Communications Director

We are looking for a Communications Director to join our team in Chicago, IL. This role will report directly to our Chief Talent and Administrative Services Officer.

Responsibilities:

• Develop communications strategies for new announcements, launches, townhalls, new hire notifications, etc. and establish a steady cadence of coverage that communicates business momentum and execution. 
• Develops and implements communications plans, content, timelines and production schedules, and effectively executes on such plans, timelines and schedules 
• Ensures communications consider all audiences/levels in the company, addresses the unique needs of the Advisory and Managed Services businesses and geographies, and aligns to the company’s values and goals 
• Uses corporate communications resources including editorial style guide, voice and tone/verbal identity guidelines and communications templates to ensure accurate brand messaging and distribution 
• Leverage talent and company leaders for internal company-wide communications 
• Work closely with the marketing team to develop creative and integrated programs that build top of funnel awareness of our products and brands to drive consideration and purchase 
• Crisis management and pre-emptive planning. 
• Track and provide status updates regarding corporate strategy 
• Prepare for, and facilitate, monthly Executive Team meetings. Ensure that the meeting objectives are realistic, preparation is appropriate, and the Executive Team is well-prepared. Responsibility is less about logistics and more about creating content, setting expectations, and ensuring alignment around objectives. Ensure that time is used most effectively by planning agendas that are linked to strategy/deliverables, previewing and critiquing presentations and reports, raising the readiness of presenters and driving outcomes/follow-up plans that drive strategy outcomes and accountability. 
• Project manage initiatives on behalf of the Executive Team, ensuring deadlines are met, follow-up on deliverables and coordinate feedback to present a unified front that best reflects the overall objectives of CEO and Executive Team. Understand the breadth of projects within the Executive Team’s purview and “jump in” when appropriate to help drive the desired outcomes. Play a leading role in stewarding the requisite implied change management initiatives. 
• Work with senior stakeholders to gather and shape executive communications. Manage relationships with key stakeholders. Drive alignment on priorities across the firm. Work closely with cross-functional teams on driving strategy and ensuring that delivery milestones are met. 
• Assist in the management of the “brand” of the Executive Team. Help shape executive voice, persona, and leadership by delivering on-going review and feedback on communications, behavior and impact. Develop draft communications on behalf of the Executive Team. Communications range from CEO Updates to follow up correspondence related to Executive Team meetings, to various engagements involving internal or external audiences. 
• Ensuring quality control of all information released.

Qualifications:

• MBA or advanced degree in Communications, Marketing or related field desired. 
• 5+ years communications experience. 
• Significant experience in media relations and issues management, spokesperson training, strategic marketing alliances, special events, etc., plus strong journalistic writing skills 
• Awareness of and proficiency with communications technologies. 
• Experience in working with senior management on high level, company-wide communications strategies and initiatives 
• Clear and concise communication with team members and senior management. 
• Strong and confident leadership. 
• Proficient knowledge with Microsoft Office desktop tools (Word, PowerPoint and Excel)