VP, Public Affairs & Communications

Position Purpose:

Reporting up to the President & CEO and serving as an integral member of the leadership team, the Vice President (VP) of Public Affairs and Communications develops and implements internal and external communication strategies that support the strategic direction and positioning of the organization and its leadership. The incumbent will oversee all public relations activities for NICB, building relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders including national, regional, and local media outlets, industry trade associations and member companies to help achieve strategic and tactical objectives. The goal is to advance the organization's position with relevant constituents and drive broader awareness for the organization and issues impacting member companies.

Work Arrangement and Description:

This is a hybrid position and the Reporting Location is NICB Headquarters (Oak Brook, IL). The individual will be provided with the privilege and flexibility to work away from NICB Headquarters, but will be required to report periodically in-person based upon business needs, subject to the discretion of their supervisor, and in compliance with NICB's rules and procedures.

Responsibilities:

• Oversees development, production, and delivery of internal and external communications to NICB Board of Governors, members, media, employees, and partner organizations.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with key influencers, including national media, the organization's member base, insurance industry associations, and other external constituencies, as needed.
• Develops and leads national public awareness campaigns that leverage media relations, social and digital media, and marketing tactics to increase awareness of trending fraud schemes and strategic NICB initiatives.
• Provides speech writing and presentation support to the President & CEO and other senior leaders.
• Maintains an internal communications program to regularly inform employees and members of important organizational developments.
• Oversees all NICB branding and marketing initiatives, including the launch of new member prospecting and existing member engagement campaigns, creation of marketing assets and overall alignment of the NICB brand across the entire organization. Maintains member and employee communications programs to regularly inform members and employees of important organizational developments.
• Supervises direct reports, providing goals, expectations, guidance and accountability for all work under their portfolios.
• Oversees the day-to-day activities of the department, including budgeting, planning and staff hiring and development.
• Works closely with all departments to align public affairs communication strategies with organizational priorities.
• Oversees the design and content of the NICB website intranet, and all social media channels.
• Directs the development, production, and timely distribution of the annual report, monthly stakeholder newsletters, and other digital assets.
• Develops and manages a public affairs spokesperson training program for identified NICB employees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a communications-oriented major (English, journalism, communications or marketing) required.
• Master's degree in a related field preferred.
• 8 to 10 years of experience in a communications management position required.
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory/management responsibility required.
• Experience leading and producing large scale communication projects (i.e. national media tours, all-employee meetings, videos, podcasts, digital newsletters, and annual reports.
• Experience delivering high value outcomes to a membership or other similar stakeholder group.
• The ideal candidate will reside in the Chicagoland area with the expectation to report in person periodically as needed by business requirements, which may be requested on short notice.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong command of communications functions.
• Demonstrated ability to build/maintain a strong media and industry network, develop and lead national public awareness campaigns, and leverage the latest technology, including artificial intelligence, to increase awareness on issues of importance for an organization.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interact at an executive level.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a vision and strategic purpose.
• Ability to integrate organizational key messages into all communication pieces.
• Ability to develop and implement communication strategies, direct staff and manage budgets.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and political savvy.
• Must be action oriented and possess a drive for results.
• Strong business writing capability.
• Well-honed oral and written communication skills.
• Expert presentation skills.
• Ability to respond under pressure.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive issues and information.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position will have supervisory responsibility over a Director of Marketing, Senior Public Affairs Specialist, Social Media Specialist, and three additional professional staff.

Contacts:

• All levels of employees within NICB
• NICB Board of Governors
• NICB member companies
• National, regional, and local media
• Federal, state, and local law enforcement
• Industry partners and other external organizations
• Vendors

Environment/Physical Demands:

• The position offers flexibility to work away from NICB Headquarters, with the expectation to report in person periodically as needed by business requirements, which may be requested on short notice
• Travel required
• Sedentary work
• Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Extensive use of a computer and looking at a screen.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds

Salary Range and Statement:

The salary range for this position is $189,000 to $205,000. Please keep in mind that this range represents the pay range for all positions in the job grade within which this position falls. The actual salary offer will take into account a wide range of factors including the specific requirements for this position, the candidate's geographic location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. NICB HR can share more about the specific salary range for your geographic location during the hiring process.

Benefits:

Our benefits are unparalleled! NICB offers employees a comprehensive benefits package, an attractive 401(k) plan and generous paid time off. For more information, visit https://www.nicb.org/about-nicb/careers.