External Communications Manager

Trustmark Corporation; Jackson (MS); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Trustmark Bank in Mississippi is seeking a senior communications leader to develop and implement corporate strategies, manage external messaging across multiple channels, and coordinate with Compliance, Legal and business lines. The role includes crisis communications delivery and mentoring teams to support Trustmark’s objectives.

The position requires extensive experience in financial services communications, strong writing and leadership abilities, and the ability to navigate fast-paced

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Business or related field or commensurate work experience.
• 8 years of communications or relevant experience.
• 8 years Project management experience.
• 5 years of financial industry experience.
• Previous experience managing people and teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement corporate communication strategies, policies and procedures.
• Coordinate external corporate messaging across print, website, social media and blogs.
• Recommend distribution channels and maintain relationships with marketing delivery systems owners.
• Guide managers through Trustmark’s communication process and act as liaison between groups.
• Develop special communications projects (merger/acquisition communications, CEO messages, branch changes).
• Ensure approvals for external communications with Compliance and Legal.

Skills

Strategic communications planning

Stakeholder management

Crisis communications

Brand governance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Business or related field

8 years communications or relevant experience

Tools

Everbridge

MS Office

Job description

The responsibilities of this position include developing and implementing communication strategies, policies, procedures and content, and executing delivery of all external corporate communications while maintaining compliance and protecting/adhering to the Trustmark brand.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement corporate communication strategies, policies and procedures to ensure use of appropriate voice, tone and consistency in branding and messaging for the intended audience as well as connection/tie to corporate initiatives, goals and philosophies.
• Manage the creation, coordination and integration of external corporate messaging content for various audiences through a number of mediums, including: print (letters, flyers, brochures, ads, direct mail pieces, email, newsletters, posters), website, social media, digital media and blogs, all while ensuring consistency of language and tone, messaging, branding, compliance and soliciting stakeholder approvals, as necessary (Compliance, Legal, Line of Business, Administration, Human Resources, etc.).
• Recommend distribution processes/channels of all external communications; maintain a strong working relationship with marketing delivery systems owners to distribute external communications to intended audiences.
• Guide managers through Trustmark’s communication process and procedures to maintain adherence to Trustmark policies. Serve as a liaison between various groups, including Trustmark managers, departments, lines of business, associates, vendors and strategic and communication partners, to facilitate the effective exchange of information.
• Develop and manage various, special communications projects (i.e., merger and acquisition communications, corporate presentations, branch openings/closures/consolidations, CEO and Executive messages, etc.)
• Ensure all necessary approvals are obtained for external communications; maintain a strong working relationship with Fair and Responsible Banking, Compliance and Legal.
• Manage Trustmark’s Crisis Communications delivery system and the vendor relationship (utilizing systems such as Everbridge), ensuring the system is up-to-date and prepared at all times for any necessary communications to associates system-wide or by market; update and maintain crisis messaging library.
• Assist with internal communications as needed, including strategy and plans to educate, engage and inform associates.
• Lead and develop associates through coaching/mentoring to promote maximum productivity, engagement, and overall contribution to the company’s strategic organizational goals, as well as growth and development of personal skill sets.
• Associates are expected to perform all additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Communications, Business or a related field or commensurate work experience
• 8 years of communications or relevant experience
• 8 years Project management experience
• 5 years of financial industry experience
• Previous experience managing people and teams
• Advanced oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively and coherently with all levels of associates
• Strong knowledge and understanding of communication strategies, processes and/or channels
• Ability to think creatively and translate thoughts into written communication materials
• Advanced knowledge in word usage grammer, sentence structure and paragraph formation
• Proven experience dealing with confidential, complex and sensitive information
• Ability to discern confidentiality, urgency and importance of information distribution
• Strong comprehension of financial/analytical aspects of public company operations and their relative significance to corporate communications
• Strong comprehension of financial industry regulatory processes, policies and procedures
• Exceptional attention to detail paired with highly developed organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to multitask and keep projects and stakeholders aligned
• Able to work effectively in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities, demonstrating flexibility, adaptability and the ability to see projects through to completion independently under tight deadlines
• Strong team collaborator with the ability to work independently when needed and lead groups toward shared goals
• In-depth knowledge of word processing, presentation and spreadsheet software
• 8+ years of financial industry experience preferred
• Comprehensive knowledge of Trustmark's corporate structure and culture preferred
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Trustmark's corporate initiatives preferred
• Proven experience dealing with all officer levels of the company preferred

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions: Must be able to sit for long periods of time and use computer keyboard and/or mouse requiring hand and wrist manipulation, while viewing computer screens.

Disclaimer: Management retains the right to add, delete or modify the responsibilities and qualifications of the position at any time.

Trustmark Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for any job postings on this site. Resumes submitted to any Trustmark Bank employee by a third-party agency and/or search firm without a valid, written search agreement signed by Trustmark, will become the sole property of Trustmark Bank. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for a position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral.

Working with Us

Teamwork and the individual contributions of our associates are recognized as the drivers of our success. At Trustmark, we are committed to preserving and advancing a diverse and inclusive workplace, where each associate, customer and shareholder is respected, valued and encouraged to share in our commitment. We make significant investments in our associates so that they may enhance their personal and professional skills, because we want each associate to grow, flourish and fulfill their career aspirations. Come onboard and join our team!

Equal Opportunities for All

Trustmark exemplifies the strength and possibilities that come with a diverse and inclusive team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, genetic information, pregnancy, national origin, protected veteran, disability status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. Trustmark is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment.

Upon accepting a position with Trustmark, the following pre-employment screenings must be completed:

• Verification of employment, education and other data provided by you on your employment application
• Verification of eligibility to work in the US
• Criminal background check
• Fingerprinting (required for certain positions)