Associate Director, Communications

Posted One Month Ago
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Tokyo, JPN
In-Office
Senior level
Cloud • Information Technology • Consulting
The Role
Lead Kyndryl Japan’s corporate communications strategy, reputation, strategic narratives, executive positioning, media engagement, crisis communications, and thought leadership. Manage public relations and government affairs agencies, coordinate policy-related communications, advise executives, develop communications materials, and measure campaign effectiveness. The role requires strong Japanese and English communication skills, technology or B2B experience, international collaboration, and at least eight years of communications or public relations experience.
Summary Generated by Built In

Who We Are

At Kyndryl, we run and reimagine the mission-critical technology systems that drive advantage for the world’s leading businesses.  We are at the heart of progress; with proven expertise and a continuous flow of AI-powered insight, enabling smarter decisions, faster innovation, and a lasting competitive edge. For our people—Kyndryls—that means doing purposeful work that powers human progress. Join us and experience a flexible, supportive environment where your well-being is prioritized and your potential can thrive.


The Role

1. Corporate Reputation & Strategic Narrative 

  • Lead the development and execution of Kyndryl Japan’s communications strategy to strengthen corporate reputation and support Japan business priorities in alignment with Global Corporate Affairs objectives.  

  • Develop and drive strategic narratives that clearly articulate Kyndryl’s value proposition, market differentiation, and leadership position in Japan.  

  • Identify emerging trends, industry developments, and market opportunities to proactively shape communications strategies and stakeholder perceptions.  

  • Ensure consistency and strategic alignment of messaging across all communications channels.  

  • Partner with business leaders and SMEs (subject matter experts) to identify and develop stories that reinforce Kyndryl’s market position and thought leadership.  

  • Lead integrated thought leadership initiatives that strengthen Kyndryl's reputation and support business growth across priority industries and technologies. 

  • Use data, market insights, and stakeholder feedback to evaluate communications effectiveness and continuously optimize communications strategies. 

2. Executive Positioning & Stakeholder Engagement 

  • Partner with Kyndryl Japan executives to provide strategic communications counsel on positioning, visibility, thought leadership, and reputational considerations. 

  • Drive executive visibility programs that elevate the profile of Kyndryl Japan leaders across media, and other external and internal forums.  

  • Lead the development of executive communications materials, including briefing documents, talking points, Q&A, and presentation content.  

  • Partner closely with Global Corporate Affairs and business leaders to ensure communications activities are aligned with broader business priorities.  

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with priority media that support Kyndryl’s reputation and business goals. 

3. Integrated Communications, Agency Management & Crisis Communications 

  • Develop and lead integrated communications plans that align external communications, thought leadership, and public affairs activities to maximize business impact and stakeholder engagement.  

  • Lead and manage Kyndryl Japan’s public relations agency partnership, providing strategic direction, establishing priorities, and ensuring high-quality execution and measurable outcomes.  

  • Direct earned media strategies that increase Kyndryl’s visibility and influence across technology, business, and mainstream media.  

  • Manage communications planning and response activities for issues and crisis situations that may affect Kyndryl’s reputation, ensuring effective stakeholder communications.  

  • Establish and manage communications measurement frameworks to assess performance, demonstrate impact, and inform future communications strategies. 

  •  

4. Government Affairs and Policy Support – Coordination and Execution 

  • Support the execution of Japan's Government Affairs activities by aligning global Government Affairs priorities with local business and stakeholder requirements. 

  • Manage Kyndryl’s government affairs agency in Japan, providing strategic direction, coordinating priorities, and ensuring high-quality execution. 

  • Serve as a liaison between Government Affairs, Policy, and the agency to ensure appropriate alignment on policy-related initiatives and reputational considerations. 

  • Support an effective operating cadence across Government Affairs & Policy, and the Government Affairs agency to proactively monitor policy developments and potential reputational implications. 

  • Ensure Government Affairs activities are integrated with external communications, and thought leadership initiatives to maximize overall Corporate Affairs impact. 


Who You Are

Required Technical and Professional Experience 

  • 8+ years of progressive experience in external communications, corporate communications, or public relations, gained in-house and/or at a communications agency. 

  • Proven ability to drive communications strategies independently, identifying issues and opportunities proactively and taking ownership from concept through execution (self-starter mindset). 

  • Experience supporting executives communications and advising senior stakeholders through strategic communications counsel. 

  • Strong experience working with both technology-focused and business/general media, including securing high-impact coverage. 

