Assistant Director - Brand Communications New York
At Northwestern Mutual, we believe relationships are built on trust. That our lives and our work matter. These beliefs launched our company nearly 160 years ago. Today, they're just a few of the reasons why people choose to build careers at Northwestern Mutual.
We're strong and growing. In a company with such a long and storied history, this may be the most exciting and important time to be a part of Northwestern Mutual. We're strong, innovative and growing.
We invest in our people. We provide opportunities for employees to grow themselves, their career and in turn, our business.
We care. We make a positive difference in our communities. Nationally, thousands have benefitted from our support of research and programs to fight childhood cancer. Each year, our Foundation, employees and financial representatives donate time, talent and financial support to causes they're passionate about.
We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
What's the role?
Based out of our New York office and reporting to the Director, Corporate Communications as the Assistant Director – Brand Communications you will have the opportunity to do the following:
- Lead and implement holistic PR strategies specific to Northwestern Mutual, LearnVest and LearnVest at Work brands to increase engagement and drive traffic to strategic brand platforms such as websites and social channels in partnership with NM’s media/PR and marketing teams, and external PR agency partner(s).
- Lead internal and external resources (PR agencies) in collaborative process to meet or exceed key expectations.
- Manage and work closely with external PR agency partner(s), serving as a conduit to the team to:
- Use strategic partnerships to: garner positive media coverage (print, broadcast, digital) with a concentrated focus on consumer lifestyle press; strengthen relationships with existing media contacts; and demonstrate the brand’s value proposition
- Showcase the value of earned media through ongoing measures that complement holistic brand campaign efforts
- Facilitate media requests specific to brand initiatives (e.g. NM.com redesign, brand campaign, etc.)
- Secure and facilitate articles, speaking engagements and membership opportunities for key executives to elevate the brand
- Assist with drafting press materials
- Distribute reports for LearnVest and LearnVest at Work and partner with PR on additional reporting.
- Create and execute initiatives within budget and deadline requirements.
- Monitor and report on current events and trends that can be applied to, or result in, new PR strategies across all three brands.
- Ensure all media outreach maintains brands’ integrity, style, tone, voice, and mission.
- Develop effective consultative and reciprocal relationships with business partners including executive officers.
- Attend and participate in strategy meetings to align brand mission with long-term growth strategy.
- Support media crisis management; ability to anticipate issues and prepare for/prevent issues from emerging externally.
- Oversee monthly updates to the “in the news” page on LearnVest.com.
- Oversee Compliance submission process for all relevant media requests
Bring Your Best! What this role needs:
- You've obtained a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or a related field is required; an advanced degree would be preferred.
- You have a minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in professional corporate communications or public relations.
- You are skilled at implementing messages to target audiences using a full range of public relations channels, including print, broadcast, cable, video, online, social media, live events, etc.
- You have superior skills in communications strategy, planning and execution, problem-solving, and writing.