Communications Manager (Internal & External)

Location:

Job Description:

The Communications Manager is an individual contributor role reporting to the Senior Communications Manager. This position will act as a strategic and collaborative advisor and team member across the Commercial, Wealth and Institutional lines of business, working to proactively identify and execute on internal and external tactics that support a broader communications strategy and business priorities identified by the Executive Leadership Team.

In this role you will support the development and execution of integrated communications plans that tell KeyBank's story across North America. You will work closely with business leaders and teammates to craft timely and relevant content, including commentary and story angles that highlight our expertise and connect with current news and industry trends. Your efforts will encompass both external and internal stakeholder engagement, including thought leadership initiatives, awards, conferences, bylined content, media interviews and executive positioning.

We seek a proactive, intellectually curious, and solutions-oriented storyteller with a proven track record of executing successful campaigns, with a focus on delivering integrated communications strategies. The ideal candidate is passionate about building relationships with journalists from national, broadcast and financial media and internal partners. You should have an integrated marketing communications mindset, recognizing opportunities in owned, earned, paid and social channels, and be able to coordinate with business partners to bring efforts to life across all platforms.

Job Functions:

Act as knowledgeable business partner providing effective communications support to assigned LOB and/or functional area, or region.

• Partner with business leaders to analyze communication needs, determine objectives and design effective communication strategies
• Consult with business partners to proactively identify and drive employee communications that align with Key's overall strategy
• Deliver strategic communications using established protocols that connect employees with business strategies, resources, tools, policies and procedures that they need to do their jobs
• Utilize expertise in writing skills to draft critical communications for various stakeholders
• Develop messaging and senior leader talking points to support business area objectives
• Provide communications support for change management activity as needed
• Communications are consistent, cohesive and link to overall strategy
• Senior Communications Consultant is viewed as knowledgeable partner and relied upon for subject matter expertise
• Employees are provided with the information, tools and resources needed to perform at a high level

Develop and execute on integrated communication plans and strategies for assigned LOB and/or functional area or region.

• Consult and coordinate the communication needs of client group to create comprehensive, high-impact plans that inform and engage employees, educate and build awareness and help improve business performance
• Understand and stay informed of LOB/functional area/regional strategy and direction; adapt communication plan and deliverables as appropriate
• Develop, prioritize and adapt project timelines and communication schedules to meet business needs
• Deliver on communications output in timely and accommodating manner

• Client needs and requests are met in timely fashion; on-time deliverables
• Messaging is connected to business initiatives within client area as well enterprise-wide objectives
• Employees feel compelled to change critical behaviors and strengthen Key's culture to deliver a consistent, quality client experience

Establish effective and collaborative relationships.

• Develop and maintain strong collaborative and collegial relationships with assigned client group, Communications, Marketing, Go to Market, Human Resources and more
• Treat co-workers, clients, and external contacts with professionalism and respect
• Participate in project teams and support other lines of business as requested
• Consistently demonstrate Key's related leadership behaviors including: effective collaboration and accountability
• Business partners, clients and co-workers rely on Communications Consultant as approachable, responsive and accountable resource in area of expertise
• Communications Consultant has collegial and professional relationship with, and is respected by, business partners, co-workers, clients, and all levels of management

Promote and protect Key's brand and reputation.

• Leverage completed strategic messaging that supports LOB/functional area/regional goals and objectives.
• Develop messaging that supports proactive or reactive communications activities.
• Support maintaining/strengthening existing media relationships; expand relationships or knowledge of emerging media (online, social, etc.); provide share of voice into the development of ongoing social media strategies.

• Ensure consistent messaging and delivery of foundational messaging.
• Mitigate risk of reputational threats
• Stronger market perception and awareness
• Broader reach to critical and new constituents

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, or related field or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of internal and external communications experience in financial services
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; proficiency in editorial and proofreading ability
• Proven comfort level/experience working with mid to senior level management; demonstrates level of professional presence
• Demonstrated creativity and ability to develop innovative and compelling communications
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects in fast-paced environment under general direction from manager
• Ability to produce a large volume of high-quality communications materials with attention to detail
• Strategic thinker with ability to anticipate client needs and demonstrate level of influence based on understanding of business area
• Good data analysis, problem-solving and critical thinking skills with the ability to report on and analyze communications efforts for future improvement
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in order to accomplish goals in evolving business environment
• Ability to effectively collaborate; proven track record of solid relationship-building
• Highly motivated and team-oriented self-starter with leadership potential

Preferred Qualifications:

• Agency experience
• Crisis and Issues Management

This position is NOT eligible for employment visa sponsorship for non-U.S. citizens.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Please click here for a list of benefits for which this position is eligible.

Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing HR_Compliance@keybank.com.