Participant Communications Associate

AllianceBernstein•Nashville, TN

19h

About The Position

We are seeking a Participant Communications Associate to join our Defined Contribution (DC) Business Development team, which is responsible for positioning and supporting AB’s investment services across workplace retirement plans (i.e. 401(k) plans) of all sizes in the U.S., with a primary focus on institutionally sized plans. In this role, the Associate will support the Director of Participant Communications in engaging with the diverse audiences involved in corporate and public retirement plans. These audiences include plan participants (employees), plan sponsors (employers), and financial intermediaries and business partners (consultants, financial advisors, recordkeepers and insurers). The Associate will play a key role in developing and distributing relevant content—client specific, product-specific and value-added—internally to teams that support these stakeholders. As one of the largest managers of custom target-date funds and a pioneer in retirement income solutions for institutional DC plans, AB offers a dynamic environment where the Participant Communications Associate will contribute to the development and delivery of customized communications programs tailored to the unique needs of our plan sponsor clients. This includes creating participant-facing materials such as fact sheets, websites, and educational content, fulfilling ad-hoc requests, and supporting ongoing research initiatives focused on plan sponsors and participants. A central goal of this role is to help simplify complex investment concepts and deliver engaging, accessible communications that resonate with everyday plan participants. The Associate will collaborate closely with internal teams—including client service, marketing, product management, legal and compliance, and the multi-asset solutions investment team—as well as external business partners. Additionally, this role will explore and implement innovative ways to communicate with retirement plan participants, leveraging creative strategies and modern channels to enhance engagement and understanding. Beyond execution, the Associate will be expected to stay informed on industry trends, legislative developments, communication innovations, and competitor activity within the DC space. They will also be accountable for conceptualizing, creating, and implementing value-added content—such as financial wellness and retirement education programs—leveraging existing resources like blogs, whitepapers, and market commentary. Additionally, the Associate will support the Director of Participant Communications in external business development efforts, including new business opportunities, meetings, conferences, webinars, and speaking engagements. While prior experience with retirement plans or investment products is beneficial, it is not required. We are looking for someone with a strong interest in learning about the retirement market and its impact on the financial well-being of American workers.

Requirements

Ability to manage multiple deadlines and reassess priorities in a fast-moving environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
Bachelor’s degree—preferably in communications, finance, business management, or marketing—with a strong academic record.
A minimum of two years of professional experience is preferred, ideally in a communications, marketing, or client-facing role.
Strong interest in learning about the retirement industry and AB’s investment strategies, with a commitment to personal and professional growth.
Creative thinker with the ability to conceptualize engaging ways to deliver information to end-users.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the confidence to present ideas to diverse audiences.
Strong judgment, initiative, and a sense of urgency in managing tasks and priorities.
Ability to work proactively, both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
Self-starter with a high level of motivation and accountability.
Interest in and familiarity with varied communication formats, including social media, print, web, and virtual platforms.
Willingness to present new materials to internal audiences and contribute to thought leadership.
Exceptional time management and organizational skills.
Detail-oriented and client-focused, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Skilled at synthesizing data and insights to craft compelling narratives.
Open-minded and collaborative, with a respect for diverse viewpoints.

Nice To Haves

Experience in financial services, investments, defined contribution plans, or retirement savings is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

Respond effectively to client requests, coordinating with the client service team and other members of the DC team to ensure timely and accurate delivery.
Manage and maintain a holistic view of ongoing projects—overseeing execution, tracking status and next steps, and ensuring alignment across internal stakeholders.
Create, update, and maintain quarterly participant fact sheets, fund profiles, and assist with fund change communications for each client.
Assist in the development of general participant communications, retirement education materials, and research content for plan sponsors and participants.
Explore, create and implement financial wellness initiatives that add value for both institutional and retail clients.
Provide up-to-date participant communications content to the RFP team and develop and update participant-focused business development materials and continuously seek innovative ways to showcase content.
Create sample materials and tailored communications for retirement income recordkeeping and insurer partners.
Manage the communications production process by collaborating with internal departments including editorial, graphic design, legal, compliance, technology, and external business partners.
Build strong relationships with key support groups (design, production, proofing, web) to understand workflows and requirements.
Explore new modes of participant communication, including mobile apps and social media formats, to enhance engagement.
Stay informed on DC industry trends, legislation, communication innovations, and competitor activity.
Actively participate in department meetings, including project updates and business strategy discussions.
Support broader team initiatives and contribute to cross-functional projects as needed.
Disseminate updates and content as applicable to team members
Demonstrate a strong interest in learning about the retirement plan industry and its impact on American workers.
Proactively seek opportunities for professional growth through training, mentorship, and staying current on industry best practices and communication strategies.