External Communications, Media & PR Manager

CNA Insurance; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

CNA, a leading commercial insurer, seeks a Marketing Manager to shape and protect CNA's reputation among brokers, customers and industry stakeholders. You will develop integrated communications strategies, manage media relations and provide communications counsel on proactive and sensitive topics.

Working with business leaders and subject matter experts, you will translate complex insurance topics into compelling narratives, lead awards and recognition programs, and drive thought leadership to

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in external communications, media relations and public relations, including earned media strategy and spokesperson support.
• Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills translating complex topics into clear messaging.
• Ability to develop strategic communications plans that support business objectives and enhance reputation.
• Experience positioning leaders and subject matter experts through thought leadership and executive visibility programs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted communications advisor on messaging, reputation management and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Develop and execute external communications strategies that support enterprise priorities and growth initiatives.
• Manage media relations, spokesperson preparation, materials development and reporting of results.
• Lead CNA's Awards & Recognition program to showcase the company's expertise and culture.
• Identify opportunities to elevate CNA's visibility through thought leadership, speaking engagements and industry awards.
• Collaborate with business leaders to create compelling content and messaging across channels.
• Monitor emerging issues and advise on reputation risk and response plans.
• Oversee agency relationships and external communications projects to ensure alignment with objectives.

Skills

External communications

Media relations

Writing & storytelling

Strategic communications planning

Thought leadership

Relationship building

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/PR/Marketing/English

Job description

You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there.At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential.

As a key member of the External Communications team, this role helps shape and protect CNA's reputation among brokers, customers, industry stakeholders, media and other external audiences. The Marketing Manager serves as a strategic communications advisor, developing and executing integrated communications strategies that advance business objectives, strengthen market positioning and elevate CNA's brand and thought leadership.

Working closely with business leaders and subject matter experts, this individual identifies opportunities to amplify CNA's voice in the marketplace, manages media and public relations initiatives, and provides communications counsel on both proactive and sensitive issues. The role requires strong business acumen, exceptional communication skills and the ability to translate complex topics into compelling stories and messaging that resonate with external audiences.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Serves as a trusted communications advisor, providing strategic counsel on messaging, reputation management, communications risks and opportunities, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Develops and executes external communications strategies that support enterprise priorities, business objectives and key growth initiatives.
• Manages media and public relations programs, reputation management, executive visibility, reporter engagement, media materials development, spokesperson preparation, media monitoring and results reporting.
• Leads CNA's Awards & Recognition program as a key component of the company's reputation and thought leadership strategy. Execute opportunities that enhance CNA's external profile, elevate executives and subject matter experts, and showcase the company's expertise, culture and business performance to key stakeholders.
• Identifies and develops opportunities to enhance CNA's visibility and reputation through thought leadership, executive positioning, speaking engagements, industry awards and recognition programs.
• Partners with business leaders and subject matter experts to create compelling content and storytelling that strengthens CNA's market presence and supports strategic priorities.
• Monitors emerging issues, assesses potential reputational impacts and recommends communications strategies, messaging and response plans.
• Manages agency relationships and external communications projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives, brand standards and expected outcomes.
• Measures and analyzes communications performance, media coverage and reputation-building activities, leveraging insights to optimize future strategies and programs.
• Collaborates across Marketing & Communications and business teams to ensure consistent messaging and a coordinated approach to external engagement.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Commercial insurance industry experience required.
• Strong expertise in external communications, media relations and public relations, including earned media strategy, message development, spokesperson support and issues management.
• Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex business, insurance and industry topics into clear, compelling communications.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strategic communications plans that support business objectives and enhance reputation.
• Experience positioning organizations, leaders and subject matter experts through thought leadership, executive visibility programs, speaking engagements and industry recognition opportunities.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills with the ability to work effectively across all organizational levels.
• Proven project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Education & Experience

• Commercial insurance industry experience required.
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Typically a minimum of five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in corporate communications, public relations, media relations or a related field.
• Experience advising leaders and stakeholders on strategic or high-profile communications initiatives.

In certain jurisdictions, CNA is legally required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. In District of Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Washington, the national base pay range for this job level is $72,000 to $141,000 annually.Salary determinations are based on various factors, including but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and location. CNA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to help our employees - and their family members - achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals. For a detailed look at CNA's benefits, please visitcnabenefits.com.

CNAutilizesAI-enabled technology during the recruiting process. For more information, please visitourcareers page.

CNA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please [e-mail]