Public Affairs & Public Relations Associate Director - External Communications, Tax & Accounting

About the role

This role is a hybrid position out of any of our office locations, with a preferred location in Minneapolis, MN. Wolters Kluwer is seeking an Associate Director, External Communications to support its Tax & Accounting (TAA) division.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted strategic communications advisor to the executive team, bringing sound judgment, confidence, and the ability to earn credibility and trust.
• Develop and execute comprehensive external communications and media relations strategies that support the TAA division and its full portfolio of solutions globally.
• Create and manage a broad range of external communications materials, including press releases, holding statements, media alerts, briefings, pitches, FAQs, blogs, social media content, bylined articles, and relevant Annual Report content.
• Proactively pitch and engage targeted reporters and media outlets to build understanding of the TAA strategy and drive sustained visibility for the division and its business units.
• Partner closely with the TAA divisional executive team, the Divisional Vice President of Internal Branding & Communications, and Marketing leaders to ensure alignment with messaging, positioning, and go-to-market initiatives.
• Identify and leverage compelling insights and story opportunities to build external awareness among media, analysts, and influencers, ensuring close integration with Internal Communications.
• Create and manage media and analyst engagement opportunities for executives and subject matter experts in support of TAA priorities and strategic objectives.
• Define clear objectives and success metrics for external communications initiatives, using both quantitative and qualitative measures.
• Drive participation and success in relevant industry recognition programs, including managing award submissions and analyst ranking nominations in collaboration with divisional communications leaders.
• Anticipate industry trends, emerging issues, and potential reputational risks, implementing proactive and reactive communications strategies to protect and promote the company.
• Monitor media coverage and alert internal stakeholders to time-sensitive issues, developments, or opportunities.
• Oversee PR governance, review, and approval processes, continuously improving communications practices, efficiency, and impact.
• Manage external PR and media monitoring agency partners to ensure consistent, high-impact messaging and reporting.
• Build strong partnerships with internal stakeholders, including HR, Internal Communications, and Brand, to amplify external storytelling and support Wolters Kluwer’s employer brand.
• Demonstrate ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment while managing multiple priorities with focus and composure.
• Proven relationship builder who collaborates seamlessly across functions, aligning diverse stakeholders toward shared goals.
• Highly resilient with a strong “can-do” mindset; takes full ownership of initiatives from concept through execution and delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or journalism.
• Advanced degrees or certifications in external comms and marketing are a plus.
• At least 10 years of media relations/external communications experience (all within a corporate or public relations agency environment).
• Existing set of strong North American, European and APAC contacts across Tier 1 media, trade publications, and broadcast.
• Experience with crisis communications, including legal, investor and public relations implications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Superb writing and editing skills and a strong sense of narrative and storytelling.
• Excellent creative thinker, with an ability to quickly understand a breadth of information and simplify the communication.
• Ability to verbally relay concepts, goals, and project plans to all parties involved in the execution of said plans.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams as well as working in long-distance situations.
• Ability to read and understand industry specific documents and/or presentations.
• Ability to author routine reports and correspondence.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Experience with AI prompting and use of GenAI tools in communications.