Senior Communications Specialist

This position provides communications planning, writing, editing and channel management support for enterprise priorities and “run-the-business” initiatives. The incumbent creates and distributes communications that drive business priorities, build a deeper understanding of organizational direction, affect culture change, enhance organizational reputation and tell The Thrivent Story.

The role also provides communications support and guidance to leaders, employees and others across the organization to ensure the delivery of relevant, timely messages to multiple audiences (members of the field organization, corporate leaders and staff, chapter and member volunteer leaders, the media, etc.). Works independently, with key business partners and at the direction of Communications leaders to create and share communication through traditional (print), web-based collaboration and internal/external social media channels.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops communication plans, including detailed time and action plans, supporting specific enterprise priorities, "run-the-business" initiatives and reputation management activities. 
• Concepts, writes and edits articles, messages and other planned communications for multiple audiences (members of field organization, corporate leaders and staff, chapter/member volunteer leaders, media, etc.). 
• Provides channel management support as required by the initiative or communication plan. 
• Possesses and applies a deep level of understanding of the interests and motivators of members of the target audiences; positions communication to meet the content and information needs of receivers. 
• Can effectively create communication for distribution in multiple channels, including traditional (print), web-based collaboration and internal/external social media channels. 
• Develops and provides communications training to departments, content contributors and others. 
• Works independently, with key business partners and at the direction of communications leaders to create and distribute communications. 
• Provides proofreading support as needed to others in the Communications division. 
• Tracks team and individual performance measures and reports performance.

Required Job Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, marketing or related field required 
• Five years' experience (minimum) in business communications 
• Strong writing, editing and communication management skills 
• Experience in business/corporate communications and change management 
• Experience working with web-based collaboration applications and/or internal/external social media 
• Excellent human relations skills, tact, good listening and consulting skills 
• Proven knowledge of the financial services industry 
• Prior financial writing experience preferred

Other Critical Factors

• Strong planning and implementation skills 
• Strong communication skills, ability to present ideas well both in writing and verbally 
• Strong writing and editing skills 
• Ability to work collaboratively with others inside Communications and in the business lines