Communications Director

This role is responsible for developing and implementing various communications and public relations activities that help to generate demand for CNA’s products and segments. Responsible for the direction and management of all internal and external communications ensuring alignment with business strategies and the CNA brand. Generates positive publicity and stronger outreach and impact for the firm.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines:

• Leads and directs the work activities and has full management responsibility for the performance and development of subordinate staff in accordance with corporate strategic direction. 
• Creates and manages comprehensive integrated external communications plans from concept to analysis ensuring alignment with marketing initiatives, internal communications team, and editorial/marketing initiatives that utilize available and appropriate communication vehicles and measurements that support business specific goals. 
• Has influence over the internal and external communications strategies and consults on communication vehicles and measurements to support business goals. 
• Guides Internal Communications team to support business unit communications commitments, including but not limited to town hall support, employee emails and intranet messaging, and personally writes select messages for senior executive officers and for key enterprise wide company projects. 
• Builds and manages relationships with publications and identifies opportunities for advertising and content development. 
• Ensures branding guidelines are adhered to and brand tenants are incorporated across all communications efforts. 
• Defines measurement strategy to assess effectiveness and impact of communications. 
• Reviews and monitors the media, including newspapers, magazines, journals, broadcasts, newswires, social media sites and blogs for opportunities for the company. 
• Defines measurement strategy to assess effectiveness and impact of communications. 
• Helps create and amplify CEO and senior management team messages including speeches, talking points, presentations, quotes, social posts etc.
• May perform additional duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationship:

• AVP or above

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

1. Detail oriented and self-motivated team player. 
2. Proven ability of writing and editing speeches, talking points, press quotes and other material. 
3. Ability to handle a variety of programs and projects simultaneously with excellent project management and planning skills. 
4. Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively develop relationships with all levels of employees and external business partners. 
5. Proven ability to lead and motivate team. 
6. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other business related software including Hootsuite, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Education & Experience:

1. Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience. Advanced degree preferred. 
2. Typically a minimum of seven years’ experience in Marketing & Communications with focus on public relations and CSR initiatives. 
3. At least five years of management experience.