About Cognizant Corporate
Cognizant Corporate is a global community united by a shared purpose: to make a meaningful impact. We are committed to excellence and driven by outcomes that matter. Collaboration is at the heart of how we work, and our forward-thinking mindset fuels continuous learning, innovation, and growth. At Cognizant, careers transcend titles. We empower our people to think strategically, inspire others, and lead with purpose – always guided by our core values. Join us in shaping the future of business.
About the Role
Cognizant is seeking an accomplished professional to join the India Communications team and shape its external narrative in India. Based in India and working closely with both the India and global communications teams, the Associate Director will help drive media relations, executive thought leadership, financial and earnings communications, and crisis response for one of the world's leading professional services and technology companies. This is a hands-on role for someone who combines strong editorial craft with sharp media judgement.
In this role, you will:
- Build and sustain strong media relations with mainstream, business and technology journalists across India.
- Draft and edit a wide range of external materials to a high standard, including media pitches, op-eds, executive statements, holding statements, press releases and backgrounders, ensuring a consistent voice and message across all outbound communications.
- Develop and manage thought-leadership program for C-suite and senior executives, from ideation through to placement, shaping their profiles and points of view in priority media and forums.
- Manage PR around financial results and earnings in close coordination with the India and global communications, investor relations and finance teams, ensuring accuracy, consistency and alignment with disclosure requirements.
- Anticipate, prepare for and respond to reputational and crisis situations, developing holding statements, Q&A and response plans calmly and credibly under pressure.
- Partner with global communications, marketing, HR, business and regional teams to align India communications with enterprise priorities.
- Work closely with in-house teams to get the best out of PR agency partners.
What You Need to Have to Be Considered
- 12–15 years of experience in corporate communications, public relations or journalism, with a strong record in external and media communications.
- Ideally, at least five years in a listed technology company, with an understanding of the disclosure sensitivities and rhythms of a public company.
- Established, credible relationships with mainstream and technology journalists in India.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to draft and edit op-eds, statements, pitches and backgrounds that are clear, sharp and on-message.
- Demonstrated ability to develop thought leadership for senior executives.
- Proven crisis and issues-management capability, with sound judgement under pressure.
- Comfortable working across time zones and in tandem with global teams.
These Will Help You Succeed
- Sharp media judgement paired with strong editorial craft.
- Ability to stay calm, clear and credible under pressure.
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills across global and regional teams.
A proactive, ownership-driven approach to managing India's external narrative.
Work Model
We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring a minimum of 3 days a week in a Cognizant office. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.
We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.
About Cognizant:
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
