Communications Strategist

About the role

The Communications Strategist manages and develops communication programs, initiatives, and campaigns that align with Northwestern Mutual’s strategic corporate communication priorities. This role supports the Product, Purchase, and Claims (PPC) area of the business, bringing communications expertise while partnering closely with subject matter experts in Underwriting and Claims. The role collaborates with business partners and stakeholders within Underwriting, Claims, and Strategic Communications to strengthen field awareness, understanding, conviction, and action.

Responsibilities include developing communications that support underwriting priorities and change initiatives, claims-related education and storytelling, and the company’s industry-leading risk product suite (life insurance, disability insurance, annuities, and long-term care). These activities aim to inform, educate, and influence financial advisors, clients, employees, and other stakeholders.

This is a dynamic role where you can directly support top business priorities through thought partnership, strategic counsel, impactful storytelling, and meaningful communications content.

Responsibilities

• Manage and implement communication tactics, programs, projects, and initiatives that align with strategic direction and priorities through a variety of channels.
• Consult with Underwriting, Claims, and other PPC initiative leaders on communication strategy to design and execute communications plans that support business objectives and documented outcomes.
• Translate Underwriting and Claims priorities, process changes, and operational updates into clear, actionable communications for field and internal audiences.
• Develop compelling content tailored for specific audience segments based on communications plans and business partner input.
• Learn about the complexities of the insurance and financial services industry, and the unique relationship the Home Office maintains with the exclusive field force.
• Work across the Strategic Comms department to ensure corporate channels are utilized appropriately and cross-functional team members are consulted when necessary.
• Administer and analyze metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of communication and assess the return on communication investment.
• Act as a resource and may mentor/train communication specialists.
• Work independently with minimal guidance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 6 or more years of experience in professional communication, public relations, organizational communication, marketing, or a related communication field.
• Demonstrated skill in project management.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to absorb complex information and convert it to an understandable format.
• Ability to adapt style and build consensus with client group leaders.
• Willingness to lead with a creative mindset and problem-solve within given guardrails.
• Ability to solve complex problems and analyze information from multiple resources to make business decisions.

Skills

• Project Management: Delivers projects in alignment with business requirements, specific success criteria, and stakeholder expectations. Plans, manages, and completes projects keeping cost and time considerations in mind.
• Writing & Editing: Creates and edits persuasive content so that it is appealing, understandable, or relatable to the intended audience; has knowledge of a variety of formats, styles, and techniques for developing and reviewing materials.
• Cross Functional Partnering & Planning: Facilitates collaboration, communication, coordination, and planning with individuals and teams from different functions within the organization, and who have different areas of expertise, to achieve common goals.
• Adaptive Communication: Formulates strategies to convey complex information about services, products, systems, or processes to targeted audiences; communicates and liaises between technical and non-technical audiences.
• Attention to Detail: Focuses on specific details to spot and correct errors in advance of them being found and surpass quality expectations. Performs work with thorough proofreading for presentation, content, accuracy, and overall quality.
• Problem Management: Intermediate
• Strategic Thinking: Advanced
• Information Optimization: Advanced
• Accountability: Advanced
• Decision Making: Intermediate
• Business Influence: Intermediate
• Financial Services Industry Acumen: Beginner
• KPIs & Metrics: Intermediate
• Content Management: Advanced
• Interpersonal Savvy: Advanced
• Executive Presence: Intermediate

Pay

Compensation ranges for this role are as follows:

• Standard Pay Structure: $75,600.00 – $113,400.00
• Structure 110 (Geographic Specific): $83,200.00 – $124,800.00
• Structure 115: $86,960.00 – $130,440.00

Final salaries are based on skills, experience, location, and other factors uncovered during the hiring process. Geographic-specific pay structures, compensation, and benefits may apply for candidates in California, New York City, or other eligible locations.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedules
• Concierge service
• Comprehensive benefits
• Employee resource groups