Corporate Communications Manager

Robust, timely, transparent communications are an integral part of Baird’s business strategy, culture and commitment to being a great place to work. As Baird continues to grow and evolve, so does our need for strong corporate communications capabilities and leadership. Baird is seeking a veteran corporate communications expert with a proven track record of helping drive organizational success and engagement. He or she will report to the Director of Corporate Communications and partner with him, other members of the Corporate Communications Team and Marketing & Communications (M&C) department, and firm senior leaders to plan, develop, and execute Baird’s executive, firmwide and business unit communications. Candidates must have exceptional business writing and communications planning and execution skills, enjoy teamwork, and excel at handling multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

- Work in close partnership with Director of Corporate Communications, others on the Corporate Communications team and in M&C to:

• Continue to refine and evolve Baird’s communications strategy, capabilities and execution.
• Further Corporate Communications’ consultative approach to addressing our clients’ communications needs.
• Enhance our change, issues management and business continuity communications readiness, processes and capabilities.
• Build team and individual capability and engagement.
• Help deepen understanding of and engagement in Baird’s business strategy and culture.

 - Develop and help implement comprehensive communications solutions, often leading the development of communications plans and key messages, writing content and managing projects.

- Collaborate with Baird’s CEO and other top leaders to identify the purpose, scope, content and timing of specific communications.

- Play a key communications role in business growth efforts, including acquisitions and other complex change events.

- Work closely with Finance to analyze pertinent data in order to develop key themes and messages.

- Write, edit and execute executive updates about Baird’s business strategy and firmwide priorities, quarterly business reports, senior leader presentations and talking points, intranet news and other content.

- Ensure communication style, approach and messages are consistent with Baird’s culture and brand.

- Work with other members of M&C to establish and meet production deadlines.

- Contribute to efforts to build awareness of Baird’s commitment to being a best place to work, including helping to apply for and leverage third party recognitions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications or equivalent required. Advanced degree a plus.
• Ten or more years of communications management, planning and execution experience. Corporate communications or related consulting experience with C-suite executives strongly preferred.
• Exceptional business/financial writing skills and related experience, including work on complex projects like quarterly business updates.
• Experience with change and issues management communications preferred.
• Working knowledge of or experience in public relations in a corporate setting a plus.
• Experience as a corporate or other spokesperson a plus.
• Exceptional client service and consulting skills.
• Proven ability to drive self and others to achieve specific, sustained results.
• Strong leadership capabilities including excellent interpersonal, negotiation and influencing skills.
• People management and team development experience strongly preferred.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Communications work in financial services or other regulated industry preferred.
• Community involvement leadership a plus.
• Prior involvement in helping create and communicate about a “great workplace” a plus.
• Working knowledge of various marketing disciplines and communications measurement, analytics.
• Strong time and project management skills.
• Comfort with numbers and basic principles of corporate finance.
• High attention to detail, a passion for precision in content and execution.
• Experience with intranets and use of social media in a corporate setting is a plus.
• Strong computer skills with good working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability and willingness to work on time-sensitive projects during non-traditional hours.

Full compensation package will include base salary plus a discretionary annual bonus, PTO, 401k and medical, dental and vison benefits.