Head of External Communications

Job Description

Agilent is seeking an experienced Head of External Communications to lead our global external-communications strategy in a dynamic and evolving life-sciences, applied markets, and diagnostics company. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Enterprise Communications, this leader will build a global team dispersed across various regions, driving external-communications efforts that ensure consistent messaging across all platforms to maintain and enhance the company’s brand and reputation — and that are consistent with Agilent’s goals and values.

The ideal candidate will have a growth mindset and drive external-communications strategies while through a complex enterprise-wide transformation.

As a member of the Enterprise Communications leadership team, the Head of External Communications will be accountable for a broad scope that includes external, analyst and investor communications, M&A, media relations/PR, crisis communications, and annual ESG initiatives.

This leader will play a critical role in ensuring Agilent is telling its story externally to customers, investors, and industry partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive external-communications strategy that aligns with the company’s mission, values, and growth goals.

• Develop and drive a consistent brand message that enhances our reputation and market positioning within the life-sciences and diagnostics industries.

• Develop all external and financial communications — including messaging to investors and analysts, as well as mergers and acquisitions — to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with corporate objectives.

• Collaborate with executive leaders and the finance team to communicate business updates, quarterly results, and growth plans effectively to external stakeholders.

• Develop targeted communication plans that tell Agilent’s story externally, ensuring clear, consistent messaging.

• Work cross-functionally with senior leaders to anticipate change impacts and tailor communications to meet the needs of external audiences.

• Develop annual ESG communications, collaborating with relevant departments to accurately report on our sustainability, social responsibility, and governance initiatives to convey Agilent’s commitment to responsible and ethical practices.

• Develop crisis-communication strategy to ensure readiness for potential issues swiftly and effectively.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic and Growth-oriented: Consistently seeks new opportunities to enhance messaging and reach.

• Adaptable and Resilient: Thrives in dynamic environments and is comfortable with ambiguity and change.

• Collaborative Influencer: Skilled at building relationships and aligning cross-functional teams around common goals.

• Results-driven Leader: Sets and achieves ambitious targets for external-communications impact and engagement.

Leadership Expectations

• Create Clarity: Synthesize the complex for others.

• Generate Energy: Inspire optimism and growth across the company.

• Deliver Success: Be limitless and globally minded to make things happen.

• Demonstrate Presence: Exhibit self-awareness and a leadership presence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, or a related field; an advanced degree is preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in external communications, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within life sciences, applied markets, or diagnostics sectors.

• Proven experience in building and driving external-communications programs — ideally within complex, highly matrixed organizations that are continuously changing.

• Demonstrated expertise in building and executing global external-communications strategies that inform and inspire myriad audiences, including analysts and investors, customers, and members of the media.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to distill complex information into compelling messages for external audiences.

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a collaborative approach and ability to influence across functions and levels.

Additional Details

This job has a full time weekly schedule. It includes the option to work remotely. Applications for this job will be accepted until at least April 17, 2025 or until the job is no longer posted.

The full-time equivalent pay range for this position is $193,360.00 - $362,550.00/yr plus eligibility for bonus, stock and benefits. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. During the hiring process, a recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for a preferred location. Pay and benefit information by country are available at: https://careers.agilent.com/locations

Agilent Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We value diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, religion or religious creed, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance, or regulation and will not be discriminated against on these bases. Agilent Technologies, Inc., is committed to diversity in the workplace and strives to support candidates with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance with any part of the application or interview process or have questions about workplace accessibility, please email [email protected] or contact +1-262-754-5030. For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please visit www.agilent.com/en/accessibility.Travel Required: 25% of the TimeShift: DayDuration: No End DateJob Function: Communications