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Job Purpose
The Manager, External Communications manages the development and execution of external communications initiatives designed to support Jackson's strategic objectives through increased brand awareness and reputation management.
Essential Responsibilities
- Develops strategy for media presence, enhancing the company’s reputation across the industry and building Jackson’s external brand.
- Works with SMEs across the organization to develop and distribute company press releases, talking points, bylined articles, media pitches/ statements, and other external-facing corporate messaging.
- Cultivates proactive opportunities for executive commentary in the media by establishing productive relationships with trade, business and consumer editors, journalists, and content marketers.
- Builds local relationships with reporters and business organizations in communities where Jackson operates, including Lansing, Nashville, and Chicago.
- Coordinates responses to media inquiries and moderates executive interviews with the media.
- Serves as spokesperson for media when appropriate.
- Supports External Communications partnership with Investor Relations to develop integrated strategies to promote the company’s financial and business results to key external stakeholders, including quarterly earnings announcements, other financial-related communications, analyst/media talking points, and executive presentations.
- Serves as External Communications representative on Jackson’s product implementation working group, assisting with deliverables to support the company’s product launches, including filing background documents, key messages, press releases, and pitch emails.
- Partners with Internal and Corporate Communications to develop and execute integrated communication strategy related to executive visibility, strategic corporate announcements, and legal-related issues.
- Participates in the formation of reputational risk management strategies including crisis communications.
- Provides strategic oversight and manages execution of industry conference, award, and event sponsorship opportunities.
- Helps to secure speaking opportunities for executives that raise awareness for Jackson’s thought leadership capabilities, providing guidance and best practices to spokespeople in advance of engagements.
- Manages the media and presentation training program for Jackson, fostering knowledge in all levels of the organization.
- Ensures all corporate messaging is on-brand and consistent in terms of style, quality, and tone of voice.
- Improves tactics, processes, and outcomes by staying fluent in media relations and corporate communications best practices.
- Provides oversight for External Communications SSA/intern(s), including workload management and performance feedback.
Other Duties
- Performs other duties and/or projects as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Exceptional writing and editing skills, including command of AP Style.
- Strong knowledge of public relations and media relations strategies.
- Knowledge of the financial services industry, preferably insurance, investment, and retirement planning products and services.
- Solid research and analytical skills, as well as the ability to think critically and strategically.
- Blend of strategic vision and execution-oriented skillset.
- Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously in a high-stress environment while remaining deadline-oriented.
- Ability to gather relevant data, measure results, and adjust media strategies accordingly.
- Ability to produce content/ messaging that adheres to existing rules in a highly regulated environment.
- Ability to coach and provide direction to staff.
- Innovative and creative with the ability to execute quickly and effectively.
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, English, Marketing, or Communications required.
5+ years of experience in media relations, corporate communications, or similar role required.
We don't just accept difference - we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products and our community. Jackson is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. The Company subscribes to and endorses federal and state laws and regulations relating to equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, legally-recognized disability, marital status, legally-protected medical condition, citizenship, ancestry, height, weight, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other factor not related to the needs of the job. The Company is committed to a policy of equal opportunity. Company facilities and campuses are tobacco-free environments.
