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Job Purpose
The External Communications Specialist supports the External Communications team and reports to the Director of External Communications. The External Communications Specialist assists with team initiatives that promote and enhance Jackson's reputation in the financial services industry and the communities in which the company conducts business; including earned and paid media, executive communications, conference sponsorships, industry and civic involvement, and company awards. The External Communications Specialist also regularly engages with teams across the Corporate Communications department and other Jackson business units.
Essential Responsibilities
- Writes and edits communications, such as press releases, media alerts, bylined articles, messaging documents, media pitches, project plans, and other projects as assigned.
- Tracks media coverage and prepares results reports on a monthly and quarterly basis, including developing a year-end summary.
- Monitors peer media coverage and prepares monthly reports to help identify industry trends and new media contacts.
- Creates and maintains media distribution lists using a third-party tool and independent research.
- Tracks editorial calendars to identify opportunities for proactive media outreach.
- Assists with the awards program to secure recognition for the company and individual leaders, including working with internal SMEs to draft compelling award submission content.
- Supports conference sponsorships as needed.
- Researches content for social media posts to bolster executive visibility.
- Works with vendors, contractors, and agencies to implement projects as needed, ensuring goals are achieved and deadlines are met.
- Helps source content for the Daily Articles email with relevant industry news.
- Collects data to inform insights, outcomes, and implications for future programs.
- Tracks and identifies potential areas of improvements to the team's procedures and processes.
- Occasionally represents the company at community, industry, and/or internal meetings and events.
Other Duties
- Performs other duties and/or projects as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to edit and compose content and other correspondence.
- Strong writing skills, including style and grammar proficiency and experience writing business and journalistic content; proficient in Associated Press Style.
- Knowledge of public relations and media outreach strategies and best practices.
- Strong organizational, project management and time management skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
- Business acumen with aptitude to develop strategic thinking and planning abilities.
- Ability to acquire knowledge of the financial services industry and desire to increase expertise in this area.
- Knowledge of other communications (i.e., social media and internal communications) and marketing disciplines to support cross-functional marketing communications initiatives.
- Ability to manage and drive progress on multiple projects at the same time, often to support multiple internal leaders or business units.
- Solid interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and build relationships with all levels of stakeholders across the organization with a high level of professionalism.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or a similar field required.
1+ years of public relations, external communications, or similar experience required.
Media relations experience preferred.
Public relations agency and/or financial services industry experience preferred.
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.
