At Northwestern Mutual, we believe relationships are built on trust. That our lives and our work matter. These beliefs launched our company over 160 years ago. Today, they're just a few of the reasons why people choose to build careers at Northwestern Mutual.

2021 was a record-setting year here at Northwestern Mutual - one that saw our company achieve new levels of financial strength, client trust, employee engagement and media attention. For instance:

• Company revenue grew to $34 billion, an all-time high.

• More clients than ever before - over 97% - kept their life insurance with us.

• We were one of only four U.S. companies to earn the highest levels of financial soundness from every major rating agency - a class that includes Apple and Microsoft.

• Our combined $570 billion in client assets was the highest in our history.

• We have consistently maintained best-in-class employee engagement levels.

The future has never looked brighter at Northwestern Mutual, and to help accelerate our historic momentum we are making exciting investments in key areas of the enterprise - including external communications.

A centerpiece of that investment will be our new head of national grassroots and field communications - a position created to help drive proactive media relations efforts at the local level - a strategic priority for the company. Leading a team of communications strategists and specialists, this leader will be responsible for market-focused PR leveraging Northwestern Mutual's 7,000+ financial advisors.

In addition to generating significant earned media attention for the company and our advisors, this skilled and seasoned communicator will also work alongside key internal partners from Marketing, Social Media, and other functions to guide complementary promotional activities at the local level. Those efforts could include, but are not limited to, sponsorships, paid thought leadership content, and market-specific awards.

Reporting into the Senior Director of Media & Public Relations, the role will also serve as an external communications counselor to several top leaders at Northwestern Mutual, helping to drive company priorities and meet key business objectives. Chiefly, the Assistant Director will:

• Develop and lead highly effective, innovative and fully integrated grassroots communications initiatives.

• Work closely with a wide variety of spokespeople - from financial advisors to executive leaders - supporting media interviews and crafting compelling content that advances the company's relevance and enables business results.

• Guide trusted PR agency partners while seamlessly collaborating with a range of internal stakeholders.

• Have a keen understanding of and interest in PR measurement, with a focus on linking earned media efforts to brand and business outcomes.

To help ensure success, qualified candidates will also:

• Boast exceptional writing skills that can be applied to and adapted for multiple audiences and channels.

• Bring a team mentality, strong work ethic, positive attitude and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

• Bring the ability to cultivate ongoing relationships with local news media across multiple markets.

• Possess superior skills in communications strategy, planning and execution - particularly in a large, fast-paced, and matrixed environment.

• Be a proven team leader, guiding direct reports toward shared goals and generating positive business results.

• Have strong instincts, capabilities and demonstrated expertise when it comes to internal positioning and merchandising communications results.

• Understand the company's products, services, structure and unique value proposition.

• Enjoy working across all levels of the organization, including executive leaders.

• Have experience handling budgets and associated deadlines.

• Possess a bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Mass Communications, Journalism or a closely related field.

• Have a minimum of 10 years of experience as a PR practitioner, journalist or communications strategist.

Benefits:

Great pay package, 401K, Company sponsored retirement plan, Educational assistance, Performance based incentive pay, Medical, dental and vision insurance, Parental leave, Caregiver time off....and more

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W e are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you work or would be working in Colorado or outside of a Corporate location, please click here for information pertaining to compensation and benefits.

We're excited about the potential people bring to Northwestern Mutual. You can grow your career here while enjoying first-class perks, benefits, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.