VP, Public Relations & Communications

Boston, MA | Hybrid (3 Days Onsite) | $200,000-$225,000 Base + Bonus

MarketSearch has been retained on behalf of a global market leader serving the public safety community to identify a Vice President, Public Relations & Communications.

This is not a remote position. Candidates must be Boston-based and willing to work onsite in the Boston office three days per week.

Our client employs more than 2,500 people globally and has built a reputation for delivering mission-critical products and solutions that customers rely on every day. Their technology helps protect communities and create safer outcomes worldwide.

What makes this opportunity particularly compelling is the long-term nature of the business. Customers make multi-year commitments to the company’s solutions, creating a stable, growth-oriented environment focused on innovation, strategic investment, and lasting impact rather than short-term volatility.

Reporting directly to the SVP of Marketing, this executive will own the global communications agenda and help shape how the company is perceived by customers, employees, investors, industry stakeholders, and the media.

We’re looking for a strategic storyteller, trusted advisor, and accomplished communications leader who understands how to elevate a brand, influence perception, and protect reputation at scale.

What You’ll Own

Develop and execute an integrated global public relations and communications strategy aligned with corporate growth objectives.

Serve as a senior communications advisor to executive leadership.

Lead media relations efforts and build meaningful relationships with top-tier business, industry, and trade media.

Drive executive visibility through thought leadership, speaking engagements, bylined content, and strategic messaging.

Lead crisis communications planning and response efforts.

Monitor public sentiment and proactively manage reputation-related risks.

Oversee external communications across earned media, corporate announcements, product launches, social channels, and key business milestones.

Partner closely with marketing, product, HR, legal, and executive leadership to ensure message consistency and organizational alignment.

Build compelling narratives that simplify complex business, technology, and industry topics into stories people remember.

What We’re Looking For

15+ years of progressive leadership experience in corporate communications, public relations, media relations, or executive communications.

Proven success developing communications strategies for complex, multi-stakeholder organizations.

Exceptional writing, messaging, presentation, and storytelling capabilities.

Strong crisis communications and reputation management experience.

Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with executive leadership teams.

Experience within manufacturing, industrial technology, public safety, defense, critical infrastructure, transportation, healthcare technology, or similarly complex environments is highly desirable.

A leader who enjoys collaborating, strategizing, mentoring teams, and building narratives that move audiences to action.

Why This Role

Global brand with meaningful mission and purpose.

Strong executive visibility and influence.

Long-term growth opportunity with a highly respected leadership team.

Unlimited discretionary PTO.

Stable business model supported by long-term customer commitments.

Opportunity to shape the voice and reputation of a company making a tangible impact around the world.

If you’re interested in learning more, or know someone who could be an exceptional fit, I’d welcome a confidential conversation.

David Honig
Executive Recruiter | Partner
MarketSearch Executive Search
marketsearch29@gmail.com

Frequently Asked Questions-

What does a VP of Public Relations do?

A Vice President of Public Relations leads an organization’s reputation, media strategy, and public image. This executive develops communications programs that build brand awareness, strengthen stakeholder relationships, manage media engagement, and protect corporate reputation during both growth initiatives and challenging situations. A VP of Public Relations often serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and oversees crisis communications, thought leadership, and external messaging.

What is the role of a VP of Communications?

A VP of Communications is responsible for creating and managing the company’s internal and external communications strategy. This includes executive communications, employee communications, media relations, investor communications, corporate messaging, crisis management, and brand storytelling. The role ensures that all communications support the organization’s business objectives and long-term growth strategy.

How much does a VP of Communications earn in Boston?

VP of Communications salaries in the Boston market typically range from $180,000 to $300,000+ depending on company size, industry, team scope, and level of responsibility. For this opportunity, the target compensation range is $200,000 to $225,000 base salary plus bonus and a comprehensive executive benefits package.

What skills are required for a VP of Public Relations?

Successful VP-level communications leaders possess exceptional writing, storytelling, executive presence, media relations expertise, crisis communications experience, stakeholder management skills, and strategic business acumen. They must be able to translate complex business challenges into compelling narratives while influencing senior leaders, journalists, customers, investors, and employees.

What industries hire VP Communications leaders?

VP Communications executives are highly sought after across public safety technology, manufacturing, healthcare, life sciences, software, cybersecurity, industrial technology, defense, financial services, consumer products, transportation, and private equity-backed companies. Organizations experiencing rapid growth, transformation, global expansion, or increased public visibility often invest heavily in senior communications leadership.

What is the difference between Public Relations and Corporate Communications?

Public Relations primarily focuses on managing external reputation through media relations, public perception, and stakeholder engagement. Corporate Communications encompasses a broader scope, including public relations, executive communications, employee communications, crisis management, investor communications, and corporate messaging. Many senior executives oversee both functions under a unified communications strategy.

How do companies hire communications executives?

Most organizations hire communications executives through retained executive search firms, internal talent acquisition teams, leadership referrals, and professional networks. Executive search firms are often engaged for confidential searches, succession planning, transformation initiatives, and leadership upgrades requiring access to passive talent not actively seeking new opportunities.

What experience is needed for a communications leadership role?

Most VP Communications positions require 10-15+ years of progressive experience in public relations, corporate communications, executive communications, media strategy, or reputation management. Candidates often bring experience leading teams, advising executive leadership, managing crises, overseeing agency relationships, and driving communications strategies for complex organizations.

What makes a strong crisis communications leader?

Strong crisis communications leaders remain calm under pressure, communicate with clarity, and make decisions quickly when reputation risks emerge. They proactively identify potential issues, develop response frameworks, manage stakeholder expectations, and ensure accurate, transparent communication. The most effective leaders protect trust while helping organizations navigate uncertainty and change.

Why do public safety companies hire communications executives?

Public safety organizations operate in highly visible environments where trust, credibility, and reputation are critical. Communications executives help shape public perception, support customer confidence, manage sensitive issues, amplify thought leadership, and communicate the organization’s mission. As public safety technology companies continue to grow globally, experienced communications leaders play a vital role in strengthening brand reputation and supporting long-term business success.

VP, Public Relations & Communications (Boston, On-site – Pipeline)