Director, Internal & External HR Communications

Dir Communications - MI06AE

We’re determined to make a difference and are proud to be an insurance company that goes well beyond coverages and policies. Working here means having every opportunity to achieve your goals – and to help others accomplish theirs, too. Join our team as we help shape the future.   

As Director of HR Communications, you report to the head of employee communications and play a key role on the Enterprise Communications team. You will work collaboratively with senior leaders to develop and execute a communications strategy for Human Resources and the Chief Human Resources Officer with the goal to advance the company’s vision, values and strategy while building trust and driving employee engagement. Your role will also involve developing and implementing communication plans that enhance The Hartford’s reputation both internally and externally.

This role will be based out of the company’s Hartford, CT headquarters on a hybrid basis (Tuesday-Thursday).

Responsibilities:

• Independently develop and implement internal and external communication strategies and change management activities to effectively support HR initiatives, ensuring relevant messaging and tactics align with business goals. Advise leaders and influence business decisions to support the enterprise strategy.

• Create, draft and manage communication campaigns and their components, including informative and engaging content for various communications channels such as email, intranet, newsletters and news media.

• Prepare senior leader materials such as talking points, briefings, video scripts, blog posts, and other content. Provide media training and coaching and feedback on presentation delivery as needed.

• Manage media relations for HR-related issues including responding to media inquiries, working with journalists and serving a company spokesperson.

• Collaborate with HR leaders and other stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with company goals and values.

• Work with colleagues across the marketing and enterprise communications department to ensure an integrated communication approach.

• Provide guidance and support to HR teams on developing clear and concise communication materials and change management best practices.

• Monitor and measure the impact and effectiveness of communication efforts and make recommendations for improvement.

• Stay up to date with industry trends and best practices in HR communication.

Qualifications:

• A confident, strategic critical thinker and problem solver who has experience supporting the C-suite, skilled at providing strategic communications and change management counsel to all organizational levels. Demonstrates the ability to positively influence decisions and redirect stakeholders while maintaining strong partnerships.

• Ability to understand complex business content and objectives and translate them into a communications strategy. Experience in designing, implementing, and executing detailed, large-scale plans.

• Demonstrated ability to cultivate trusted partnerships with senior leaders and handle sensitive information in a large corporate setting. Capable of navigating a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment both proactively and reactively.

• Proven track record of executing multiple strategic communication initiatives within tight time frames while maintaining high quality.

• Experience in conducting research and developing briefing materials to ensure senior executives are well-prepared for communication events.

• Demonstrated understanding of the news media and social media, as well as experience working with local, national and trade reporters on complex matters.

• A team player with excellent planning and organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks and changing priorities.

• Results-orientated – motivated to achieve high standards and continuous improvement.

• Familiarity with and interest in issues/subjects relevant to senior leadership at publicly traded companies, including corporate strategy and financial performance, economic/business trends, organizational culture and business-related public policy. Experience at a financial services company a plus.

• Expertise as a superb writer, editor, proofreader, and presenter, with adaptability to varied writing and speaking styles. Proficient in narratives and storytelling.

• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Education:

• Four-year degree (Communications, Journalism, or English preferred) or equivalent experience required.

• The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 years of direct experience in corporate communications, media relations, journalism, public relations or a similar role at a large public company. Other related or relevant experience may be considered.

Compensation

The listed annualized base pay range is primarily based on analysis of similar positions in the external market. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency and demonstration of competencies required for the role. The base pay is just one component of The Hartford’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include short-term or annual bonuses, long-term incentives, and on-the-spot recognition. The annualized base pay range for this role is:

Equal Opportunity Employer/Females/Minorities/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity or Expression/Religion/Age

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