Corporate Communications Specialist

Chicago, IL, US, 60601

James Hardie is a world leader in fiber cement home siding and exterior design solutions. Hardie® products offer long-lasting beauty and endless design possibilities with trusted protection and low maintenance. As the world’s #1 producer and marketer of high-performance fiber cement and fiber gypsum building solutions, James Hardie offers siding and accessories for every style. Hardie® products are non-combustible and stand up to weather and time while empowering homeowners and building professionals to achieve the home of their dreams. The company pioneered the technology of fiber cement building products made from sustainable raw materials and continues to invest in innovation to transform the industry. James Hardie operates with an inclusive company culture and an unwavering commitment to Zero Harm. The company proudly employs a diverse global workforce of over 5,000 employees across operations in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

 

Make your dream career a reality. It’s possible!

 

Hybrid from our downtown Chicago office & your home office

 

As the Corporate Communications Specialist you will leverage your expertise in written and creative content development to craft compelling communications across a range of platforms, aligning with James Hardie’s mission, vision and values. This role combines strategic oversight with tactical execution, involving close collaboration with key internal stakeholders to drive successful communication initiatives. Your primary focus will be on internal and external communications campaigns with additional opportunities to contribute to sponsorship and global brand campaigns. Reporting to the Corporate Communications Manager, the Specialist role will help to strengthen the reputation of James Hardie as both an industry leader and a great place to work, enhancing our company reputation within the manufacturing industry and the regions in which we operate.

 

What You’ll Do: 

 

Key responsibilities include developing and implementing content strategies across various communication channels, managing platform integration, crafting and refining engaging narratives, overseeing end-to-end campaign management, and coordinating with external agency partners.  In addition to these core responsibilities, the role will encompass cross-functional collaboration, with a particular focus on supporting Human Resources initiatives and broader corporate-wide programs. The ideal candidate will be a proactive and dynamic professional, eager to play a crucial role in elevating James Hardie’s Corporate Communications objectives and contributing to the company’s ongoing growth.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

  • Support the Corporate Communications Manager in the execution of Global Corporate Communications strategy to highlight business priorities and help increase our employee engagement through storytelling.
  • Develop and implement internal communication strategies and campaigns that support internal initiatives such as employee engagement programs, diversity and inclusion efforts growth and development, zero harm, talent acquisition, innovation, finance, and IT communications. This includes creating content for employee newsletters, intranet updates, department announcements, and organizing communication plans for company-wide events.
  • Collaborate closely with key internal partners  including Marketing, Legal, Finance, and Sales, to execute communication campaigns that align with our team’s strategic goals.
  • Assist in creating clear and engaging content that highlights James Hardie’s purpose, vision and values.
  • Tactical execution of content using various channels including SharePoint, AppSpace, social media (LinkedIn), Service Now, newsletters, emails and events.
  • Assisting the Global Brand and Corporate Communications team with year-on-year planning, corporate and regional events, meeting and budget management.

 

The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing.  Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.

 

What You’ll Bring: 

 

  • Bachelor’s degree, preferably in business, marketing or communications.
  • Minimum of 7 years in a Corporate Communications role
  • Copywriting and editing experience within a corporate environment
  • Relationship management expertise
  • Communications campaign project management experience
  • Manufacturing industry and / or global corporate experience a plus
  • Events experience including all-hands meetings, town halls, Webex events
  • Experience in executing regular communications content using various platforms such as SharePoint, Service Now, AppSpace, Adobe Experience Manager, Webex, Smartsheet, Webex Events, Teams, Video and podcasting production. 
  • A strong work ethic, high level of professionalism, be solutions-oriented, creative, and detail-oriented
  • Strong customer service, interpersonal, and cross-functional relationship-building / project management skills
  • Superior proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
  • The ability to work collaboratively and persuasively with critical internal and external stakeholders
  • Flexible and able to adjust within a fast-paced work environment, prioritize important tasks, and execute tactical communications quickly
  • Excellent writing skills, thinking outside the box to story-tell
  • Strong knowledge and execution of corporate social media (LinkedIn) communications, with an emphasis on effectively utilizing the channel to craft thought leadership and corporate reputational external communications
  • Ability to work independently and be self-motivated
  • Demonstrated ability to work under pressure
  • Detail-oriented, organized, and able to multi-task while meeting deadlines
  • Ability to travel up to 20%; possible international travel included
  • Hybrid role with ability to work in the office minimum 3 days/week

 

What You’ll Receive:

 

  • At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees. 
  • Comprehensive low-cost co-pay Health Insurance; medical, dental, prescription, and vision insurance benefits for every 30+ hour full-time employee. Insurance starts on day one!
  • 401(k) Retirement plan that will match 100% of employees saved dollars up to the first 6% of your salary
  • Paid holidays, paid vacation including Jury Duty and bereavement leave
  • Wellness Program
  • Employee Assistance Program 
  • Parental Leave
  • Community Involvement & Sustainable Solutions - Fire Resistant Siding to Help Rebuild the Grizzly Flats Community | James Hardie
  • And more 


Apply now and come “home” to Hardie!’

 

 

#LI-SM1

James Hardie is a world leader in fiber cement home siding and exterior design solutions. Hardie® products offer long-lasting beauty and endless design possibilities with trusted protection and low maintenance. As the world’s #1 producer and marketer of high-performance fiber cement and fiber gypsum building solutions, James Hardie offers siding and accessories for every style. Hardie® products are non-combustible and stand up to weather and time while empowering homeowners and building professionals to achieve the home of their dreams. The company pioneered the technology of fiber cement building products made from sustainable raw materials and continues to invest in innovation to transform the industry. James Hardie operates with an inclusive company culture and an unwavering commitment to Zero Harm. The company proudly employs a diverse global workforce of over 5,000 employees across operations in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.


Nearest Major Market: Chicago

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