New Public Relations Job Posting at Nationwide

The Nationwide Corporate Communications department is looking for the right person to lead our Financial Services PR team.  Click here to apply. 


Here are the details:

Job Title:        Director  (H Band)

Job Code:       51504

Function:         Communications

Family:           Marketing & Strategy

Department:   Corporate Communications

Job Description:

We’re looking for the right individual to lead a team of highly engaged associates and provide strategic public relations support for Nationwide Financial Services with an emphasis proactive PR, thought leadership, and reputation management. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of developing effective public relations campaigns and strategies that produce meaningful results. The ideal candidate must also demonstrate a history as an effective leader of people with an emphasis on collaboration. Strong executive presence, critical thinking, strategy-building and relationship management skills are a must. Experience in various aspects of the financial services industry is preferred.

This individual will be responsible for external communications support for the Nationwide Financial organization and also will collaborate closely with internal communications to provide counsel and support for the delivery of communications content to internal, associate-based audiences. The position will report to AVP of Public Relations in Corporate Communications.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

Summary: Accountable to lead communications teamwork with overall business unit and/or Corp Communications functional responsibility.  Directs large-scale strategic plans.  Responsible for painting a vision and driving the team toward accomplishing the vision.  Responsible for driving the team to implement complex, strategic external communications programs.  Directs the design and consultation to senior management on strategic communication plans for the organization and/or specified business unit.

1.  Directs the design, development, production and distribution of strategically, complex external communications projects.  Directs communication teams focused on marketing strategies, message development, and communication plan development and implementation.  Initiates and directs the development of comprehensive, integrated marketing communications plans to achieve marketing, sales and/or communications strategies and goals for a business unit.

2.  Responsible for development, execution and measurement of strategic plans pertaining to their area of overall responsibility. Generally engages and is accountable to clients at senior management level.

3.  Directs the planning, design, development and implementation of communication strategies and programs at the company or division level for internal/external audiences.  Manages the development and implementation of strategic communication plans for senior management in order to increase associates’ understanding of the business plan and initiatives as well as to advertise and promote products and services, strengthen relationships, increase visibility within the industry, and build community awareness of the company and/or business unit as a respected corporate citizen.

4.  Develops and oversees the consultation of complex communication strategies and productions.  Partners with business leaders to develop marketing and communications strategies.

5.  Directs the planning, preparation and dissemination of information concerning the company through in-house publications, marketing materials audio-visual presentations and video projects, and internet/intranet sites.  Leads the evaluation on impact and effectiveness of the materials and programs and provides recommendations to senior management on new/revised communications practices, programs and strategies.

6.  Directs the development and implementation of communication plans, discussion guides, presentations and consulting contracts.  Oversees the facilitation to senior management or leadership groups on communications planning and decision-making.

7.  Directs the needs assessments, research and evaluation of possible solutions/alternatives, and development as well as presentation of proposals for new communication projects and programs.

8.  Develops and oversees the communication department budget.  Oversees cost savings through effective budget management procedures.  Determines the market and budget for communication and advertising function for a particular business unit.

9.  Develops and implements communication policies, procedures and practices for the company and/or business unit.

10.  Monitors and assesses project development, establishes quality standards, implements procedural changes and evaluates customer response/satisfaction.

11.  Makes recommendations to senior communications management on matters pertaining to staff administration and operations improvement in their areas of responsibility.

12.  Directs associate management including: performance management, salary planning and administration, training and development, workflow and organizational planning, hiring and placement, and disciplinary actions. 

13.   May help manage various CAT duties as a representative of Corporate Communications. Duties may be onsite or out of a designated office location.

14. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Undergraduate studies in communications, journalism, advertising or related field.   Masters level degree preferred.

Typically 10 or more years related experience in a communications field including  developing and managing focused and actionable corporate communications programs, editing and writing, communications coaching, developing and executing complex communications projects, budget management, managing associates and working in a graphics production environment.  Some experience in advertising and marketing is preferred.  Must have a proven record of strong leadership, sound judgment and good decision-making; and success in influencing senior leadership toward the right communications solutions.  Experience managing a team of communications professionals.

Proven knowledge in communications techniques and strategies.  Proven knowledge in print, audio-visual, and Web production processes as well as layout and design rules and concepts.  Demonstrated knowledge in advertising, public relations, and sales marketing communication concepts is preferred.  Proven knowledge in business operations and procedures, company structure, and organizational dynamics.  

Must have the ability to be accountable for long-term communications projects, as well as quick turnaround assignments; and be comfortable directing large cross-functional teams toward a common goal..   Must have the ability to articulate a vision and drive the team to successful and measurable results.  Must have the ability to interact, influence and build a strong relationship with OCEO-level executives.  Must have a strong sense of accountability in creating and executing on strategies and projects needed to meet strategic needs.  

Must have the ability to analyze business strategies and develop communications plans and programs to meet client needs.  Must be able to research, plan and develop communication strategies, projects and programs.  Must have the ability to influence and direct creative service teams that are not direct reports and to influence executive leaders.  Must have the ability to prepare and present verbal presentations and demonstrations translating complex policy and technical concepts to all types audiences.  Must have high-level verbal and written communication skills necessary to consult on communication planning to senior leaders and to direct development of marketing and internal/external communications materials to project team.  Ability to manage both direct reports including management level and project team members.

Regularly and consistently demonstrates the Nationwide Values and Guiding Behaviors.

Staffing exceptions to the above Minimum Job Requirements must be approved by the:  Vice President and Human Resources.

Job Conditions:

Not Eligible (Exempt).

Normal office environment. Extended work hours may be necessary during periods of heavier volume of work. May be required to travel to field locations to provide media support for catastrophic (CATs) situations.

The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job.  Specific circumstances may allow or require some associates assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.