External Communications, Media & PR Manager

CNA • Chicago, IL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role is a key member of the External Communications team, helping to shape and protect CNA's reputation among brokers, customers, industry stakeholders, media, and other external audiences. The Marketing Manager serves as a strategic communications advisor, developing and executing integrated communications strategies that advance business objectives, strengthen market positioning, and elevate CNA's brand and thought leadership. Working closely with business leaders and subject matter experts, this individual identifies opportunities to amplify CNA's voice in the marketplace, manages media and public relations initiatives, and provides communications counsel on both proactive and sensitive issues. The role requires strong business acumen, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to translate complex topics into compelling stories and messaging that resonate with external audiences.

Requirements

• Commercial insurance industry experience required.
• Strong expertise in external communications, media relations, and public relations, including earned media strategy, message development, spokesperson support, and issues management.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex business, insurance, and industry topics into clear, compelling communications.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strategic communications plans that support business objectives and enhance reputation.
• Experience positioning organizations, leaders, and subject matter experts through thought leadership, executive visibility programs, speaking engagements, and industry recognition opportunities.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills with the ability to work effectively across all organizational levels.
• Proven project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Typically a minimum of five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in corporate communications, public relations, media relations, or a related field.
• Experience advising leaders and stakeholders on strategic or high-profile communications initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a trusted communications advisor, providing strategic counsel on messaging, reputation management, communications risks and opportunities, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Develops and executes external communications strategies that support enterprise priorities, business objectives, and key growth initiatives.
• Manages media and public relations programs, reputation management, executive visibility, reporter engagement, media materials development, spokesperson preparation, media monitoring, and results reporting.
• Leads CNA's Awards & Recognition program as a key component of the company's reputation and thought leadership strategy.
• Executes opportunities that enhance CNA's external profile, elevate executives and subject matter experts, and showcase the company's expertise, culture, and business performance to key stakeholders.
• Identifies and develops opportunities to enhance CNA's visibility and reputation through thought leadership, executive positioning, speaking engagements, industry awards, and recognition programs.
• Partners with business leaders and subject matter experts to create compelling content and storytelling that strengthens CNA's market presence and supports strategic priorities.
• Monitors emerging issues, assesses potential reputational impacts, and recommends communications strategies, messaging, and response plans.
• Manages agency relationships and external communications projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives, brand standards, and expected outcomes.
• Measures and analyzes communications performance, media coverage, and reputation-building activities, leveraging insights to optimize future strategies and programs.
• Collaborates across Marketing & Communications and business teams to ensure consistent messaging and a coordinated approach to external engagement.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits package to help employees and their family members achieve their physical, financial, emotional, and social wellbeing goals.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level