  • Excellent strategic thinking, storytelling, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders. 

  • Strong stakeholder management skills with a collaborative and solution-oriented approach. 

  • Experience managing communications and/or public affairs agencies and external partners. 

  • Exposure to public affairs, policy, government engagement, or stakeholder engagement activities is an advantage, though deep subject matter expertise is not required. 

  • Hands-on experience working in an international environment across diverse cultures and functions. 

  • Exceptional written, verbal and presentation skills with strong attention to detail. 

  • Calm under pressure, adaptable, and results-oriented, with sound judgment in complex situations. 

  • A true team player with “no ego” mindset. 

  • Strong business-level Japanese and English language skills. 

  • Experience in IT, technology, or B2B services industries preferred. 


Being You

The “Kyn” in Kyndryl means kinship, which represents the strong bonds we have with each other, our customers and our communities. We focus on ensuring all Kyndryls feel included and we welcome people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We believe in growth, and we’re excited to see what you can bring. At Kyndryl, employee feedback has told us that our number one driver of employee engagement is belonging. That sense of belonging — being a valued, respected, trusted member of the team — is fundamental to our culture and fueling great experiences for our customers. This dedication to welcoming everyone into our company means that Kyndryl gives you the ability to thrive and contribute to our culture of empathy and shared success. That’s The Kyndryl Way.

What You Can Expect

Your career with us isn’t just a job—it’s an adventure with purpose.  We offer a dynamic, hybrid-friendly culture that supports your well-being and empowers you to grow. Our Be Well programs are thoughtfully designed to support your financial, mental, physical, and social health—because we know that when you feel your best, you do your best.
From your very first day, you’ll dive into impactful work that powers the systems our customers rely on every day. You won’t just contribute—you’ll make a difference, tackling meaningful projects that sharpen your skills and fuel your growth.
We’re here to champion your journey. With powerful tools to chart your career path, personalized development goals aligned with your ambitions, and continuous feedback to keep you inspired and on track, you’ll have everything you need to thrive and evolve. You’ll develop in-demand skills to grow your career and achieve your ambitions with access to cutting-edge learning opportunities—from certifications with Microsoft, Google, and Amazon to coaching and hands-on experiences. And through it all, you’ll be part of a culture that values empathy, restless learning, and a devotion to shared success.
We want you to thrive here—and we’re committed to helping you do just that. Ready to make an impact? Join us and help shape what’s next.

Get Referred!

If you know someone that works at Kyndryl, when asked ‘How Did You Hear About Us’ during the application process, select ‘Employee Referral’ and enter your contact's Kyndryl email address.

Skills Required

  • 8+ years of progressive experience in external communications, corporate communications, or public relations
  • Ability to independently develop and execute communications strategies
  • Experience supporting executive communications and advising senior stakeholders
  • Experience with technology-focused and business or general media
  • Strategic thinking, storytelling, and project management skills
  • Strong stakeholder management skills
  • Experience managing communications or public affairs agencies and external partners
  • International experience across diverse cultures and functions
  • Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills
  • Strong business-level Japanese and English language skills
  • Exposure to public affairs, policy, government engagement, or stakeholder engagement
  • Experience in IT, technology, or B2B services industries

Kyndryl Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Kyndryl and has not been reviewed or approved by Kyndryl.

  • Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is considered good in some roles, with mentions of “good pay,” “great pay and benefits,” and an “acceptable salary range” paired with bonuses. Certain senior or consulting tracks are described as market-competitive.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth — Vacation, paid time off, holidays, and a dedicated volunteer day are highlighted as positives. Parental leave exists companywide alongside sick leave and disability coverage.
  • Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Remote and hybrid flexibility is emphasized, including 100% remote roles and a formal flexible workplace policy. Well‑being resources such as the Be Well program and an EAP are available.

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The Company
HQ: New York, NY
46,070 Employees
Year Founded: 2021

What We Do

We have the world’s best talent that design, run, and manage the most advanced and reliable technology infrastructure each day. Together, we think holistically about the health of these vital technology ecosystems. We are a focused, independent company that builds on our foundation of excellence by creating systems in new ways. Bringing in the right partners, investing in our business, and working side-by-side with our customers to unlock potential. We're raising the bar. Our experience speaks for itself: We have 90,000 highly skilled employees around the world serving 75 of the Fortune 100. But our purpose is what drives us: Advancing the vital systems that power human progress. Because when a digital ecosystem is healthy, it can more readily adapt and support continuous growth and that opens up a world of possibility for everyone.

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