Communications Manager

About Us:

Our Employee Communications Department is made up of a dozen fun-loving professionals who are passionate about the power of communications by connecting an organization and engaging employees in unique and meaningful ways. We influence information-sharing and networking across the enterprise and strive for equity in workforce experiences. Our team is part of a larger Employee Experience and Corporate Strategy function. Together, we help open doors to new opportunities for our employees, community members and customers.

Additionally, we partner with several other related functions including Legal, Talent, Marketing, Community Relations, and Media Relations to promote our company name and reputation in the marketplace to attract new employees and partnerships. We believe people are most inspired to action when you engage their hearts and minds in activities filled with purpose. When we’re not busy partnering with senior leaders or creating compelling messages, you can find us having fun by giving back by raising money or helping our local communities.

 Job Purpose:

The Communications Manager is responsible for leading a team of experienced communication strategists, journalists and content creators to consistently and creatively implement an employee engagement strategy through a multi-channel communication plan. The manager plays a critical role in bringing our brand to life; influencing employee and customer loyalty; and attracting new partners, customers and employees to CUNA Mutual Group. This role requires an experienced communicator with strategic focus, creativity and strong leadership skills. 

Job Responsibilities:

25% - Develop and implement a content plan with a leadership focus through a team of strategists. This content plan paints a clear picture of the company’s goals and objectives including key growth initiatives. The plan also articulates a story that brings our corporate mission and brand to life through customer experiences.

20% - Leveraging engagement metrics, create enterprise leadership meetings, events and activities that connect business strategies, ensure collaboration and alignment, and help leaders communicate effectively with employees.

20% - Help shape and develop the Communications team through hiring practices, performance management, growth and development.

15% - Provide creative direction on the development of key visuals, materials, multimedia and events needed to execute the department's communication plans and respond to organizational priorities.

10% - Partner closely with related functions such as Business Resiliency, Media Relations, Marketing, Legal and Compliance to develop and regularly practice crisis communications plans.

5% - Connect with outside resources and partners, as needed, to the development and delivery of communication strategies.

5% - Serve as internal spokesperson for the department/function. 

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in English, Journalism, Marketing, 
• Communications or Psychology, or an equivalent in work experience. 
• 8+ years of experience in corporate communications, employee engagement, media relations, or marketing preferred. 
• Ability to create a vision, influence and lead others. 
• Experience partnering with senior executives. 
• Ability to demonstrate experience in leading crisis communications. 
• Ability to demonstrate strategic thinking and leadership skills; experience managing a team, preferred. 
• Analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Effective oral and written communication skills (including business writing, creative writing, storytelling, public speaking, and development of content for web, social, email and presentation) 
• Ability to work in teams and in matrix organizations 
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to prioritize against multiple deadlines and manage projects at various stages of maturity 
• Fluency in PowerPoint, Word and Excel. 
• Experience with SharePoint, content management systems and social media, a plus 
• Adept at dealing with complexity and ambiguity in a business environment 
• Proven track record of creative planning and execution, and of attracting and developing talent

CUNA Mutual Group’s insurance, retirement and investment products provide financial security and protection to credit unions and their members worldwide. As a dynamic and growing company, we strive to create a culture of performance, high standards and defined values. In return for your skills and contributions, we offer highly competitive compensation and benefit packages, significant professional growth, and the opportunity to win and be rewarded.