Communications Manager

The communications manager will be responsible for developing and executing external communications plans for consumer product offerings, focused specifically on U.S. Bank’s Retail Payments Solutions business line. This individual will be the communications link between communication strategists for these business lines and reporters for national and trade publications. This individual will report into the company’s centralized Public Affairs & Communications organization and will partner with communication strategists and business line partners, while also forging relationships with other external communications managers to ensure consistency across the organization to identify opportunities to tell stories that touch more than one business line.

Their responsibility will include providing expert communications consultation, developing media plans for product launches, proactive and reactive media relations, thought leadership, and other aspects of these complex businesses that lend themselves to media outreach. The individual will also collaborate with other key stakeholders to develop multifaceted communications plans that include internal, cross-enterprise storytelling, social media amplification, speaking engagement and thought leadership opportunities, as well as storytelling on U.S. Bank’s owned media platforms.

Ideal candidate will have external communications experience in Financial Services, technology, or similarly complex and highly regulated industry.

Responsibilities:

• 360-degree external communications support – plan development, content creation, tactical implementation, executive coaching, media training, interview staffing, tracking and reporting results
• Proactive and reactive media relations; Develop ideas for pitches based on industry topics and trends.
• Stay up-to-date on events and developments – internally and externally – that impact U.S. Bank while identifying opportunities to increase positive visibility for the organization.
• Provides executives and other spokespeople with communications guidance related to core business line priorities / objectives with input and direction from communication strategist.
• Works to implement communications strategies for complex business lines to build U.S. Bank’s reputation and increases brand awareness of capabilities
• Partners with central Public Affairs & Communications team on major events that may involve media interaction, such as a reduction in force, adds to staff, cross-business line moves, new leaders, major new initiatives, etc.
• Collaborates with social media partners with PR agency for some efforts, and fosters direct relationships with reporters
• May provide support for external events including speaking remarks, staffing, etc.
• Collaborates with aligned communication strategist and external communication peers to ensure consistency of message and no redundancy of efforts.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent work experience
• Eight to ten years of experience in communications activities

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Experience working with reporters in complex industry
• Comfortable operating in a complex, fast-paced environment
• Contemporary, creative approach to communication strategy
• Demonstrated leadership skills, diplomacy, and ability to gain buy-in from diverse teams
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Always do the right thing and represent USB with ethics and integrity
• Proven experience in developing and executing a clear communication strategy to help the company achieve its objectives
• Contemporary, creative approach to communication strategy
• Demonstrated leadership skills, diplomacy, and ability to gain buy-in from diverse teams
• Experience managing an outside PR agency