Communications Manager

COUNTRY Financial®; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 114,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Job summary

COUNTRY Financial is seeking an experienced internal communications leader to drive strategy, planning, and execution of communications that connect employees with the company’s mission and outcomes. You will translate complex information into clear messages, work with executives, and guide multi-channel programs to engage staff and align with corporate objectives.

The role emphasizes collaboration with marketing, legal, and other teams, with a focus on transparency, engagement, and measurable

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing internal and external communications teams and programs.
• Strong project management and consulting skills, with the ability to translate business priorities into effective communication strategies and plans.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with experience collaborating across functions and influencing diverse audiences.
• Typically requires 8+ years of relevant experience or a combination of related experience, education and training, including management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal and external communications teams and programs.
• Advise leaders on message strategy, development, positioning, and timing for internal and external audiences.
• Oversee creation, editing, and distribution of internal and external communications across channels.
• Apply editorial judgment to content, develop style guidelines, and ensure messages drive understanding.
• Collaborate with marketing, legal, and other stakeholders to manage public image and measure effectiveness.
• Manage disaster recovery plans and maintain employee contact information during emergencies.

Skills

Internal communications

Strategic storytelling

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Executive communication

Editorial judgment

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Experience more with a career at COUNTRY Financial! We’re excited you’re interested in a career at COUNTRY as we strive toward our vision - to enrich lives in the communities we serve. Our footprint spans coast to coast. But more important than where we operate, is the people who do the work.

About The Role

Leads the strategy, planning, and execution of internal communications that connect employees to COUNTRY's mission, values, and business outcomes. Serves as a trusted advisor to leaders, translating complex information into clear, compelling, and actionable communications. Drives employee engagement through strategic storytelling, change communications, executive visibility, and multi-channel communication programs. Evaluates communication effectiveness, identifies opportunities for continuous improvement, and fosters a culture of transparency and connection. Leads, develops, and empowers communications team members to deliver high-impact results.

How does this role make an impact?

• Leads communication planning and strategy that connects enterprise priorities to clear, timely messaging aligned with corporate objectives, values, brand, and compliance standards.
• Partners closely with executive leadership and business teams to advise on message strategy, development, positioning, and timing for internal and external audiences.
• Oversees the creation, editing, and distribution of internal and external communications—ensuring messages are accurate, engaging, consistent, and delivered through the right channels.
• Applies strong editorial judgment and audience understanding to integrate and appropriately time communications, develops style and content guidelines, and ensures messages drive understanding and comprehension.
• Works collaboratively with marketing, client advocacy, legal, and other stakeholders to manage public image, support external communications, and uses metrics to evaluate communication effectiveness.
• Manages the implementation and maintenance of disaster recovery plans and activities in assigned areas. Maintains current contact information for all employees in applicable areas and communicates with non-recovery employees during a disaster.

Do you have what we're looking for?

• Demonstrated experience managing internal and external communications teams and programs, including employee communications, media relations, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Strong project management and consulting skills, with the ability to translate business priorities into effective communication strategies and plans.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with experience collaborating across functions and influencing diverse audiences.
• Typically requires 8+ years of relevant experience or a combination of related experience, education and training, including management experience.

Base Pay Range

$114,000-$156,750
The base pay range represents the typical range of potential salary offers for candidates hired. Factors used to determine your actual salary include your specific skills, qualifications and experience.

Incentive Pay

In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for a Short-Term Incentive plan.

Why work with us?

Our employees and representatives serve nearly one million households with our diverse range of personal and business insurance products as well as retirement and investment services. We build relationships and work together to create a stronger, more secure future for our clients and our communities. We’re a big company, yet small enough you can make an impact and won’t get lost in the shuffle. You’ll have the opportunity to learn and grow throughout your career, either within this role or by exploring other areas of our business.

You’ll be able to take advantage of our benefits package, which includes insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, disability, and life), 401(k) with company match.

COUNTRY Financial is committed to providing equal opportunity in all areas of employment, and in providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.