BMO Financial Group
Senior Manager, Media Relations
BMO Financial Group, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
BMO is currently seeking a Senior Manager to join our U.S. Media Relations team. We’re looking for a self-starter with a passion for strategic communications who can tell compelling stories for BMO’s Personal & Business Banking (P&BB) group – while helping us deliver on our Purpose commitment to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. We are looking for a team player who can drive media relations campaigns, develop thought leadership programs and manage issues. You’ll play a leading role in advancing our digital narrative and reinforcing our deep commitment to customers. You love the thrill of the pitch, building relationships with media, and thinking creatively on how to do things differently.
With 5-7 years of experience in communications, you’ll work 1:1 with senior leaders on media campaigns and projects that generate earned national and regional coverage with measurable results. Working in an integrated manner with communicators across the bank, you’ll seek creative ways to amplify and extend our earned media coverage with both internal and external audiences.
Work with senior P&BB leaders to develop and lead media relations campaigns for one of the bank’s central lines of business.
Develop strategic media relations plans that include: goals and objectives, media targets, story angles and outreach approaches, in collaboration with and support from senior media relations experts.
Identify and manage emerging issues in close collaboration with stakeholders in the business.
Maintain knowledge of evolving economic, political and social issues that affect our business.
Monitor media outlets, understand financial industry issues and distill insights from media coverage.
Develop news releases, strategic messaging and related materials
Stay in close contact with colleagues in marketing and other disciplines to uncover opportunities for external amplification.
Participate in regular updates and roundtable meetings with colleagues
Provides strategic input into business decisions as a trusted advisor.
Makes recommendations to senior leaders on strategy and new initiatives, based on an in-depth understanding of the business/group.
Acts as a subject matter expert on relevant regulations and policies.
May network with industry contacts to gain competitive insights and best practices.
Acts as the day-to-day subject matter expert for the external communications program/portfolio.
May represent BMO’s position and business interests to specific stakeholder industry/market/government organizations.
Manages resources and leads the execution of strategic initiatives to deliver on business and financial goals.
Helps determine business priorities and best sequence for execution of business/group strategy.
Conducts independent analysis and assessment to resolve strategic issues.
Develops the business case by identifying needs, analysing potential options and assessing expected return on investment.
Recommends business priorities, advises on resource requirements and develops roadmap for strategic execution.
Supports the execution of strategic initiatives in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
Researches and identifies position statements on specific issues to support a proposed program, initiative or event.
Executes program & initiative activities based on a detailed understanding of program/initiative requirement.
Acts as the prime subject matter expert for internal/external stakeholders.
Identifies opportunities for alignment with other BMO groups to strengthen messaging.
Builds effective relationships with internal/external stakeholders.
Ensures alignment between stakeholders.
Reviews and assesses internal and external requests; works with partners to prioritize & approve work.
Conducts independent review, analysis, and resolution of corporate affairs/external communication related issues.
Leads the development of the communication strategy focusing on positively influencing or changing behaviour.
Collaborates across BMO to develop communications strategies and ensure consistency of messaging, in order to positively influence or change behaviour.
Leads the execution of operational programs; assesses and adapts as needed to ensure quality of execution.
Provides input into the planning and implementation of operational programs.
Executes work to deliver timely, accurate, and efficient service.
Develops solutions and makes recommendations based on an understanding of the business strategy and stakeholder needs.
Provides advice and guidance to assigned business/group on implementation of solutions.
Develops knowledge related to external communications and/or area of specialty e.g. media relations.
Collaborates with internal & external stakeholders to provide business context in the design, develop and implementation of external communication programs/campaigns and /or events.
Supports the organization and execution of external communication related initiatives, programs, campaigns and events e.g. community sponsorship events, fundraising campaigns, etc.
Supports the development, production and distribution of communication, campaign, and special event materials across all delivery channels.
Ensures that BMO’s brand is used correctly and effectively in all content by applying standards.
Breaks down strategic problems, and analyses data and information to provide insights and recommendations.
Monitors and tracks performance, and addresses any issues. Designs and produces regular and ad-hoc reports, and dashboards.
Supports development and execution of strategic initiatives in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
Operates at a group/enterprise-wide level and serves as a specialist resource to senior leaders and stakeholders.
