Head of Business Communications - Public Affairs & Communication

Head of Business Communications - Public Affairs & Communication

U.S. Bank

Minneapolis, MN

Head of Business Communications - Public Affairs & Communication-200010664

At U.S. Bank, we're passionate about helping customers and the communities where we live and work. The fifth-largest bank in the United States, we’re one of the country's most respected, innovative and successful financial institutions. U.S. Bank is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status, among other factors.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Communications Leader to join US Bank and be an active partner and communications counselor to several Vice Chairs that lead the top business for the organization. This individual will create critical communications within the organization as well as to the communities we serve.

U.S. Bank’s head of Business Communications will be responsible for the internal and external communications strategy for our four core businesses as well as the company’s digital transformation: Consumer and Business Banking, Corporate & Commercial Banking, Payment Services, Wealth Management & Investment Services and the Chief Digital Office.

The primary objective for the head of Business Communications is to develop and execute on a customer-centered communications strategy that supports revenue growth, deepens customer loyalty, highlights USB’s competitive advantages, and engages employees. The strategy should be coordinated horizontally across the five business areas emphasizing our one U.S. Bank approach to serving our customers, while also focusing on the unique vertical opportunities each business possesses.

The banking industry in the midst of a dynamic period of evolution and having strong customer-centered communications strategy is essential to USB’s long-term growth strategy. A core responsibility for the head of Business Communications is to stay on top of industry developments and to keep USB a step ahead, particularly as it relates to customer, product, competitor, and marketplace changes.

The head of Business Communications will lead a team of approximately 30 individuals located across the country and in Europe and will report to the Global Chief Communications Officer (CCO). The individual will be responsible for coordinating closely with Enterprise Communications, Issues / Reputation Management, Corporate Strategy, Financial Communications, Corporate Marketing, Government Relations and other areas and functions to ensure a coordinated and integrated communications strategy.

This individual will also serve as a primary communications counselor to the five Vice Chairs of our businesses and their senior leadership teams. They will drive a coordinated and comprehensive Business Line internal and external communication strategy and achieve defined objectives.

Support USB’s Managing Committee, particularly the five Business Line Vice

Chairs, in an active internal and external communications strategy. Create

internal and external visibility programs.

Develop and manage media relationships with an emphasis on media channels

that reach our retail and institutional customers.

Coordinate with other members of the Public Affairs& Communications department.

Build communications capabilities in the organization.

Lead a team of communications professionals and help them develop in their

careers.

Measure and report the team’s results.

Oversee regular communication on emerging issues to communicate internally

within USB. Also responsible for staying abreast of competitive and industry

issues affecting USB and its businesses.

Serve as a liaison with industry trade associations, coalitions and affiliations, as

required.

Actively promote USB’s positive image across the country with an emphasis on

markets with a significant USB presence.

Cultivate relationships with key corporate and business leaders throughout the

organization.

Foster an environment of problem solving, collaboration, creativity, support,

coaching, consulting, and partnership.

Always do the right thing and represent USB with ethics and integrity.

The head of Business Communications role is based in Minneapolis. The candidate should expect to travel approximately 30% of the time.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or related field required; Master's degree preferred.

15+ years of related experience.

Extremely detailed knowledge of communications, public relations, media relations, social media, and employee communications disciplines.

Deep knowledge of the banking or highly-regulated industries preferred.

Ability to develop and execute a clear strategy to help the company achieve its objectives.

Comfortable operating in a complex, fast-paced environment.

Demonstrated leadership skills, diplomacy, and ability to gain buy-in from diverse teams.

Team-oriented.

Strong verbal and written communication skills. Highly ethical and trustworthy