Head of Engineering Communications and Brand Development

Head of Engineering Communications and Brand Development

Who we are:

Charles River Development (CRD) is the FinTech division of State Street. Together with State Street’s Middle and Back-office services, Charles River’s cloud-based Front Office technology forms the foundation of the State Street Alpha Platform, the first front-to-back solution in the industry.

Our vision is to be the world’s leading investment platform, shaping the future of the industry and driving new levels of technology-led innovation, resiliency, efficiency and growth for investors and the people they serve.

CRD Engineering organization is innovating and transforming the platform by moving away from monolithic software to utilizing next generation cloud-based technology that leverages Microsoft Azure, Kafka, Snowflake, etc.

As a digital innovation leader, we invest into our solutions, processes, systems, and talent.

Summary:

The Head of Engineering Communications and Brand Development plays a pivotal role in shaping and amplifying the internal and external presence of the CRD Alpha Platform Engineering organization. The ideal candidate is an accomplished and strategic professional bringing deep expertise in internal communications, branding, talent engagement, and program leadership, driving high-impact initiatives that align with organizational goals and growth.

As a successful candidate for this full-time role, you will create, define, and execute strategic internal communications, brand development, new hire onboarding programs, and foster employee engagement. The role requires not only strengthening the CRD Alpha Platform Engineering brand globally but also equipping stakeholders with tools and information to position the organization as an industry leader.

You are a highly motivated, organized, and proactive team player with an energetic spirit. We are looking for you to bring strategic ideas, continuous support and collaboration to those around you. Working across multiple divisions, your ability to collaborate, foster relationships, and bring solutions to the table are essential assets. This role would suit someone who wishes to gain or expand senior leadership experience in communications and branding within a fast-paced, global organization.

Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Internal Communications:
   1. Develop and execute a comprehensive end-to-end internal communications program for the CRD Alpha Platform Engineering organization.
   2. Lead the creation and implementation of advanced communication tools and channels to ensure effective, consistent, and impactful messaging across all levels of the organization.
   3. Oversee the production of high-quality content, including newsletters, leadership updates, and organizational announcements, ensuring alignment with organizational vision and priorities.
   4. Regularly communicate the most recent CRD Alpha Platform updates to the broader company, ensuring transparency and alignment.
2. Executive Communications Support:
   1. Partner closely with senior leadership to craft executive-level presentations, strategic documents, and communication materials.
   2. Ensure all executive communications are compelling, polished, and aligned with organizational messaging and goals.
3. Global Brand Development:
   1. Collaborate with University Relations and CRD Marketing to build and enhance the CRD Alpha Platform Engineering brand globally, with a specific focus on universities and colleges.
   2. Spearhead initiatives such as global recruitment campaigns, university partnerships, and talent pipeline programs to position the organization as an employer of choice.
   3. Work with the wider CRD and Alpha Marketing team and business unit to align communication strategies and ultimately further the CRD Alpha Platform brand.
   4. Establish metrics to measure the effectiveness of branding initiatives and continuously optimize strategies.
4. New Hire Onboarding Leadership:
   1. Architect and oversee a best-in-class new hire onboarding program, ensuring seamless integration of employees into the organization.
   2. Partner with leadership and HR to design and implement onboarding materials, orientation sessions, and engagement touchpoints that reflect organizational culture and values.
   3. Continuously evaluate and evolve the onboarding process to support organizational growth and talent retention.
   4. Ability to build a team from scratch should one be needed to execute tasks effectively.
5. Organizational and Employee Engagement Programs:
   1. Drive key organizational initiatives, including the Employee Engagement Response program, to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity.
   2. Utilize data-driven insights to assess program success and implement strategies to enhance employee satisfaction and engagement.

Education & Experience:

1. Bachelor’s degree in communications, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
2. 8+ years of progressive experience in internal communications, branding, or program leadership roles.
3. Proven ability to lead high-visibility initiatives and manage complex projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
4. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience tailoring messaging to diverse audiences.
5. Strong track record in developing global branding strategies and partnerships, particularly in academic or recruitment-focused settings.
6. Expertise in leveraging communication tools and platforms (e.g., intranet, collaboration software, advanced presentation tools).
7. Collaborative leader with strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Skills Required:

1. Strong communication skills.
2. Project management and a good understanding of marketing deliverables and timeframes.
3. Outstanding leadership and organizational skills.
4. Ability to operate within a fast-paced, global environment.
5. Highly proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
6. Strategic, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
7. Demonstrated accuracy and high attention to detail.
8. Experience in writing and editing copy (not essential, but a plus).
9. Experience with Adobe Suite is a plus (not essential, but a plus).
10. Experience designing and managing large-scale onboarding programs.
11. Familiarity with employee engagement frameworks and feedback mechanisms.
12. Strong understanding of data-driven decision-making and metrics analysis.