Director, Strategic Communications & Engagement

Who We Are

Join a team that puts its People First! First American's Direct division provides comprehensive title insurance protection and professional settlement services for real estate purchases, refinances and equity loans. Since 1889, First American (NYSE: FAF) has held an unwavering belief in its people. They are passionate about what they do, and we are equally passionate about fostering an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and empowered to be innovative and reach their full potential. Our inclusive, people-first culture has earned our company numerous accolades, including being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for nine consecutive years. We have also earned awards as a best place to work for women, diversity and LGBTQ+ employees, and have been included on more than 50 regional best places to work lists. First American will always strive to be a great place to work, for all. For more information, please visit www.careers.firstam.com.

What We Do

Responsible for developing and implementing an impactful communications and engagement strategies for a division or group of business units. Provides guidance and counsel to senior leaders on all aspects of communications including internal/external communications, crisis communications and executive communications. Create and manage resources and programs that enhance employee engagement to better productivity. Work closely with senior leaders and various departments to ensure alignment with organizational goals and the overall business strategy. Develop change management strategies to drive the adoption of business objectives, process and programs.

Essential Functions

• In collaboration with managers and HR, design and execute a comprehensive employee engagement strategy that aligns with the company’s mission, vision, and values to enhance divisional goals.

• Identify key drivers of employee engagement and develop communications and initiatives to improve these areas in partnership with Human Resources.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on issues related to employee engagement, productivity and workplace culture and develop communications aligned to foster a positive change management process.

• Plan and execute events, including town halls, team-building activities, and divisional/regional leadership meetings.

• Analyze data from engagement surveys and other feedback tools to identify trends and areas for improvement and build plans aligned with the division HR team.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with the organization's business objectives and enhances the company's reputation

• Manage team responsible for developing and writing internal and external communications, including executive updates, scripts, talking points and other materials

• Advise senior leadership on communication matters and provide counsel on crisis communications and reputation management

• Develop and execute communication plans for major organizational initiatives, including organizational changes, divisional growth initiatives, mergers and acquisitions, new product launches and other high-profile events

• Develop and maintain effective channels of communication, including email, intranet, and other platforms

• Ensure that all internal communications are timely, accurate and relevant to the needs of employees

• Work closely with other departments to ensure that internal communications align with the overall business strategy and organizational goals

• Work alongside partners in legal to ensure compliance with all requirements related to communications

• Manage and mentor the internal communications teams, providing leadership and guidance to ensure professional development and that teams and individuals understand roles and responsibilities via clear communication of goals and objectives

• Has full supervisory responsibility for staff.  Delegates tasks, manages workflow and plans staffing requirements.  Responsible for salary administration.  Interviews candidates and makes hiring decisions, writes and conducts performance reviews, provides ongoing feedback, and manages disciplinary actions. 

Knowledge and Skills/Technology Used

• Demonstrated competency in executing strategic plans and change management

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely

• Experience in crisis communications and reputation management

• Ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership and across departments to achieve goals

• Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements related to corporate communications and public disclosures

• Experience developing and managing budgets

• Possesses and applies a broad knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of particular field of specialization to the completion of complex projects

• Progressive experience in leading employees in multiple locations, and significant experience developing and implementing solutions

Typical Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Advanced degree preferred

Typical Range of Experience

• 8+ years progressive management experience

• 10+ years in corporate communications or a related field, with a proven track record of success in developing and executing strategic communication plans

Location - Remote/Hybrid

• Work location is open/remote - hybrid if candidate is based in Scottsdale, AZ

What We Offer

By choice, we don’t simply accept individuality – we embrace it, we support it, and we thrive on it! Our People First Culture celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion not simply because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it’s the key to our success. We are proud to foster an authentic and inclusive workplace For All. You are free and encouraged to bring your entire, unique self to work. First American is an equal opportunity employer in every sense of the term.

Based on eligibility, First American offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO/paid sick leave and other great benefits like an employee stock purchase plan.