Communications Manager

Sunrise Senior Living•McLean, VA

About The Position

The Communications Manager supports Sunrise Senior Living’s brand and mission through effective internal and external communications and strategic change management support. This role works collaboratively within a matrixed organization, partnering with cross-functional teams, executive leadership and external vendors to help ensure consistent messaging and engagement with team members and external stakeholders. The candidate who will likely thrive in this position also possesses a passion and respect for the company’s mission: to champion quality of life for all seniors.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or a related field required
Minimum of 5 years of experience in communications, preferably in a corporate or agency setting and within a matrixed organization
Experience supporting both internal and external communications, including change management communications
Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage multiple projects and deliver quality work under deadlines
Experience supporting vendors, agencies and cross-functional teams
Analytical skills and familiarity with communications measurement and reporting
Adaptability and ability to work in fast-paced, changing environments

Nice To Haves

Project coordination and organizational skills
Ability to move fluidly across audiences, channels and priorities
Strategic and creative thinking
Stakeholder engagement and relationship-building
Writing, editing and content development
Change management communications
Adaptability and problem-solving
Collaboration and teamwork within a matrixed environment
Attention to detail and commitment to quality

Responsibilities

Develop and implement internal communications strategies across various channels to positively support Sunrise's team member experience and drive critical business objectives.
Maintain editorial calendars, support multiple company newsletters and assist with executive communications to align with organizational priorities.
Draft and edit external messaging partnership with internal stakeholders and Public Relations (PR) agencies, including media relations, public statements, blog content and social or marketing materials.
Identify opportunities proactively to promote Sunrise's brand, services and mission and support reputation management efforts.
Monitor media coverage, assess risks and opportunities and coordinate timely responses to protect and enhance the Sunrise brand.
Collaborate on communications for organizational change initiatives, contributing to plans that support change adoption and foster understanding and engagement.
Provide strategic planning on messaging strategies and communication channels to meet specific business goals.
Support crisis communications as needed, including assisting in the development of messaging and strategies for sensitive situations to protect and enhance the Sunrise brand.
Support content planning and editorial calendars for internal and external campaigns.
Work with subject matter experts and creative teams to ensure the timely delivery of content.
Foster relationships with executive leadership, department heads, external stakeholders and frontline team members to ensure communications are relevant and aligned with business goals.
Assist with managing relationships with communications vendors and agencies, supporting the execution of deliverables.
Help track and analyze communications initiatives, assisting with the preparation of reports and recommendations for improvement.
Review and edit communications for accuracy, clarity and alignment with brand voice and values.
Maintain compliance in assigned required training and all training required by state/province or other regulating authorities as applicable to this role to ensure that Sunrise standards are always met.
Perform other duties as assigned.