership) to clearly plan, develop and communicate M\&A deals across the IBM portfolio. You’ll also gain experience and exposure to IBM’s financial communications processes and practices, as well as quickly and efficiently manage reactive communications associated with IBM’s business strategy and financial performance.

Within This Role, You Will Be Expected To

• Foster strong, collaborative relationships in order to be subject matter expert on various strategy, financial and business issues to provide communications assets and counsel to IBM’s most senior leaders.
• Understand the strategy and business goals of the company and its various portfolio/segment pieces.
• Work across business teams, as well as Marketing and Communications to develop internal and external collateral to clearly communicate IBM’s strategy and key announcements like M\&A deals, from announcement planning through employee integration, throughout the year.
• Understand and manage how to communicate to key stakeholders, including senior executives, business and top-tier media, employees, acquired employees, third-party influencers, colleagues in Marketing and Communications and other business leadership.
• Understand how to influence existing external stakeholders as well as identify new avenues, channels and influencers (media and 3rd party) for communicating IBM’s strategy through relevant and powerful performance and results metrics.

We offer a dynamic blend of personal flexibility and a thriving in-office environment. This role requires a minimum three days of in-office presence per week.

Required Technical And Professional Expertise

• 7-8 years of corporate communications experience, including corporate development or financial communications exposure.
• Experience in broad communications planning and deployment—working with senior leaders on strategy, internal and external content development, project management, and media engagement.
• Strong writing and storytelling capability with a passion for breaking down very complex topics into consumable, understandable, and applicable content.
• Efficient and effective project manager that can work fast while maintaining high quality and accuracy to meet deadlines.

Preferred Technical And Professional Experience

• Direct experience with financial or corporate development content
• Proven executive and internal communications experience
• Experience working with external audiences and stakeholders, including media and third-party influencers
• Strong writer who is driven by tight deadlines
• Strong fluency with various tools and approaches to communications—including digital publishing, design, video production, metrics, and email tools
• Demonstrated agility and resilience communicating in a rapidly evolving environment
• Strategic communication and project management skills and ability to work on simultaneous high visibility projects
• Collaborative team player who is enthusiastic about partnering across teams
• Curious learner who quickly develops an understanding of a wide range of subjects, and understands and applies feedback
• Creative thinker who can develop and execute new, effective ways of communicating
• Growth minded and willing to adjust ways of working and communication approaches based on current business needs and results
• Ability to measure and analyze data to drive decision making and internal channel optimization