Media & Public Relations Strategist

Develops and manages external communication programs, initiatives, and campaigns that support Northwestern Mutual’s marketing and communications priorities and business outcomes.

Develops and executes communication strategies and tactics to elevate the reputation of Northwestern Mutual. Focuses on financial communications, including external communications as it relates to financial results, ratings announcements, news about the company’s general account investments as well as products and services. Leads all elements of media relations efforts related to projects, including cultivating relationships with media, messaging development, media training, organizing press conferences, etc. Provides PR counsel to business partners and agency partners. Builds external understanding and support of Northwestern Mutual’s planning approach through media relations. Works in close collaboration with marketing and communications teammates to deliver content across audiences. What You'll Bring to the Role: At least six years of dynamic experience in professional communication, public relations, organizational communication, marketing, training or related communication field. Additional experience would qualify you for a senior strategist level and would entail at least eight years to ten years of dynamic experience in the profession. Bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, public relations, marketing or social sciences. Emphasis on specialized knowledge of public relations, media relations, and issues management. Experience in corporate financial communications and/or retail investment products communications. Proactive professional who has ability to build rapport with business partners and colleagues, provide counsel, and develop productive working relationships at all levels Versatility to learn about and work with a variety of business areas and topics Demonstrate exceptional presentation, writing, and analytical skills, including experience writing strategic plans and detailed message materials (press materials, talking points, etc.) Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to manage relationships and communicate effectively by phone, email, and in-person Ability to listen to, engage, and influence business partners throughout the company; synthesize and relate complex information; analyze problems and opportunities; and develop and drive external communication strategies and tactics. Ability to counsel business partners in the appropriate use of communication strategies and tactics to inform and influence target audiences (e.g., clients, prospects, key influencers, financial representatives, employees, and other partners or stakeholders). Solid experience using digital and social media as a lead element and experience in providing direction for content creation. Displays strong results in both national and regional media relations. Strong understanding of PR metrics and analysis. Ability to work with and guide PR firms; you are able to work with and lead teams and others virtually in regional markets throughout the country. Embodies polished organizational, decision-making and problem-solving skills.

You Will Have: Adaptive Communication: Formulates strategies to be used to convey complex information about services, products, systems, or processes to targeted audiences; communicates and liaises between technical and non-technical audiences. Consulting: Connects with stakeholders to understand and gain specific information to help resolve customer problems in a given domain. Communicates effectively intent to customers, solicits customer requirements, utilizes domain knowledge and collaborates with the right stakeholders. Cross Functional Partnering & Planning: Facilitates collaboration, communication, coordination, and planning with individuals and teams from different functions within the organization, and who have different areas of expertise, to achieve common goals.