External Communications Manager

Overview

The responsibilities of this position include developing and implementing communication strategies, policies, procedures and content, and executing delivery of all external corporate communications while maintaining compliance and protecting/adhering to the Trustmark brand.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement corporate communication strategies, policies and procedures to ensure use of appropriate voice, tone and consistency in branding and messaging for the intended audience as well as connection/tie to corporate initiatives, goals and philosophies.
• Manage the creation, coordination and integration of external corporate messaging content for various audiences through a number of mediums, including: print (letters, flyers, brochures, ads, direct mail pieces, email, newsletters, posters), website, social media, digital media and blogs, all while ensuring consistency of language and tone, messaging, branding, compliance and soliciting stakeholder approvals, as necessary (Compliance, Legal, Line of Business, Administration, Human Resources, etc.).
• Recommend distribution processes/channels of all external communications; maintain a strong working relationship with marketing delivery systems owners to distribute external communications to intended audiences.
• Guide managers through Trustmark’s communication process and procedures to maintain adherence to Trustmark policies. Serve as a liaison between various groups, including Trustmark managers, departments, lines of business, associates, vendors and strategic and communication partners, to facilitate the effective exchange of information.
• Develop and manage various, special communications projects (i.e., merger and acquisition communications, corporate presentations, branch openings/closures/consolidations, CEO and Executive messages, etc.)
• Ensure all necessary approvals are obtained for external communications; maintain a strong working relationship with Fair and Responsible Banking, Compliance and Legal.
• Manage Trustmark’s Crisis Communications delivery system and the vendor relationship (utilizing systems such as Everbridge), ensuring the system is up-to-date and prepared at all times for any necessary communications to associates system-wide or by market; update and maintain crisis messaging library.
• Assist with internal communications as needed, including strategy and plans to educate, engage and inform associates.
• Lead and develop associates through coaching/mentoring to promote maximum productivity, engagement, and overall contribution to the company’s strategic organizational goals, as well as growth and development of personal skill sets.
• Associates are expected to perform all additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Communications, Business or a related field or commensurate work experience
• 8 years of communications or relevant experience
• 8 years Project management experience
• 5 years of financial industry experience
• Previous experience managing people and teams
• Previous experience demonstrating excellent communication skills
• Advanced oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively and coherently with all levels of associates
• Strong knowledge and understanding of communication strategies, processes and/or channels
• Ability to think creatively and translate thoughts into written communication materials
• Advanced knowledge in word usage grammer, sentence structure and paragraph formation
• Proven experience dealing with confidential, complex and sensitive information
• Ability to discern confidentiality, urgency and importance of information distribution
• Strong comprehension of financial/analytical aspects of public company operations and their relative significance to corporate communications
• Strong comprehension of financial industry regulatory processes, policies and procedures
• Exceptional attention to detail paired with highly developed organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to multitask and keep projects and stakeholders aligned
• Able to work effectively in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities, demonstrating flexibility, adaptability and the ability to see projects through to completion independently under tight deadlines
• Strong team collaborator with the ability to work independently when needed and lead groups toward shared goals
• In-depth knowledge of word processing, presentation and spreadsheet software
• 8+ years of financial industry experience preferred
• Comprehensive knowledge of Trustmark's corporate structure and culture preferred
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Trustmark's corporate initiatives preferred
• Proven experience dealing with all officer levels of the company preferred

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:  Must be able to sit for long periods of time and use computer keyboard and/or mouse requiring hand and wrist manipulation, while viewing computer screens.

Disclaimer: Management retains the right to add, delete or modify the responsibilities and qualifications of the position at any time.

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