Job Description:The Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications leads the Bank's internal and external communications, including media relations. The SVP serves as a key advisor to the Bank President and plays a critical role in positioning and executing Bank strategy with fellow members of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). In addition, this leader strengthens stakeholder understanding and protects the reputation of the Philadelphia Fed and the Federal Reserve System. Along with other ELT members, they influence organizational direction, build capacity and performance, and support the overall mission of the Philadelphia Fed and System.
This role calls for an experienced communications executive who combines strategic perspective with editorial judgment and operational discipline. The SVP will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, build relationships with key partners and organizations across the region of the Third District, within the Bank and the Federal Reserve System, and lead a communications organization that responds effectively to change and preserves the reputation and integrity of the Bank.
Key Responsibilities
The scope of the role includes, but is not limited to:
1. Strategic Communications & Leadership- Develops communications strategies in partnership with the President and Executive Leadership Team; oversees the Bank's internal and external communications and media relations functions.
- Aligns institutional narrative with Bank priorities and develops programs and policies that enhance and protect the reputation of the Philadelphia Fed and the Federal Reserve System.
- Represents the Bank and assumes leadership positions at the System level, including contributing to the System's communication strategy.
2. Internal Communications & Employee Engagement- Develops and leads internal communications strategies that keep employees informed, engaged, and aligned with the Bank's mission and priorities; partners with leaders to communicate effectively through periods of change and foster alignment across the organization.
3. Reputation & Crisis Management- Identifies and oversees the management of reputational risk exposures in the media and with stakeholders and constituents.
- Handles crisis communications and acts as spokesperson for the organization during crises.
4. Digital Strategy & Innovation- Sets and drives the Bank's digital communications strategy across internal and external websites, social media and emerging digital channels, proactively identifying opportunities to expand reach, deepen engagement and strengthen the Bank's digital presence and impact.
- Monitors external developments and applies digital and AI tools with appropriate judgment and review against Bank and System standards.
5. Executive Support & Speechwriting- Oversees the Bank's Speakers Bureau and contributes to the speechwriting process for the President.
- Advises the President on key messages and may collaborate with speechwriters on cultivating a speech agenda.
6. Operational Excellence & Performance- Works effectively with leaders in areas of responsibility to ensure that department objectives, performance metrics, quality measures and budget targets are achieved.
- Establishes communications metrics and incorporates feedback, sentiment, and engagement data to improve messages and delivery.
- Fulfills job duties and responsibilities in conformance with sound safety practices and in compliance with all Reserve Bank policies.
- Performs other executive tasks as required.
Education:
- A bachelor's degree is required. An advanced degree is preferred but not required.
Knowledge and Skills:
The Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications will bring demonstrated executive experience leading a public relations and/or communications function, together with the following professional attributes:
- Enterprise & Strategic Thinking: Expert at understanding and navigating the interconnected dynamics of the Bank, Third District, and Federal Reserve System to drive strategic outcomes.
- Executive Communications & Narrative: Skilled in crafting and aligning executive messaging with business strategy, translating complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives.
- Stakeholder Management & Coaching: Trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing guidance on high-stakes communications, media, and reputational matters; adept at coaching executives and preparing leaders for key engagements.
- Leadership & Team Development: Sets direction, motivates teams, builds trust, and develops talent through effective delegation and feedback; leads through change and uncertainty.
- Audience Analysis & Messaging: Analyzes and segments audiences to tailor communications for maximum relevance and impact.
- Relationship Building: Builds and maintains cross-community and national relationships, enabling value-driven engagement with key stakeholders.
- Change & Crisis Communications: Leads clear, employee-centered communications during organizational change and crisis, translating decisions into coordinated messaging.
- Regulatory & Compliance Messaging: Partners with HR, Legal, and Risk to ensure conduct, governance, and compliance are communicated clearly and effectively.
- Storytelling & Multichannel Delivery: Crafts memorable stories and messages, selecting appropriate channels for maximum reach and engagement.
- Misinformation Response: Detects and responds to misinformation, coordinating cross-System frameworks and monitoring security tools.
- Measurement & Improvement: Establishes metrics, analyzes feedback, and iterates communications for continuous improvement.
- Context Sensing: Regularly scans external trends and triggers to inform situational awareness and communications strategy.
- Collaboration & Governance: Builds trust and collaboration structures with executive peers, coordinating communications across governance teams.
- Digital Literacy & GenAI: Utilizes digital tools and GenAI to enhance executive briefs, synthesize media themes, and ensure alignment with Bank and System standards.
Other Requirements
- Maintain a full-time onsite presence at the Philadelphia Fed.
- Willingness to travel as needed.
Ethics Considerations and Prohibited Activities
Employees of the Philadelphia Fed are held to the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, and public trust. To maintain confidence in the Federal Reserve System, all employees must comply with federal statutes prohibiting financial conflicts of interest, and senior officials are subject to additional restrictions.
The Bank's Code of Conduct prohibits outside activities that conflict with official duties (e.g., serving as a director of a public company) and certain partisan political activities. Candidates should review the Federal Reserve Bank Philadelphia Code of Conduct to ensure compliance.
We offer a great benefits package that features:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401k/Thrift Plan with generous employer match
- Employer-funded Pension Plan
- Paid Vacation/Sick Time & Holidays
- Flexible Spending Accounts and Healthcare Spending Accounts
- Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Free onsite 24/7 Fitness Center
- Additional Benefits, Discounts and More...
Instructions on Applying
Interest, inquiries, and nominations may be directed to the Heidrick & Struggles engagement team at frbpcommssearch@heidrick.com
Additional Information:
The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia takes your information privacy seriously. Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia staff will only email you from the "@phil.frb.org" domain or through the Workday system "rb@myworkday.com". If you are initially contacted by phone, feel free to request that the caller provide you with their email address to validate their identity. If you have any questions about the validity of someone who contacts you regarding this position, please email the Talent Acquisition team at TalentAcquisition@phil.frb.org.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature, level of work and the requirements of this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities associated with this position or the personnel so classified. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of this position, management reserves the right to revise this or any job description at its discretion at any time.
By applying to this position, you agree you will be available to work on-site in a full-time capacity.
Learn more about working for the Philly Fed here
Full Time / Part TimeFull time
Regular / TemporaryRegular
Job Exempt (Yes / No)Yes
Job CategoryCommunications/Public Relations Family Group
Work ShiftFirst (United States of America)
Always verify and apply to jobs on Federal Reserve System Careers (https://rb.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/FRS) or through verified Federal Reserve Bank social media channels.
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