Communications Strategist

What's the role?

Influencer. Thought partner. Communications strategist. Expert writer/editor. Collaborative doer. As a member of Strategic Communications, the communications strategist will help drive business value by engaging with key audiences to share our company story in a way that informs and inspires. You’ll lead the development and implementation of integrated corporate communication strategies that build support of Northwestern Mutual’s company strategy and key initiatives aligned to its Client Services and Products & Innovation business functions.

In this role, you’ll engage in critical work to build alignment with and understanding of Client Services priorities – helping to drive an improved client and field experience in more than 70 million interactions annually. You’ll also increase awareness of insurance products and underwriting which play a key role in our long-term product value. You’ll define communication objectives, develop strategies, counsel stakeholders, write a variety of content for employee, leader, and field audiences, and lead effective execution of communications plans to ensure maximum impact. You’ll help brainstorm new ideas, determine evaluation and measurement criteria, and work in collaboration with a variety of cross-functional business partners. You’ll contribute to a fast-paced and committed team of professionals where your ideas, energy and commitment to excellence are both welcomed and expected.

Bring Your Best! What this role needs:

• Bachelor’s degree in mass communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or related field that requires a demonstrated proficiency in written communications. 
• Your dynamic experience entails at least eight years of progressive experience in professional communications environment, preferably a mix of integrated communications agency and corporate settings. 
• Proactive independent worker with ability to quickly grasp and communicate complex information. 
• Superior written and verbal communication skills with ability to build rapport, negotiate with, and gain acceptance at all levels. Passion for writing about a variety of topics. 
• Ability to listen to, engage, and influence clients; synthesize and relate complex information; analyze communication problems and opportunities; and develop and implement integrated communication strategies. 
• Demonstrated experience with communication planning, objective setting, and key message development based on analysis of communication problem/opportunities. 
• Demonstrated capability to think strategically, work closely with business partners at all levels of the company, including senior leaders, and counsel partners to gain understanding and buy-in of how to appropriately use communication strategies and tactics to inform and influence target audiences. 
• Highly organized and disciplined self-starter with project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. 
• Problem-solving and innovative thinking with desire to try new methods of communication. 
• Knowledge of: mass communication theories; best practices in organizational communication; theories of persuasion; media channel and audience engagement effectiveness; print, audio, video, and web-based production methods; and change management practices. 
• Newsletter development and program/campaign management experience a plus.