Consultant, Communications

Nationwide•Columbus, OH

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Nationwide is seeking a seasoned communications professional to help shape and tell their story to reporters, editors, influencers, and key stakeholders. This role is ideal for a strategic media relations leader who thrives on translating complex business priorities into compelling narratives, influencing senior leaders, and driving measurable reputation and visibility outcomes through earned media and storytelling. The position is a hybrid role based in Columbus, OH, requiring collaboration in the office two days per week. Current Nationwide Remote Associates will also be considered.

Requirements

Senior-level media relations expertise with a track record of shaping and delivering high impact earned media programs tied to business strategy.
Strategic counselor mindset with the ability to advise and influence senior leaders on messaging, press strategy, and reputational risk.
Strong storytelling skills—able to translate complex business priorities into compelling narratives for reporters, editors, and influencers.
Deep communications discipline across public relations, organizational dynamics, and marketing communications.
Proven leadership without authority, comfortable driving outcomes across large, cross functional teams as an individual contributor.
Executive presence and credibility, with exceptional writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Undergraduate studies in communications, journalism, advertising or related field.
Typically, eight or more years of proven experience in a communications field, including developing and running focused and impactful corporate communications programs.
Demonstrated knowledge in communication techniques and strategies as well as in print, audio-visual and web production processes, and layout and design rules and concepts.
Proven knowledge in advertising, public relations, organizational dynamics and sales/marketing communication concepts is preferred.
Accountable for long-term communications projects, as well as quick turnaround assignments and comfortable working with and influencing large cross-functional teams toward a common goal.
Ability to articulate a vision and drive successful and measurable results, as well as the ability to interact, influence and build a positive relationship with business executives.
Strong verbal and written communications skills and the ability to prepare and deliver verbal presentations to all types of audiences.

Nice To Haves

Reporting or video and audio capture/editing skills a plus!

Responsibilities

Lead sophisticated external communications and media relations programs that support enterprise and business unit strategic priorities.
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing counsel on earned media strategy, messaging, and proactive/reactive media engagement.
Plan and execute complex communication initiatives that increase visibility, promote products and services, and enhance corporate reputation.
Act as project lead for high-profile communications efforts, owning strategy, execution, and delivery end to end.
Build and strengthen relationships with media and stakeholders, positioning the organization as a respected industry and community leader.
Measure and evaluate communications effectiveness, using insights to refine strategy and recommend evolved communications practices.
Responsible for the design, development, production and distribution of communication programs for strategically complex internal/external communication programs/projects.
Provides consultation to senior management and project leaders on internal/external communication issues and programs to ensure that communication plans support the business unit's and/or company's critical initiatives and objectives.
Leads planning, design, development and implementation of communication projects/programs for internal/external audiences to increase associate understanding of the business plan and initiatives; advertise and promote products and services; strengthen relationships; increase visibility within the industry; and build community awareness of the company and/or business unit as a respected corporate citizen.
Consults on complex communication productions and serves as project leader for assigned communications projects.
Evaluates the impact and effectiveness of the materials and programs and provides recommendations to senior management on new/revised communications practices, programs and strategies.
Handles analysis and evaluation on the impact and effectiveness of communications materials, programs and events.
Provides procedural direction to unit/team members on projects.
Monitors training procedures and performs training duties.
Acts as technical liaison with other departments.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.