Sr. Writer, Enterprise Storytelling

Northern Trust; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 114,700 - 194,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k and pension

Health and welfare benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Northern Trust is seeking a Senior Writer to shape the enterprise narrative across internal and external communications. You will develop high-impact content for executive initiatives and ensure alignment in messaging.

The ideal candidate has over 10 years in communications, strong narrative skills, and the ability to translate complex topics into clear messaging. This hybrid role offers a salary range of $114,700 to $194,900 USD, along with an extensive benefits package including a discretionary bonus.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in communications, journalism, or content strategy.
• Proven ability to translate complex business and industry topics.
• Strong collaboration skills to drive a unified narrative.

Responsibilities

• Lead storyteller and editorial strategist for the organization.
• Develop high-impact content supporting executive communications.
• Ensure alignment of messaging across all functions.

Skills

10+ years of experience in communications, journalism, or content strategy

Demonstrated experience in messaging and executive communications

Ability to translate complex topics into engaging content

Experience with senior executives

Deep expertise in writing and narrative development

Strong editorial judgment

Capability to create content across formats

Strong collaboration skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, or Marketing

Job description

Northern Trust, a Fortune 500 company, is a globally recognized, award-winning financial institution that has been in continuous operation since 1889.

Role & Department

Sr Writer, Enterprise Storyteller/Public relations/Communications

Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead storyteller and editorial strategist for the organization, shaping a clear, consistent enterprise narrative across internal and external communications.
• Translate complex business, industry, and organizational topics into clear, compelling, and accessible messaging for a broad range of audiences.
• Develop high‑impact content supporting executive communications, enterprise initiatives, thought leadership, brand positioning, and strategic announcements.
• Establish and evolve editorial standards, including tone, voice, and storytelling frameworks, to drive consistency and quality across the organization.
• Ensure alignment of messaging across functions, business units, and geographies to support a cohesive and differentiated organizational narrative.
• Identify opportunities to connect stories across channels and audiences, strengthening narrative continuity and engagement.
• Partner closely with senior leaders, communications teams, and subject matter experts to shape messaging, positioning, and storytelling approach.
• Elevate the quality and impact of communications by ensuring content is clear, consistent, and audience‑focused.
• Provide editorial guidance and coaching to communicators across the enterprise to strengthen storytelling capabilities.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends, business priorities, and audience expectations to inform messaging and ensure relevance.

Skills / Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in communications, journalism, content strategy, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing enterprise‑level messaging and executive communications.
• Proven ability to translate complex business and industry topics into clear, engaging, and impactful content.
• Experience working closely with senior executives and cross‑functional partners.
• Deep expertise in writing, editing, and narrative development, with the ability to translate complex topics into clear, compelling stories.
• Strong editorial judgment, with a clear point of view on voice, tone, and brand positioning.
• Ability to move seamlessly between strategic narrative development and precise, high‑quality writing.
• Proven capability to develop engaging content across formats, including executive messaging, articles, scripts, and thought leadership.
• Strong executive presence and ability to influence and advise senior leaders on messaging and positioning.
• Ability to operate effectively in a matrixed organization, building alignment across stakeholders.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to connect work across teams to drive a unified narrative.
• Curiosity and awareness of industry trends and emerging topics, with the ability to translate insights into relevant storytelling.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or related field preferred.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment‑based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity.

Working Model

Hybrid – you will spend your time between working in the office and working from home.

Salary Range

$114,700 - 194,900 USD

Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well‑being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.

Reasonable Accommodation

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at [e-mail].