Director, External Communications

Jackson•Nashville, TN

About The Position

The Director, External Communications develops, executes, and tracks impact of the organization's external communications strategy, driving brand awareness and enhancing the company's reputation across the industry, to support the strategic direction of the company. The Director leads a team of communications professionals to effectively deliver communications for external audiences in support of company messaging pillars.

Requirements

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong project and people management skills.
In-depth knowledge of Jackson’s operations, current and historical financial data, strategic plans, and competitive advantages.
Ability to engage others, develop and maintain effective networks, and promote a positive image for Jackson.
Strong public speaking, influencing, and negotiation skills.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Excellent knowledge of financial services industry, especially U.S. insurance and retirement planning companies, products, and services.
Solid understanding of business strategy and the ability to generate clear and consistent messaging that effectively communicates the company’s business strategy to multiple audiences.
General knowledge of GAAP and Statutory accounting principles and financial statements.
Ability to comprehend and summarize key performance and financial analysis reports.
Strong analytical skills.
Strong ability to coach, mentor, and provide direction and development opportunities to staff.
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Journalism, English, Marketing, or Communications required.
8+ years of experience in communications/public relations, including strategic communications planning, required.
Prior management/leadership experience required.

Responsibilities

Directs the efforts of the team to execute strategic initiatives related to financial communications, media relations, awards, conference sponsorships, industry and civic organization involvement, speaking engagements, and other external communications.
Formulates corporate messaging and issue-specific proactive/reactive talking points, coordinating executive review of materials to support consistency of message in market, accuracy, and compliance and alignment with overall business strategy.
Serves as company’s primary media point of contact.
Partners with communications colleagues to support the development and execution of external elements for crisis communications, cyber security, incident management, and other similar corporate communications plans and policies.
Partners with Investor Relations to develop integrated strategies to support, develop, and promote company’s financial and business results to key external stakeholders, including quarterly earnings announcements, other financial-related communications, analyst/media talking points, and executive presentations.
Oversees brand-level paid media efforts, including trade, business/consumer advertising campaigns, coordinating with Enterprise Marketing on creative development and performance tracking, and coordinating with Legal and Purchasing to manage vendor relationships.
Oversees the development of content for specific sections of company's corporate website, Jackson.com, and manages social media for select corporate executives.
Improves the department's productivity, cost efficiency, and effectiveness.
Contributes to the development and monitoring of the department’s annual business plan and budget.
Ensures the quality, quantity, and priority of all work performed within the External Communications team.
Directs staff and is responsible for personnel actions, including hiring, performance and salary reviews, corrective actions, and terminations.
Performs other duties and/or projects as assigned.