Media Relations Manager

As The Baldwin Group continues to grow and transform as a public company solidifying its position as a “Broker of the Future” under the new The Baldwin Group brand, external expectations around the firm’s reputation and brand management will continue to increase. These expectations have led to the creation of a specialized Manager, Media Relations role to satisfy current and future state business requirements.
This role plays an integral part in The Baldwin Group’s Enterprise Communications and Marketing teams and requires a skillful, disciplined, trusted manager with strong written and verbal skills to innovate, develop, implement, and support external (earned media and public relations) communications strategies, plans, and messaging for The Baldwin Group at the Enterprise leadership level and for the Insurance Advisory Solutions (IAS) and Main Street Solutions (MIS) Operating Groups. These groups include Industry Practice Leaders and Centers of Excellence (COEs) to help advance understanding and adoption of the firm’s vision, strategic objectives, marketing campaigns, expertise, thought leadership, sponsorships, culture/recruitment initiatives, and other significant firm news with key external stakeholders.
The successful candidate will be a hands-on, focused media relations professional who is a strong storyteller, media relationship-builder, project manager, departmental liaison, and trusted advisor. The candidate has proficiency in effectively listening for understanding and developing plans, story angles, and messages that are in sync with the firm’s vision, mission, brand, evolving leadership thinking, and business requirements/decisions. They will translate those concepts into actionable and clear messaging (externally) matched for the greatest impact against relevant audience segments within earned channels.
In addition, this important role has responsibility for media coverage measurement for effectiveness and analysis of share of voice, media impressions, and sentiment. The gathering and providing insight to the Chief Marketing Officer, Senior Director, Enterprise Communications, and Marketing leadership is required of this role so that our firm continuously improves, builds on success when communicating with key stakeholders via earned media channels, and innovates for maximum impact.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Work with the Senior Director, Enterprise Communications, and other Marketing and Communications leaders and colleagues to develop and operationalize strategic media relations systems as part of the full integrated marketing communications plan (annual cadence) which communicates and maximizes brand-building and storytelling impact of the firm’s priorities and key initiatives.

• Create and implement comprehensive media relations strategies that align with the company’s objectives.

• Increase proactive and innovative approach to story-mining across the firm for external storytelling and media pitching to increase the firm’s visibility in top-tier and targeted media outlets.

• Research and identify top-tier and target media outlets and develop plans to engage them effectively.

• Develop, build, and sustain working relationships with key media stakeholders and influencers as an effective spokesperson for the enterprise.

• Contribute to the refinement of a consistent measurement system of KPIs for earned media, monitor and analyze results of communications strategies, plans, and programs.

• Develop, track, and report on an event and quarterly basis Key Performance Indicators to ensure strategies and plans meet objectives. Use and analyze findings to refine approach and increase effectiveness in the form of a recommendation to leaders.

• Collaborate across Communications/Marketing team, Operating Units, and Growth Services functions on earned media content and how earned media content can be maximized across marketing channels and repurposed for colleague education and engagement, i.e., SPOT intranet content, social media, town calls, etc.

• Join in providing oversight of external public relations firms and developing recommendations and strategic counsel to management regarding communications opportunities and issues.

• Write and develop media interview briefing and preparation materials for industry practice, Center of Excellence (COE), and senior leaders which include press releases, messaging, remarks, and presentations.

• Serve as a spokesperson for the firm in alignment with the organization’s Disclosure Committee Charter and other relevant policies.

• Assist in the management and evaluation of external public relations resources and project management.

• Co-create a targeted list of influential media and participate in building positive relationships with them as a representative of the firm.

• Write press releases and contribute to the development of relevant social posts in support of key initiatives to elevate the reputation of the firm and its key initiatives.

• Nurture, sustain and strengthen working relationships with key media leaders and influencers on behalf of the firm.

Key Competencies/Experience:

• National experience expanding the impact of the Communications function on business growth and reputation.

• Demonstrated results and use of effective communications and collaboration skills in order to build, motivate, and influence business outcomes within a decentralized, matrix organization.

• Ability to build and sustain strong working relationships while delivering on Baldwin’s vision and accomplishing strategic objectives for the firm and as a Marketing and Communications professional.

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills with a high attention to detail in a fast-paced environment with multiple, often competing priorities, including acumen in project and change management competencies.

• Ability to define and measure core metrics and KPIs and apply learnings to advance earned media effectiveness and best practices.

• Demonstrates critical-thinking, discretion, and evolved emotional intelligence in asking probing questions, anticipating related needs of business or project completion.

• Technology and computer savvy; proficient in MS 365 Office suite and other earned media platforms (i.e., PR Newswire or Business Wire, Cision, Meltwater, Canva, etc.).

• A collaborative team player who lives the organization’s core values, exemplifying behavior that is aligned with the firm’s culture.

• Passionate about doing cutting-edge and quality work in an environment driven by purpose, creativity, collaboration, innovation, and fun!

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, English, Journalism, or a related field.

• 7-10+ years of communications and marketing experience for a public company (insurance industry background a plus).

• Certifications: None required.

• Licenses: None required.

Special Working Conditions:

• Fast-paced, multi-tasking, entrepreneurial environment of a growing public company that is pursuing and aspiring to achieve the next tranche of growth ($3 billion/30 basis points/5 years) as it becomes the “Broker of the Future” with dynamic leaders and an incredible growth story to tell.

Important Notice:

• This position description is intended to describe the level of work required of the person performing in the role and is not a contract. The essential responsibilities are outlined; other duties may be assigned as needs arise or as required to support the Firm.

Click here for some insight into our culture!

The Baldwin Group will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate who applies on our career site. Any unsolicited resumes sent to The Baldwin Group, including unsolicited resumes sent via any source from an Agency, will not be considered and are not subject to any fees for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.