Senior Innovation and AI Communications Director

Empower • Overland Park, KS

3d • $151,800 - $220,050 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director, Innovation & AI Communications will serve as a strategic communicator, storyteller, and ambassador for Empower’s innovation, AI, and emerging technology agenda. This role develops and delivers compelling internal and external narratives that educate, inspire, and influence clients, prospects, consultants, partners, associates, senior leaders, and Executive Leadership. The role leads high-impact communications initiatives, including presentations, roadshows, thought leadership, RFP content, executive messaging, and internal enablement efforts, while ensuring Empower’s innovation and AI strategy is communicated clearly, consistently, and in alignment with responsible AI principles, regulatory expectations, and business objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Business, Technology, Journalism, Public Relations, Information Systems, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in strategic communications, executive communications, technology communications, innovation, AI, digital transformation, marketing, consulting, client engagement, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of AI, generative AI, responsible AI, emerging technology, digital innovation, and technology strategy.
• Exceptional presentation, facilitation, writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Ability to communicate complex technical topics to non-technical audiences.
• Strong executive presence and ability to present to clients, consultants, partners, senior leaders, and large audiences.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, and collaboration tools.
• Experience supporting RFPs, finalist presentations, client meetings, conferences, roadshows, or external speaking engagements.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across Technology, Product, Marketing, Sales, Legal, Compliance, Risk, Corporate Communications, and business teams.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, stakeholders, deadlines, and approval processes.
• Demonstrated interest in innovation, AI, emerging technology, and continuous learning.
• Ability to travel up to 50%.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree.
• Certifications or coursework in AI, generative AI, responsible AI, data, emerging technology, communications, public relations, marketing, or change management.
• Project management, agile, or product management training or experience.
• Experience in financial services, retirement, wealth, benefits, or other regulated industries.

Responsibilities

• Develop and define the enterprise Innovation & AI communications strategy in partnership with the Head of Innovation and drive execution across the organization.
• Create and deliver high-impact presentations for prospective, new, and existing clients, consultants, partners, internal associates, senior leaders, and Executive Leadership.
• Represent the organization as a keynote speaker at conferences, panels, client meetings, finalist presentations, roadshows, webinars, and internal events, and manage associated budgets.
• Develop clear, compelling messaging that communicates the value, relevance, and responsible use of AI, generative AI, innovation, and emerging technology initiatives.
• Translate complex technical concepts into business-focused narratives aligned to client value, customer experience, associate productivity, operational efficiency, and risk management.
• Create and execute communication plans supporting major AI, innovation, and emerging technology initiatives, including roadshows and internal enablement efforts.
• Develop, edit, and manage content through established approval processes in a highly regulated environment, including presentations, whitepapers, talking points, FAQs, RFP responses, client-ready narratives, demo scripts, and thought leadership materials.
• Partner with Innovation, AI, Technology, Product, Marketing, Sales, Legal, Compliance, Risk, Corporate Communications, and business leaders to ensure messaging accuracy, alignment, and approval.
• Support RFPs, client due diligence, consultant inquiries, and finalist presentations related to AI, innovation, responsible AI, and digital capabilities.
• Build and maintain a centralized library of approved messaging, presentation assets, use cases, proof points, demos, and executive-ready materials.
• Manage the speaking engagement pipeline, including intake, prioritization, content development, approvals, speaker preparation, scheduling, and follow-up.
• Coordinate logistics for presentations and speaking engagements, including venue setup, audio/visual needs, connectivity, materials, attendance, and supplies.
• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, regulatory considerations, client needs, and competitive activity related to AI and innovation.
• Recommend and implement updates to messaging, presentations, and enablement materials based on evolving business needs and technology capabilities.
• Experiment with innovative storytelling formats, including interactive demos, video, synthetic media, webinars, podcasts, digital experiences, and innovation showcases.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Retirement savings – 401(k) plan with generous company matching contributions (up to 6%), financial advisory services, potential company discretionary contribution, and a broad investment lineup
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250/year
• Business-casual environment that includes the option to wear jeans
• Generous paid time off upon hire – including a paid time off program plus ten paid company holidays and three floating holidays each calendar year
• Paid volunteer time — 16 hours per calendar year
• Leave of absence programs – including paid parental leave, paid short- and long-term disability, and Family and Medical Leave (FMLA)
• Business Resource Groups (BRGs) – BRGs facilitate inclusion and collaboration across our business internally and throughout the communities where we live, work and play. BRGs are open to all.

What This Job Offers

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