Technology and Operations Communications, Director

Northern Trust • Chicago, IL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role leads and executes the planning, writing, editing, designing, disseminating and optimization of high quality content that supports strategic initiatives and differentiates the organization. It is accountable for developing engaging, multi-platform content across thought leadership, social media, and internal communications. This role serves as a senior communications leader for Technology, Operations and Data—representing more than half of the organization—and plays a critical role in shaping how these functions are understood internally and externally. It partners closely with senior executives to translate complex topics—such as AI, technology strategy and foundational initiatives—into clear, compelling narratives. The role leads the development and execution of integrated communications strategies and campaigns around enterprise priorities, including AI, technology innovation and operational transformation. It acts as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing counsel on messaging, issues, crisis scenarios and evolving developments related to technology, operations and data. This position also drives a thoughtful, multi-channel executive visibility strategy, elevating leadership presence across internal, social and relevant external channels to strengthen reputation and thought leadership. Provides leadership to managers and professional staff and is accountable for the performance and results of multiple related teams.

Requirements

• Requires 10-12 years of relevant experience in communications, content strategy or a related field.
• Deep expertise in communications and content strategy, with the ability to translate complex topics into clear, compelling narratives.
• Strong knowledge of—and curiosity about—emerging industry issues across technology, operations and data, with the ability to stay ahead of developments, assess implications and determine how, when and to whom to respond.
• Recent IT communications experience needed
• Exceptional writing and editorial capability, with the ability to produce concise, impactful, creative and action-oriented content that resonates with audiences and drives engagement.
• Proven ability to create compelling content across formats, including infographics, articles, headlines, video scripts and executive communications, with strong editorial judgment for what audiences will read, engage with and share.
• Strong executive presence and ability to influence and advise senior leadership on messaging, positioning and communications strategy.
• Excellent judgment and instincts in high-stakes, fast-moving or sensitive situations, including issues and crisis communications.
• Strong ability to lead, communicate and collaborate across departments.
• Established people leader with a track record of coaching talent, managing performance, and aligning team outcomes to strategic priorities.
• Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, navigate complexity and meet deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to foster team creativity, collaboration and performance.
• In-depth functional and industry knowledge, particularly supporting large, complex organizations.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa).

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops strategic plans and sets priorities aligned to enterprise direction, with a strong focus on Technology, Operations and Data communications; ensures execution against goals.
• Acts as the lead communications partner for senior executives across Technology, Operations and Data, providing strategic counsel on messaging, positioning and stakeholder engagement.
• Leads the development and execution of integrated communications campaigns tied to enterprise priorities, including AI, technology strategy, foundational initiatives and transformation efforts.
• Translates complex technical and operational topics into clear, compelling and accessible messaging for a range of audiences, including partners, clients, media and industry stakeholders.
• Maintains strong awareness of emerging industry developments and trends, proactively shaping messaging and advising leadership on how to respond quickly and effectively to evolving issues.
• Advises leadership on issues management and crisis communications, particularly those related to technology, operations, data and cybersecurity, ensuring timely, coordinated and effective messaging.
• Develops and executes a multi-channel executive visibility strategy, spanning internal communications, social media and relevant external platforms to elevate leadership presence and thought leadership.
• Prepares and oversees development of executive-level materials, including board presentations, partner Town Hall decks, keynote speeches, fireside chat talking points and other leadership communications.
• Leads the development of engaging content tailored across platforms, including thought leadership, sales collateral, social media, digital marketing, media relations, video production, client communications and internal communications.
• Plans, develops and implements communication strategies, messaging and creative execution.
• Drives performance of content strategy through measurement and insights; ensures alignment with brand and business priorities.
• Works closely with leadership and subject matter experts to deliver high-impact communications programs.
• Ensures consistency of messaging and brand across all communications globally.
• Leads and develops teams, managing performance, resourcing and priorities aligned to business needs.
• Stays current on industry trends, particularly in AI, emerging technologies and data-driven communications.

Benefits

• retirement benefits (401k and pension)
• health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability)
• paid time off
• parental and caregiver leave
• life & accident insurance
• other voluntary and well-being benefits
• discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component

What This Job Offers

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