Veterans Preferred - Assistant Director - Strategic Communications

Military Veterans are Encouraged to Apply.
At Northwestern Mutual, we are strong, innovative and growing. We invest in our people. We care and make a positive difference.

What's the role?

The Assistant Director, Communications will lead and deliver on a portfolio of strategic communications work in support of the company's differentiated approach to financial planning. As a mutual company, Northwestern Mutual is keenly focused on how our business model and approach can help clients become more financially secure and achieve their desired financial security outcomes. This position will shape and execute on a holistic communications strategy to more deeply align stakeholders around the beneficial impact of the company's integrated approach to financial security that enables clients to both protect and prosper.

Accountabilities:

This role counsels and supports senior management to engage, educate and influence key audiences through effective communications strategies, messaging and tactics. Key responsibilities include:

• Proactively develops communication strategies that encompass internal (field and employee communications); external (public and media relations); and print and electronic media solutions. Internal clients and partners include senior management, department heads, division leaders and project leaders.
• Develop and expand client/business partner relationships on behalf of the communications department. Maintain positive, productive relationships focused on using communications strategies to deliver business value.
• Consult with clients/business partners regarding their business and communication objectives. Based on these consultations, develop annual communication plan and/or communication strategies to inform and influence target audiences and support or drive desired business outcomes.
• Proactively make relevant strategic connections on behalf of clients/business partners. Anticipate and recommend strategies to address communications opportunities and challenges.
• Ensure planning and delivery of effective integrated communication solutions by identifying partners and collaborating effectively with each functional area of communications department and company-wide partners, as appropriate.
• Actively oversee and guide the work to achieve client satisfaction with the quality and effectiveness of communications counsel, services and execution of programs. Participate in client initiatives, as appropriate.
• Role will manage and develop a direct report in a manner that encourages professional and technical skill development, teamwork, and alignment to department and company goals. Conduct performance planning, goal-setting, assessment, and coaching to accountabilities of each team member.
• Contribute to development of the strategy and operating plan for the communications department.
• Plan and/or manage the measurement of the effectiveness of communications support and/or return on communications investment in assigned areas. Periodically assess client/business partner relationships, and identify and implement improvements, as appropriate.
• May manage resources to ensure that financial objectives are met within own area and that project work for clients is delivered within established budget and timeline.

Bring Your Best! What this role needs:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or related field.
• At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in professional corporate communications, organizational communications, integrated communications and/or public relations in corporate or agency setting.
• Proven experience with key accountability for managing client relationships, providing strategic communications counsel in support of business objectives and guiding teams in successful implementation of communications programs.
• Ability to listen to, engage, and influence clients; synthesize and relate complex information; analyze communication problems and opportunities; and develop and implement integrated communication strategies.
• Exceptional professional communications skills including business and communications writing; public speaking in small- and large-group settings; and one-to-one personal relationships.
• Ability to manage, develop and motivate professional-level staff to achieve desired objectives.
• Proficient with a range of external and internal communications solutions: face-to-face; print and electronic channels; media relations; creative media solutions.
• Superior planning, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Knowledge of the financial planning process or the financial services industry is preferred - particularly experience communicating with financial advisors about insurance or investment products.
• Knowledge of social media applications is preferred.

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This job is not covered by the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Required Certifications:

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We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.