Director, Internal Communications

The Hartford•Hartford, CT

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Internal Communications plays a critical role in how leaders connect with employees and how strategy comes to life across the enterprise — particularly during moments of change, transformation and heightened employee attention. This role serves as a trusted communications advisor to select members of The Hartford’s Executive Leadership Team and their direct reports, supporting a range of enterprise functions and initiatives, including but not limited to technology, data, AI, and operations. This is a highly visible, strategic role for a communications leader who thrives at the intersection of business strategy, executive counsel and storytelling — and who brings sound judgment, influence and clarity to complex conversations.

Requirements

A minimum of 10 years of experience in internal communications, media relations or a related role within a large, complex organization; experience at a publicly traded company required. Other relevant experience may be considered.
A strategic, confident communicator with strong judgment and the ability to provide clear counsel to senior leaders, influence decisions, and redirect stakeholders while maintaining trusted partnerships.
Proven experience advising leaders at all levels and translating complex business strategies into clear, actionable communication plans.
Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information, navigate ambiguity, and operate effectively in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
A track record of delivering multiple, high‑stakes communication initiatives under tight timelines while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
Strong knowledge of internal communications best practices, digital channels, AI and emerging tools and technologies.
Interest in and familiarity with topics relevant to senior leadership at publicly traded companies, including corporate strategy, financial performance, economic trends, organizational culture, and business‑related public policy.
Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to adapt tone and style for different leaders and audiences and a strong command of narrative storytelling.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; advanced degree a plus.

Nice To Haves

Financial services experience is a plus.
advanced degree a plus.

Responsibilities

Shape enterprise communication strategy.
Lead internal communication and change strategies for designated executives, leaders, and business units, developing messaging and tactics that advance enterprise priorities, business goals, and transformation efforts.
Influence decisions and outcomes by helping leaders communicate with clarity, confidence and credibility.
Advise senior leaders.
Partner closely with executives and unit leaders to stay ahead of emerging trends, issues and opportunities affecting employees.
Act as a primary point of contact for communication strategy and execution across assigned stakeholders and initiatives.
Provide counsel on confidential and sensitive matters, thoughtfully balancing internal and external messaging considerations with reputational risk.
Deliver high‑impact campaigns.
Develop and oversee integrated communication campaigns across enterprise channels, including email, intranet, leader toolkits, newsletters, live or virtual events, and external‑facing platforms as appropriate.
Craft leader communications.
Create senior‑leader materials such as speeches, keynote remarks, talking points, presentations, briefings, video scripts, correspondence, articles, blog posts, and employee communications.
Coach leaders on message delivery, presence, and authenticity to strengthen connection and trust with employees.
Lead through change.
Serve as a senior advisor during moments of change, ambiguity or heightened employee attention by translating complex topics into clear, employee‑centered messages.
Anticipate communication risks and opportunities and provide proactive, strategic counsel.
Drive alignment across teams.
Collaborate closely with Marketing and Enterprise Communications to ensure messaging is aligned, well sequenced, and reinforces enterprise strategy, values and behaviors.
Act as a connector across functions and serve as a role model and mentor for early‑career colleagues.
Measure and improve.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication efforts using qualitative and quantitative insights.
Apply data, feedback, and best practices to continuously improve clarity, engagement, and leader effectiveness.
Innovate and evolve.
Stay current on communication trends, tools, and technologies, applying a contemporary, innovative approach to strengthen execution and impact.