Senior Speechwriter

3 weeks ago

Pasco, Washington, United States Transamerica Full time
About the Role

The Senior Manager, Executive Communications will be responsible for building and executing plans that achieve the objectives set forward by executive leadership. This role will require managing multiple drafts and opinions to produce executive-quality communications. The Senior Communications Manager will report directly to Transamerica's Chief Corporate Affairs officer and work directly with the company CEO and C-suite.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop, execute, and measure executive and employee communications strategies.
  • Work to advance the company's corporate reputation, drive employee alignment and engagement, and promote executive visibility in support of the company's growth strategy.
  • Partner with the Brand and Public Affairs teams to develop internal and external thought leadership platforms and content and manage speaking opportunities and preparation.
  • Advise the CEO and leaders on complex company issues and ensure communications align with the company's brand identity and foundational narrative.

Requirements
  • Able to communicate about far-reaching strategies for growth, technology initiatives, organizational change, and draw correlations in service to a cohesive employee experience.
  • Craft and implement communication plans that clearly articulate objectives, strategies, and tactics.
  • Serve as a trusted partner on routine, sensitive, and confidential messages.
  • Partner closely with the CEO on strategic messaging for internal meetings, written messages, external speaking engagements, and thought leadership opportunities.
  • Discern and reflect the CEO voice in their messages.
  • Work closely with the business on the design and execution of town hall meetings that reflect and promote the company's vision as well as specific business objectives; coordinate with event planners and HR to facilitate meetings that are relevant, engaging, and effective from both a leadership and employee perspective.
  • Improve employee and executive communications efficiencies through process, tools, and collaboration.
  • Establish and maintain a dynamic network of subject matter experts and partners to enable quick and effective problem-solving.
  • Perform research before and after sensitive/significant messages; test assumptions about clarity and effectiveness and take steps to improve.
  • Exert version control and manage input from multiple sources under tight deadlines.
  • Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in challenging or ambiguous projects.
  • Lead by example with clear direction, candid feedback, and a communications style that results in trust and optimism.
  • Exhibit sound independent judgment, a bias for action, and a disciplined approach to the communications craft.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree (English or journalism preferred but not required), or equivalent experience.
  • Ten years of experience in employee/executive communications and/or related disciplines.
  • Speechwriting and media relations experience preferred.
  • At least five years in a senior communications role.
  • Senior experience in directing a team to deliver unified messages to targeted audiences, based on the highest creative standards, and sound creative judgment.
  • Interpersonal skills to establish rapport, credibility, and collaborative relationships at a senior level, across Transamerica.
  • Superior verbal, writing, editing, and proofreading skills (writing samples and writing test are part of the interview process).
  • Ability to effectively organize material, distill complex ideas, and write lively and appealing content in a variety of voices.
  • Ability to engage effectively in leadership meetings and direct productive discussions on communication objectives and activities.
  • Ability to quickly establish rapport with subject matter experts and get up to speed on organizational structure, culture, programs, policies, etc.
  • Project management skills and the ability to shift priorities based on business needs.
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Change management skills and the ability to set priorities around constant change.
  • Self-starter able to manage, train, and mentor others.
  • Expertise in Microsoft Office (including SharePoint).