Head of Issues Management & Strategic Policy Communications

About this role

We exist to wow our customers. We know we’re doing the right thing when we hear our customers say, “How did I ever live without Coupang?” Born out of an obsession to make shopping, eating, and living easier than ever, we’re collectively disrupting the multi-billion-dollar e-commerce industry from the ground up. We are one of the fastest-growing e-commerce companies that established an unparalleled reputation for being a dominant and reliable force in South Korean commerce.

We are proud to have the best of both worlds — a startup culture with the resources of a large global public company. This fuels us to continue our growth and launch new services at the speed we have been since our inception. We are all entrepreneurs surrounded by opportunities to drive new initiatives and innovations. At our core, we are bold and ambitious people that like to get our hands dirty and make a hands-on impact. At Coupang, you will see yourself, your colleagues, your team, and the company grow every day.

Our mission to build the future of commerce is real. We push the boundaries of what’s possible to solve problems and break traditional tradeoffs. Join Coupang now to create an epic experience in this always-on, high-tech, and hyper-connected world.

Role Overview

Coupang is seeking a Head of Issues Management & Strategic Policy Communications to lead communications strategy and execution for complex, sensitive, and high-impact policy and corporate communications issues. This individual will serve as a key advisor during issues management and crisis situations, helping protect and strengthen Coupang’s reputation while ensuring consistent, accurate, and timely communications.

Working as a critical part of the Global Public Affairs and US Corporate Communications team, you’ll collaborate with cross-functional global partners across Public Policy, Legal, Operations, and senior leadership. You’ll lead management of rapid response communications, develop proactive PR strategies, and help guide the company through evolving external environments across both public policy and corporate reputation issues.

This role requires a strong leader with deep experience leading corporate crisis efforts and advocacy campaigns for a global corporation, tech company or highly regulated industry. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in US politics, managing and advising in rapid response or crisis communications scenarios impacting Washington and US audiences, as well as supporting advocacy communications campaigns. Deep media relationships with US and DC business and policy media are a must, with the ability to cultivate new relationships and identify creative tactics to achieve policy and messaging objectives.

This role is for a senior leader who uses exceptional judgment and strategic thinking, as well as the ability to look around corners and perform effectively under pressure. The candidate should have a proven track record serving as an on the record spokesperson, coaching a team, and collaborating effectively across a highly matrixed organization. Executive presence and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly are also key.

What You Will Do

• Lead communications strategy for complex policy, regulatory, and reputational issues.

• Own crisis communications preparedness and response across Coupang's public policy and corporate communications efforts.

• Advise senior executives on communications risk, reputation management, and stakeholder strategy.

• Develop and execute communications campaigns that advance policy priorities and protect Coupang's reputation.

• Partner across functions to drive aligned messaging and rapid response to emerging issues.

• Build scalable crisis communications frameworks, processes, and readiness programs.

• Lead executive communications and media strategies for high-profile and sensitive matters.

• Monitor emerging issues and leverage insights to continuously strengthen communications effectiveness.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, Public Policy or similar.

• 15+ years of experience in crisis communications, corporate communications, public affairs, policy communications, journalism, or related fields

• Deep experience leading communications responses to complex, high-profile, or sensitive issues at a large corporation, tech company or across political campaigns.

• Experience developing communications strategies involving public policy, regulatory, and corporate reputation matters

• Strong understanding of the DC media and political ecosystem, with experience driving advocacy campaigns.

• Experience advising senior executives and managing cross-functional stakeholder relationships

• Exceptional writing, messaging, and strategic communications skills

• Strong judgment and ability to make decisions in fast-moving and ambiguous situations

• Ability to work effectively under pressure with limited oversight, and manage multiple priorities simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting crisis communications within e-commerce, logistics, or related industries at a global company

• Experience working directly on Capitol Hill or in regulatory environments

• Strong background in digital analytics tools, audience insights, and performance measurement frameworks.

• Experience with Asia-Pacific markets and policy issues

Pay & Benefits

• Our compensation reflects the cost of living across several US geographic markets. At Coupang, your base pay is one part of your total compensation.

• The base pay for this position ranges from $148,400/year in our lowest geographic market to $256,520/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on several factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

General Description of All Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life, AD&D insurance

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA)

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