Applies expertise and thinks creatively to address unique or ambiguous situations and to find solutions to problems that can be complex and non-routine.
Implements changes in response to shifting trends.
Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed.
Qualifications:
Approximately 5-7 years of experience in strategic communications – in an agency, corporate environment or journalism – and a post-secondary degree in in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or a related field of study
Strong understanding of the U.S. media landscape
Established media relationships, particularly with those covering banking and financial industry.
A work style that is self-motivated, well-organized and resilient to changing timelines, requests and deliverables
Verbal & written communication skills - In-depth / Expert.
Analytical and problem-solving skills - In-depth / Expert.
Influence skills - In-depth / Expert.
Collaboration & team skills; with a focus on cross-group collaboration - In-depth / Expert.
Able to manage ambiguity.
Data driven decision making - In-depth / Expert.
Salary:
$100,000.00 - $185,500.00
Pay Type:
Salaried
The above represents BMO Financial Group’s pay range and type.
Salaries will vary based on factors such as location, skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role, and may include a commission structure. Salaries for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on number of hours regularly worked. For commission roles, the salary listed above represents BMO Financial Group’s expected target for the first year in this position.
BMO Financial Group’s total compensation package will vary based on the pay type of the position and may include performance-based incentives, discretionary bonuses, as well as other perks and rewards. BMO also offers health insurance, tuition reimbursement, accident and life insurance, and retirement savings plans. To view more details of our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.bmo.com/global/en/Total-Rewards
We’re here to help
At BMO we are driven by a shared Purpose: Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. It calls on us to create lasting, positive change for our customers, our communities and our people. By working together, innovating and pushing boundaries, we transform lives and businesses, and power economic growth around the world.
As a member of the BMO team you are valued, respected and heard, and you have more ways to grow and make an impact. We strive to help you make an impact from day one – for yourself and our customers. We’ll support you with the tools and resources you need to reach new milestones, as you help our customers reach theirs. From in-depth training and coaching, to manager support and network-building opportunities, we’ll help you gain valuable experience, and broaden your skillset.
To find out more visit us at https://jobs.bmo.com/us/en
BMO is committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. By learning from each other’s differences, we gain strength through our people and our perspectives. BMO is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. To request accommodation, please contact your recruiter.
Note to Recruiters: BMO does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to BMO, directly or indirectly, will be considered BMO property. BMO will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. A recruiting agency must first have a valid, written and fully executed agency agreement contract for service to submit resumes.
With 5-7 years of experience in communications, you’ll work 1:1 with senior leaders on media campaigns and projects that generate earned national and regional coverage with measurable results. Working in an integrated manner with communicators across the bank, you’ll seek creative ways to amplify and extend our earned media coverage with both internal and external audiences.
Work with senior P&BB leaders to develop and lead media relations campaigns for one of the bank’s central lines of business.
Develop strategic media relations plans that include: goals and objectives, media targets, story angles and outreach approaches, in collaboration with and support from senior media relations experts.
Identify and manage emerging issues in close collaboration with stakeholders in the business.
Maintain knowledge of evolving economic, political and social issues that affect our business.
Monitor media outlets, understand financial industry issues and distill insights from media coverage.
Develop news releases, strategic messaging and related materials
Stay in close contact with colleagues in marketing and other disciplines to uncover opportunities for external amplification.
Participate in regular updates and roundtable meetings with colleagues
Provides strategic input into business decisions as a trusted advisor.
Makes recommendations to senior leaders on strategy and new initiatives, based on an in-depth understanding of the business/group.
Acts as a subject matter expert on relevant regulations and policies.
May network with industry contacts to gain competitive insights and best practices.
Acts as the day-to-day subject matter expert for the external communications program/portfolio.
May represent BMO’s position and business interests to specific stakeholder industry/market/government organizations.
Manages resources and leads the execution of strategic initiatives to deliver on business and financial goals.
Helps determine business priorities and best sequence for execution of business/group strategy.
Conducts independent analysis and assessment to resolve strategic issues.
Develops the business case by identifying needs, analysing potential options and assessing expected return on investment.
Recommends business priorities, advises on resource requirements and develops roadmap for strategic execution.
Supports the execution of strategic initiatives in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
Researches and identifies position statements on specific issues to support a proposed program, initiative or event.
