Senior Director of External Communications (Finance)
The Senior Director of External Communications for Equifax Workforce Solutions (EWS) plays a key role in supporting the Strategic Communications function for the largest and fastest-growing business unit within Equifax. This individual will develop and implement public relations programs with an emphasis on media relations and thought leadership, amplifying the benefits of our market-leading solutions and our commitment to innovation. Reporting to the Strategic Communications Leader for EWS, the Senior Director of External Communications is an experienced professional with a strong foundation of media relations skills and the ability to combine sound strategy with flawless execution.
This position, which offers the flexibility to work remotely two days a week, is based in the St. Louis area, at our state-of-the-art office located in Clayton. (This is not a fully remote role.)
What You'll Do
As a vital member of the Equifax Workforce Solutions (EWS) Strategic Communications team, you will collaborate with internal teammates and external public relations agencies to:
- Provide counsel to business leaders and marketing colleagues on public relations matters
- Develop and implement strategies for leveraging media relations in support of thought leadership programs across key verticals
- Generate and support proactive media pitches
- Assess and respond to inbound media inquiries
- Prepare for and staff media briefings alongside designated Equifax spokespeople
- Develop Communications Guides (including response statements, key messages, FAQs, etc.) in support of significant opportunities or issues
- Write/edit media materials including press releases and bylined articles, in accordance with AP Style and Equifax brand guidelines
- Provide day-to-day management of public relations agencies, while serving as primary liaison between the public relations agencies and internal stakeholders
- Collaborate with key EWS stakeholders to ensure coordination of cross-channel campaigns as well as alignment around public relations priorities, strategies and tactics
- In addition to external communications responsibilities, support the internal communications programs as needed
- Coordinate with the Equifax Corporate Communications team to support key corporate initiatives and to ensure alignment around media engagement
- Prepare reports and presentation materials that effectively demonstrate the outcomes of key external communications initiatives
What Experience You Need
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism or a related field
- 10+ years of professional public relations experience (preferably in a corporate or agency environment), including 5+ years of media relations experience
What Could Set You Apart
- Proven track record of media relations success, including the ability to build thought leadership through strategic media placements, navigate challenging media circumstances, and effectively prepare and counsel media spokespeople
- Exceptional writing and editing skills, in accordance with AP Style guidelines
- Success managing and/or working in a public relations agency
- Experience developing and executing issues-response plans
- Proven ability to move seamlessly from strategic, executive interaction to hands-on tactical implementation, all with a positive attitude
- Experience working in a public relations agency or for a publicly traded company
- Experience working in the financial services or technology sectors
- Advanced degree in Business Administration, Communications, or a related field
#LI-JD1
#LI-Hybrid
