Communications Director, Digital Data & Technology

This Communications Director, Digital Data and Technology, leads a team that develops and manages communication strategies and execution for internal and external audiences. The role works closely with the Chief Digital and Technology Officer and executive leaders to provide advice and counsel, and develop strategies and deliverables including communication plans, presentations, speeches, talking points and more. This role is a trusted advisor to executives and other business leaders and routinely deals with highly confidential and business-related information. The role provides vision and leadership related to content development and deployment to various audiences including employees, the media and other stakeholders. The role translates business objectives into communication objectives and leads others in creating content in support of the business objectives. The Communications Director has a broad vision and understands the internal and external business and political sensitivities that impact communication direction. The candidate for this role must operate with a high level of business acumen and good judgment. The role stays abreast of communication best practices and drives continuous improvement within the function.

* This role can be remote within the United States.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain a high-performing team by hiring, developing, coaching, rewarding and recognizing team members. 
• Serve as the lead communications counselor (strategist, planner and resource) for the Chief Digital and Technology Officer and other executive leaders. 
• Build communication plans about Thrivent’s digital, data and technology strategies to among one or more audiences (team members, media, clients, members). 
• Translate business strategies into communications strategies, including key message development. 
• Lead the development and execution of content strategy for various audiences. 
• Build relationships with key priority stakeholders (internal leaders, internal process owners for functions including marketing communication, or external business and trade media) 
• Anticipate and recognize stakeholder issues and manage the associated internal/external risks with advice and counsel 
• Develop and monitor systems to measure the value and effectiveness of communication. 
• Accountable for staffing, training and development, and budget resources.

Required Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism/mass communications, public relations, business 
• At least 10 years professional communications experience, including at least five years of management experience 
• Experience in managing communications staff and budget 
• Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and measure internal and external communications programs 
• Excellent human relations, listening and consulting skills 
• Change management and continuous improvement skills and experience 
• Ability to think and act quickly “on your feet" 
• Ability to deal with ambiguity 
• Ability to collaborate across the organization 
• Strong tact, and coaching and influencing skills 
• Demonstrated peripheral vision based on broad knowledge of business, social and political activities and events 
• Demonstrated knowledge of a broad range of media and communication channels including traditional print, video, digital and emerging social

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 communication skills – Highly developed verbal/written communications skills. Excellent presentation skills 
• Influencing skills – Through personal example and persuasive communication, influence others to support shared goals and commit to action 
• Results oriented – able to prioritize and focus on the right work. Keeps self and others focused on the right priorities and fosters a sense of urgency and dedication to delivering on commitments 
• Proven knowledge of the financial services industry