Assistant Director, 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?
The Assistant Director – Communications, located in New York, NY is responsible for developing and implementing multi-audience communications strategies that align with, support and advance the company’s business strategy, objectives and priorities. Reporting to, and in partnership with the Director-Strategic Communications, you will lead communications consultation for NY-based executives in the Client and Digital Experience business area.
As a member of the Communications extended leadership team, you will collaborate with other communications leads to ensure alignment and integration to strengthen and reinforce the company narrative across internal and external stakeholder audiences, including the financial advisors, and employees. You will build a collaboration network with home office and appropriate field leadership to maintain a thorough understanding of current and anticipated company priorities and issues.
Based on overall strategy, you will coordinate content, design, and logistics for department meetings and other team communications channels to inform, build advocacy and encourage dialogue, and you will provide executive communication support at key company meetings (e.g. Annual/Regional Meetings, Board of Trustees). You will also serve as liaison for the NY office to enable employee communication/information sharing between MKE and AZ, and you will work with our PR agency to oversee external profiles/public appearances, coordinating with the NM PR team to ensure support of enterprise strategy.
Bring Your Best! What this role needs:
- You have obtained a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or related field
- You have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in professional corporate communications, organizational communications, integrated communications and/or public relations in corporate or agency setting
- Key accountability for handling client relationships, providing strategic communications counsel in support of business objectives and guiding teams in successful implementation of communications programs
- You can listen to, engage, and influence
- You thrive in a fast-paced environment and are flexible -- able to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
- You have proven creative-thinking skills including the ability to synthesize/relate complex information
- You possess extraordinary professional communications skills including business and communications writing
- Public speaking in small- and large-group settings and one-to-one personal relationships
- You have an exceptional range of external and internal communications solutions: face-to-face; print and electronic channels; media relations; creative media solutions.
- You have thorough understanding of social media applications and channels
- You have expertise in digital innovation and technology
- You have uncommon planning, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities