Director, Americas External Affairs

Come Join an Inclusive Team

The Director, Americas External Affairs is a senior leader responsible for shaping and executing LyondellBasell’s reputation management, stakeholder engagement, and crisis communications strategy across the United States, Canada, and Latin America. This role is critical to preserving and enhancing the company’s external presence and ensuring alignment with global corporate objectives.

This is a unique opportunity to lead reputation and stakeholder engagement for one of the world’s leading chemical companies. You will work alongside passionate leaders and a purpose-driven team to shape how LyondellBasell is perceived across the Americas. Your work will directly impact the company’s license to operate, its relationships with key stakeholders, and its ability to deliver sustainable solutions for everyday living.

Success in this role means being recognized as a strategic leader who elevates the company’s reputation and builds trust with stakeholders. You will anticipate challenges and guide the organization through complex issues with clarity and confidence. You will inspire your team to deliver innovative communications that resonate across diverse audiences and platforms, driving alignment and impact across the enterprise. The Director, Americas External Affairs will report to the VP, Corporate Communications, will be part of the Communications Leadership Team, and be located in the Galleria area of Houston, TX.

A Day in the Life

Reputation & Crisis Leadership

• Lead the development of proactive reputation management strategies that anticipate and mitigate risks across the Americas.
• Serve as the company’s primary spokesperson in the region and lead incident and crisis communications, including planning and execution of training exercises and response protocols.
• Manage sensitive and high-impact issues related to social, environmental, and climate justice, ensuring the company’s voice is clear, credible, and aligned with stakeholder expectations.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communications Strategy

• Build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders including government officials, NGOs, media, and community leaders.
• Develop and implement communications plans that support business objectives and elevate the company’s narrative through media relations, social investment, and strategic storytelling.
• Ensure message consistency and alignment across all communications related to mergers, acquisitions, and divestments.

Team Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Lead a regional team of approximately six direct reports, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Implement performance metrics and KPIs to measure the effectiveness of communications initiatives.
• Manage the team’s budget and ensure efficient allocation of resources to support strategic priorities.

Executive Counsel & Strategic Influence

• Advise senior leaders and C-suite executives on reputational risks, stakeholder dynamics, and communications strategy.
• Develop and deliver high-impact messaging for major corporate initiatives including sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and circularity.
• Drive alignment across the global public affairs teams and ensure seamless collaboration across business units.

You Bring This Value

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Typically, 15+ years of experience in corporate communications or related field, with strong expertise in reputation management, crisis response, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations and advising senior executives is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated success operating within an Incident Command System or similar framework.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation skills with mastery of AP style.
• Experience in the chemical industry or other regulated sectors is preferred; agency experience and media spokesperson credentials are a plus.
• Strong emotional intelligence, leadership acumen, and ability to manage high-performing and underperforming team members.
• #LI-Hybrid #LI-JC1

What We Offer

LyondellBasell is proud to provide a competitive total compensation package designed to reward excellence and support the well-being of our employees. Our Total Rewards package includes equitable and market-competitive base pay as well as locally relevant incentives, fostering a culture of pay-for-performance that recognizes both individual and company achievements.   

We extend the following benefits to *eligible employees: 

• Workplace Flexibility: The Company’s Global Remote Work Policy allows eligible employees to request to work remotely up to two full days per standard work week at an approved location other than the designated worksite or office, such as at a home office with managerial approval.
• Comprehensive Health, Welfare, Life and Retirement Programs: Our comprehensive programs are aligned with local practices.
  • 6% LYB match on 401(k) contribution
  • 5% LYB cash balance pension plan accrual
• Comprehensive Well-being Benefits: Programs to support your physical, mental, financial, and social health, ensuring you receive the care you need, when you need it.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan: The LYB ESPP offers a 10% discount on LYB stock for eligible employees in Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, and US.
• Educational Assistance Program: To encourage self-development by providing financial aid for approved educational activities voluntarily undertaken by employees.
• Bravo Rewards Program: Recognizing outstanding employee contributions.
• Robust Medical and Life Insurance Packages: Offering a variety of coverage options to meet individual needs.
• Professional Development: Opportunities to learn and grow through training, mentoring, work experiences, community involvement, and team building activities.
• Competitive Vacation Policies: Generous annual leave to support your work-life balance.
• Global Adoption Policy: Support for employees expanding their families.
• Matching Gifts Program: Enhance the impact of your charitable contributions to qualified organizations. 
   

*Eligibility for certain benefits and rewards programs will vary based on your job status, work location and/or the terms of any applicable collective bargaining agreement and may be changed from time to time without notice, subject to applicable law.

Competencies