Director, Communications & Public Affairs

• To be continuously ready to respond to a well control incident in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico deep water.
• To be the recognized and respected leader in deep water well containment, continually advancing technology to keep pace with industry needs.
• To be the advocate for MWCC’s well containment system to regulators, on behalf of its membership.

• Develop and execute MWCC’s corporate communications and public affairs strategy
• Manage key supporting contractors and ensure their incident response preparedness
• Coordinate external communications related to MWCC activities during an incident in conjunction with the responsible party (RP).

• Develop and execute MWCC’s corporate engagement plan promoting awareness of and confidence in MWCC’s response capabilities. Manage associated activities such as:
  • Visits from member company executives and regulatory officials from governing agencies such as BSEE and USCG.
  • Participation in industry trade organizations such as American Petroleum Institute and Offshore Operators Committee focused on advocacy efforts related to deep water well containment.
  • Community support programs at MWCC’s shore bases to build good will and prepare local populations for heightened activity if MWCC is activated.
  • Public engagements for sustaining MWCC’s positive corporate reputation such as conference presentations, trade show exhibits, print and in-person media placements
  • Maintaining MWCC’s corporate website and associated collateral related to company equipment and capabilities
• Create and maintain corporate identity standards, protect MWCC’s trademarks, and ensure a consistent brand voice is maintained.
• Monitor external landscape and contribute to the management of principal risks and mitigations related to issues that might impact deployment readiness or success.
• Conduct media and spokesperson training for MWCC personnel involved in external engagements with regulators, industry, media, or the public. Provide non-spokesperson media training for general staff.
• Develop and maintain relationships with selected industry and local journalists. Monitor coverage and coordinate media written and in person engagements.
• Ensure sufficient supplemental contract support is in place in the event of activation and ensure all 3rd party personnel assigned to MWCC’s account are fully prepared.
• Manage all associated third-party contracts related to web hosting, graphic design, photo and videography, and reputational/crisis management.
• Participate in internal and member company drills and exercises
• Establish and lead the member company network for Public Affairs.

• Serve as the External Affairs Manager in the Administration Staff of the MWCC Response Team.
• Mobilize additional supporting resources required at MWCC’s Operations Center and shore base locations from MWCC’s crisis management agency.
• Monitor the external landscape during the incident and escalate any major potential issues identified to the Response Team Leader for appropriate disposition.
• Support the CEO in his role as MWCC’s primary spokesman during an incident, including traveling with him as needed to Incident/Unified Command sites and preparing him for external engagements.
• Establish communication lines with public affairs contacts within the responsible party (RP).
• Upon request by the responsible party (RP), embed in the Incident Command’s Joint Information Center to provide advice and counsel on MWCC related communications.

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, public policy, or related field.
• 8-12 years of related professional experience.
• A diverse set of experience spanning all aspects of corporate communications and public affairs.
• Specific expertise in crisis management.
• Familiarization with and previous support to the oil and gas industry.
• A proven ability to formulate and articulate clear messages about complex and sometimes highly technical subjects.