Executes program & initiative activities based on a detailed understanding of program/initiative requirement.
Acts as the prime subject matter expert for internal/external stakeholders.
Identifies opportunities for alignment with other BMO groups to strengthen messaging.
Builds effective relationships with internal/external stakeholders.
Ensures alignment between stakeholders.
Reviews and assesses internal and external requests; works with partners to prioritize & approve work.
Conducts independent review, analysis, and resolution of corporate affairs/external communication related issues.
Leads the development of the communication strategy focusing on positively influencing or changing behaviour.
Collaborates across BMO to develop communications strategies and ensure consistency of messaging, in order to positively influence or change behaviour.
Leads the execution of operational programs; assesses and adapts as needed to ensure quality of execution.
Provides input into the planning and implementation of operational programs.
Executes work to deliver timely, accurate, and efficient service.
Develops solutions and makes recommendations based on an understanding of the business strategy and stakeholder needs.
Provides advice and guidance to assigned business/group on implementation of solutions.
Develops knowledge related to external communications and/or area of specialty e.g. media relations.
Collaborates with internal & external stakeholders to provide business context in the design, develop and implementation of external communication programs/campaigns and /or events.
Supports the organization and execution of external communication related initiatives, programs, campaigns and events e.g. community sponsorship events, fundraising campaigns, etc.
Supports the development, production and distribution of communication, campaign, and special event materials across all delivery channels.
Ensures that BMO’s brand is used correctly and effectively in all content by applying standards.
Breaks down strategic problems, and analyses data and information to provide insights and recommendations.
Monitors and tracks performance, and addresses any issues. Designs and produces regular and ad-hoc reports, and dashboards.
Supports development and execution of strategic initiatives in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
Operates at a group/enterprise-wide level and serves as a specialist resource to senior leaders and stakeholders.
Applies expertise and thinks creatively to address unique or ambiguous situations and to find solutions to problems that can be complex and non-routine.
Implements changes in response to shifting trends.
Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed.
Qualifications:
Approximately 5-7 years of experience in strategic communications – in an agency, corporate environment or journalism – and a post-secondary degree in in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or a related field of study
Strong understanding of the U.S. media landscape
Established media relationships, particularly with those covering banking and financial industry.
A work style that is self-motivated, well-organized and resilient to changing timelines, requests and deliverables
Verbal & written communication skills - In-depth / Expert.
Analytical and problem-solving skills - In-depth / Expert.
Influence skills - In-depth / Expert.
Collaboration & team skills; with a focus on cross-group collaboration - In-depth / Expert.
Able to manage ambiguity.
Data driven decision making - In-depth / Expert.
Salary:
$100,000.00 - $185,500.00
Pay Type:
Salaried
The above represents BMO Financial Group’s pay range and type.
Salaries will vary based on factors such as location, skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role, and may include a commission structure. Salaries for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on number of hours regularly worked. For commission roles, the salary listed above represents BMO Financial Group’s expected target for the first year in this position.
BMO Financial Group’s total compensation package will vary based on the pay type of the position and may include performance-based incentives, discretionary bonuses, as well as other perks and rewards. BMO also offers health insurance, tuition reimbursement, accident and life insurance, and retirement savings plans. To view more details of our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.bmo.com/global/en/Total-Rewards
We’re here to help
At BMO we are driven by a shared Purpose: Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. It calls on us to create lasting, positive change for our customers, our communities and our people. By working together, innovating and pushing boundaries, we transform lives and businesses, and power economic growth around the world.
As a member of the BMO team you are valued, respected and heard, and you have more ways to grow and make an impact. We strive to help you make an impact from day one – for yourself and our customers. We’ll support you with the tools and resources you need to reach new milestones, as you help our customers reach theirs. From in-depth training and coaching, to manager support and network-building opportunities, we’ll help you gain valuable experience, and broaden your skillset.
To find out more visit us at https://jobs.bmo.com/us/en
BMO is committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. By learning from each other’s differences, we gain strength through our people and our perspectives. BMO is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. To request accommodation, please contact your recruiter.
Note to Recruiters: BMO does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to BMO, directly or indirectly, will be considered BMO property. BMO will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. A recruiting agency must first have a valid, written and fully executed agency agreement contract for service to submit resumes.