Finance Communications Manager

DESCRIPTION

Communications Manager, Finance

Major Responsibilities:
Develop and implement finance communications plans and tactics to fulfil the strategic and operational goals and objectives of the overall finance communication program developed by the finance communications director and/or vice president in order to support the client's objectives and deliver, promote and protect the organization's brand and reputation.
Lead project or ongoing teams for the purpose of implementing specific communications projects or programs within a given timeframe; strengthening the client relationship; or ensuring high quality.

May have direct reports and/or supervise outside vendors.
Serve as backup to finance communications director or other leader.
Develop integrated (internal and external) finance communication plans for the national functional area strategies, programs, and initiatives, including communications positioning, messaging, and tactics consistent with the client brand.
Provide communications consulting to senior-level clients (SVPs and VPs) on internal and external communications.

Consulting activity will vary from verbal communications or advice on communications issues to providing customized communications plans and materials
Strategize with client, write communication plans and creative briefs, research and analyze information, write articles, prepare presentations (PowerPoint presentations, speeches and talking points), plan logistics, and manage overall coordination
Collaborate and integrate with peers in Brand Communication, including media relations and PR staff, internal communicators, and regional communications staff, to successfully fulfil the communications and brand objectives in the assigned national function.
Ensure content is consistent with the Client brand in terms of look, tone, manner, and messaging.
Manage and complete multiple assignments in short time frames and coordinate diverse projects and activities into a cohesive and strategic program.
Implement measures to determine effectiveness of communications programs and create plans to improve results.
Bring thorough understanding of Client's integrated delivery model, organizational structure, mission, and complex communications organization to bear in support of key strategic initiatives and leadership clients.

Business Impact:
The Finance Communications Manager will play a major role in planning, implementing, and managing communications projects and programs to achieve the client's objectives and positively affect the client's brand and reputation.

Decision Making:

Decisions affect the quality of the communications produced as well as the relationship with the clients and reputation of the group overall.
Exercises judgment to make decisions for specifics of communication campaigns or client relationships and complex issues.
Provide strategic communications counsel to clients and director to influence decisions beyond their personal authority.
For complex decisions, may involve assessing and identifying best options and recommending a decision to the client or director.

This role is not a final decision maker in regards to highly sensitive situations.
Partners with stakeholders and peers to make informed decisions.

Problem Solving:
Expected to take initiative, including identification and analysis of options, and presentation of recommendations to client or director.
Uses creativity and innovation within broadly defined communication practices to develop business solutions.
Identifies risks and benefits of potential options and influences final decision.
Leverages internal and external resources in an effective manner.
The Communications Manager consults with the communications director and/or vice president as necessary.
Partners with stakeholders and peers to address cross-functional concerns.

Interactions/Communications:
Own functional area or national communications team: daily
Client groups: daily
Brand Communication colleagues: daily
Brand Communication leadership: weekly
National Leadership Team direct reports and leaders: weekly to monthly

Independence/Discretion:
The Finance Communications Manager consults with the communications director and/or vice president on an as-needed basis.
Expected to manage one's own time and resources to meet deadlines and client needs.

Work is reviewed by clients and leaders as part of the normal communications development process.
Must proactively serve clients and build credible high-performance communications programs and deliverables on a consistent basis.

Management of Staff:
May act as back-up to communications director or other leader.
May manage the work of a project team or ongoing team.
May guide or mentor communications consultants.
May have direct reports, depending on specific role.

Requirements:
At least 10 years of experience in corporate communications environment, including two years of finance communications and major project leadership experience.
Recent experience in planning and implementing complex internal finance communications plans and projects for a large, complex organization, with track record of increasing responsibility.
Professional-level writing and editing skills for Web and traditional media.
Demonstrated excellence in directly supporting senior executives in large organizations and influencing their approach to communications while nurturing the relationship.
Demonstrated excellence in working collaboratively in a team setting.
Demonstrated experience on cross-functional, integrated (internal/external) efforts.
Proven experience with organizational change, corporate reputation management, internal brand reinforcement, and stakeholder engagement.
Able to respond to emerging issues and crises.
Customer Industry Knowledge (Healthcare)
Excellent writing and editing skills.
Project management.
Consulting skills, customer focus.
Must be familiar with Microsoft Suite of applications, especially Powerpoint.
Must be proficient in using electronic mail systems and familiar with researching and accessing information from the Internet.
Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, public relations, business administration or related field. Master's degree preferred.