Senior Manager, Communications Strategy - Employer Brand

About the role

We are seeking an accomplished senior communications people leader for Vanguard’s Communications Strategy Group (within Corporate Communications). Serves as a senior communications counselor and spokesperson for Employer Brand related coverage areas, leading the development and execution of integrated strategies that drive measurable impact for the enterprise.

Responsibilities

• Hires, evaluates, and supervises crew. Develops and retains top talent; provides coaching and career development to sustain a high-performing, future-ready team.
• Sets strategic direction and leads the development of integrated communications strategies to enable strategic business outcomes. Sets vision and guides multi-level teams, ensuring alignment with enterprise priorities and adapting plans as needed.
• Translates enterprise and business strategies into messaging and content, personally crafting narratives for complex topics and executive audiences. Oversees messaging consistency and alignment with Vanguard’s positioning and key themes.
• Protects and advances Vanguard's reputation through all communications across channels and platforms (e.g. earned media, social media, owned channels, etc.). Anticipates risks, balances risk/reward, and proactively sources and delivers strategic, business-critical communications.
• Drives the impact of collective communication strategies, ensuring execution of all phases—conception, implementation, and measurement. Partners closely with senior leaders (C-suite-level) to advise and influence decisions at the highest levels.
• Serves as Vanguard's authority on industry best practices and emerging trends, introducing innovative tactics and concepts to elevate communications. Balances external practice with internal brand and culture.
• Serves as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, shaping narratives and securing impactful coverage. Strengthens relationships with key influencers, executives, journalists across top-tier and trade outlets, and agency partners—leveraging a robust internal and external network to shape narratives and secure impactful coverage.
• Leads the development and oversight of practice area measurement framework tied to goals and KPIs, partnering closely with internal centers of excellence and analytics teams to enhance impact. Provides consistent transparency and accountability to managers and business partners.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum eight years related work experience, with at least five years in communications and PR preferred.
• Prior experience leading communication strategy teams/organizations dealing with employer brand-related issues and topics.
• Strong media relations experience is preferred.
• Proven track record of people leadership, influence, and enterprise impact preferred.
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience. Graduate degree preferred.

Special Factors

Sponsorship: Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission. To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

Empowered to learn, grow, and thrive

• Rajesh D.: “Over the past 24 years, I’ve had the privilege of being part of Vanguard that is truly client-owned. What makes this place exceptional is its culture of niceness and collaboration. It’s more than just a job; it’s a place where you can grow, make meaningful contributions, and be part of a supportive, inclusive community. Every day, I am inspired by the dedication of my colleagues and the genuine care we have for our clients. Vanguard is where I and my work truly matters and where one can build a rewarding and fulfilling career.”
• Akua A.: “I discovered my niche in cybersecurity at Vanguard through a combination of IT roles and the Technology Leadership Program. My initial IT roles provided me a solid technical foundation, while the leadership program offered exposure to various facets of technology and strategic thinking. The highly collaborative environment at Vanguard, combined with access to cutting-edge technology and continuous learning opportunities, solidified my commitment to cybersecurity. This specialization not only leverages my skills and interests but also provides a profound sense of purpose, knowing that my work directly contributes to the safety and trust of our clients.”
• Diane T.: “What has always stood out to me about Vanguard is the people, our crew. Throughout my Vanguard journey, I’ve gotten a chance to explore various roles in security which has helped me navigate my career, and I have had the opportunity to work with the most incredible, supportive team members and leaders who truly care about me. Vanguard is truly the best place to work.”
• Kelly P.: “When I was seeking an employer, I was looking for somewhere I could grow, be challenged, collaborate with others who encourage diversity of thought and innovation, and do purposeful, value-driven work that truly makes a difference. I am fortunate to not only have found that during my tenure at Vanguard, but also to find a place where I can build a long and engaging career, experience many milestones (like earning an MBA, getting married, and starting a family), and mentor others who are seeking to do the same. Our mission, combined with our distinctive culture and an encouragement to learn continuously has given me a great opportunity to develop in ways I never imagined!”
• Megan M.: “Vanguard is not just a great place to work—it is a great place to have a career! As a company, we promote continuous learning and rotations which has allowed me to grow as a technical professional and as a leader. I have been encouraged to take on novel challenges and mentored to hone new skills preparing me for roles that I never imagined.”