External Communications, Media & PR Manager

CNA; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

CNA in Chicago, IL seeks an External Communications Manager to shape and protect CNA's reputation among brokers, customers and stakeholders. You will advise on messaging, develop external strategies, manage media relations, and drive awards and thought leadership initiatives.

The role requires strong writing, strategic planning and the ability to translate complex insurance topics into compelling stories for external audiences.

Qualifications

• Commercial insurance industry experience required.
• Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills with ability to translate complex topics.
• Strategic communications plans that support objectives and reputation.
• Experience positioning leaders through thought leadership and speaking engagements.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills across organizational levels.
• Proven project management skills for multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Typically 5–7 years in corporate communications or related field.

Responsibilities

• Serves as trusted advisor on messaging, reputation, risks and stakeholder engagement.
• Develops external communications strategies aligned with priorities and growth.
• Manages media relations, awards programs, spokesperson prep and monitoring.
• Leads thought leadership, executive visibility, speaking engagements and recognition.
• Collaborates with leaders to craft content that strengthens market presence.
• Measures outcomes and optimizes future programs.

Skills

Media relations

Public relations

Writing & editing

Storytelling

Strategic communications

Relationship building

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English or related field

Job description

## External Communications, Media & PR ManagerApply: Chicago, IL, USA: New York, NY, USA: Full time: Posted Today: R-8199You 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**Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines:* 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.#LI-DM1#LI-Hybrid*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 visit cnabenefits.com.*