Director, Corporate Communications

Private Student Loans


-Under the general direction of the VP, Corporate Communications, develops, organizes and manages external strategic communications plans, messages and market positioning efforts of the organization.
-Supports corporate branding through communication materials designed to position First Marblehead as an educational finance solutions provider throughout the various student lending channels to help grow the Corporation's relationship with its customers (i.e. borrowers, lenders, services and other affinity groups) and the press.
-Collaborates with senior management to review business plans and identify communication needs and priorities.
-Participates as a corporate resource to analyze communications issues and advise management on appropriate resolution.
-Interface with the rest of the Corporate Communications team to ensure consistency of message development and delivery
-Collaborate with and facilitate a smooth working process with outside PR and IR agency or agencies
-Determine the best medium to deliver messages and then evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of programs through surveys, audits and interviews.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
-One Senior Copywriter (contractor) and partial supervisory of the internal communications Senior Associate

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS*
-Agency Management
-Maintains a professional relationship with outside PR and IR agency and keeps that team focused and efficient.
-Ensures agency and internal projects move forward on time and on budget.
-Creates and monitors benchmark data and criteria that measure the effectiveness of communications initiatives.
-Provides briefings, answers inquiries, oversees status meetings.

Media Relations
-Develops and directs production of materials targeted for external stakeholders (e.g., clients and media).
-Responsible for establishing and maintaining key media contacts within the community, drafting and editing press releases, planning and coordinating press conferences.
-Prepares First Marblehead spokespeople for media interviews and facilitates those interviews in coordination with others.

Corporate Image
-Directs or personally handles sensitive, confidential corporate projects and helps advise senior management on any associated communication or corporate strategic issues. Maintain senior management's awareness of the public's perception of First Marblehead.
-Develops strategies and tactics to support corporate business strategies/branding and address any issues that may surround them.
-Aligns with marketing to clearly articulate brand messaging and
manage ongoing client communications.
-Coordinates with internal communications to implement the community and investor relations strategy across locations.

Internet
-Responsible for the continued development and management of the Corporate internet site.
-Works with senior management and IT to continuously monitor effectiveness of the site and launch upgrades as needed to improve access and use.

Management and Development of Staff.
-Develops departmental plan of organization; selects subordinate staff and provides for their ongoing development. Conducts periodic performance reviews and provides guidance as required to promote individual and unit proficiency.
-Develops and administers departmental budgets.
-Directs all corporate communication personnel in the achievement of assigned objectives.
-Performs related managerial functions as may be required to ensure the ongoing success of the corporate communication efforts.
-Exercises administrative control over phases of the department's operation, directly or through subordinates.

-A minimum of seven to ten years of experience in leadership positions encompassing strategic communications, media relations, public affairs, public relations, and brand management.
-Proven strategic corporate communication experience (preferably within a consumer credit organization).
-Proven track record in external communications and/or public relations management; development and refinement of communication/PR processes; managing a communication infrastructure to support corporate business plans and branding
-Knowledge of the student loan and financial services industry a plus.
Skills, Abilities, Competencies:
-Must possess proven ability to deliver communication and enhance market share and volume through existing channels, as well as prior experience in developing new markets for penetration of existing products/services.
-Must possess outstanding written and verbal communication skills
-Must possess leadership skills necessary to identify opportunities and then direct efforts to establish a communication identity and channels through:
-Strong interpersonal/human relations/management skills for dealing with senior management and coordinating projects.
-Strong oral and written communications skills for interviewing and writing.
-Broad knowledge of organizational communications theory and techniques.
-Exceptional ability and interest to represent the organization to the public, potential customers, servicers, lenders, school business officers, association members, press etc.
-Must thrive in a team environment within a company that is in a rapid growth mode.
-Develop effective internal and external communications, both in print and on the web, from conception to publication.
-Ability to learn quickly about business, goals and strategies.
Level of Education Required:
-Prefer Master's Degree with a focus on communication, public relations, journalism or Business or equivalent.


Benefits:


Full Benefits