Communications Consultant

This position leads communications consulting, strategy and execution that build a deeper understanding of organizational direction. The position is responsible for bringing a high level of business/professional communications acumen and the ability to read, understand and lead communications that resonate with various audiences (e.g., corporate leaders and staff, members of the field organization). The position is responsible for managing internal/external communications resources to support various initiatives; applies business, communications and change management best practices to achieve objectives; and works independently and as part of a team to produce desired outcomes.

This specific communications consultant position’s key internal clients are Commercial division leaders, including Distribution, Product Design and Service Operations; it will work in collaboration with other members of the Communications team.

* Remote opportunities available

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as lead consultant, strategist and implementer on transformation, “run-the-business” and culture communication initiatives. 
• Deeply understands business objectives and strategies; can effectively offer and execute communications counseling and solutions that help achieve objectives; advocates for the creation of a client-growth culture; seeks opportunities to use communication to support changes in business practices/processes leading to the creation of the desired culture. 
• Actively studies communication preferences of various audiences and serves as an advocate for those preferences to leadership. 
• Plans and implements multi-channel, multi-audience communications strategies, considering the specific needs/interests of the content senders and receivers (e.g., corporate leaders and staff, members of the field organization, the media). 
• Creates effective communication for deployment in multiple channels, including traditional (print), web-based collaboration and internal/external social media channels. 
• Understands and applies best practices from other divisions and work groups (and from outside the organization) to continually improve effectiveness and efficiency. 
• Works with internal and external creative resources to plan and implement key enterprise communication initiatives. 
• Understands, applies change management principles in the creation of communication plans. 
• Works in partnership with channel managers to ensure the distribution of timely and relevant communications.

Required Job Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, marketing or related field required (advanced degree desirable) 
• Approximately 7 - 10 years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, marketing 
• Demonstrated leadership in developing strategic, multi-channel communication programs, plans 
• Strong relationship management, interpersonal, influencing and networking skills 
• Well-developed writing, editing and communication management skills 
• Experience in change leadership and management disciplines/principles 
• Experience working with web-based collaboration applications and/or internal/external social media 
• Experience working with internal/external communications and creative services vendors 
• Proven knowledge of the insurance and/or financial services industry 

Other Critical Factors

• Strategic ability - Understands the current state, develops a shared vision and is able to develop and drive strategies to move toward the vision. 
• Strong relationship skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across the organization. 
• Influencing skills - Through personal example and persuasive communication, influence others to support shared goals and commit to action. 
• Strong customer focus - The ability to manage multiple customer needs simultaneously. 
• Proven knowledge of the financial services industry.