Communications Specialist

Role Title: Sr. Communications Specialist (Contractor)

Location: New York, NY 10041 - 2 -3 days/week in office, flexible on which days in office

Contract Duration: 12 months

The Role

Seeking an experienced Sr. Communications Specialist to join our Ratings Communications team on a 12-month contract basis. Reporting to the Ratings Head of Public Relations, this role will play a critical part in advancing and protecting the reputation across the Americas and Europe.

The successful candidate will lead proactive and reactive media relations efforts, support regional and global communications initiatives, and help translate the insights and analysis of into compelling external narratives. In addition, this individual will also provide executive communications support for senior leaders and contribute to internal communications efforts as needed.

This is a hands-on role for a strategic communicator who has exceptional media relationships, thrives in a fast-paced, global environment and is equally comfortable developing communications strategies, managing media relationships, drafting executive content, and responding to emerging issues.

Responsibilities

Public Relations & Media Relations

Execute integrated public relations strategies that support business priorities across the Americas and Europe.

Build and maintain strong relationships with key financial, business, and trade media.

Identify and develop proactive media opportunities that elevate the visibility thought leadership, executives, and research.

Manage inbound media inquiries and support rapid, accurate responses.

Monitor and assess emerging issues, market developments, and reputational risks, providing timely communications counsel.

Partner with commercial, product, analytical, legal, and enterprise communications teams to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated execution.

Support crisis and issues management activities as required.

Executive Communications

Provide communications support to senior leaders and subject matter experts.

Draft executive materials including talking points, speeches, presentations, media briefing documents, bylined articles, and Q&A materials.

Support executive visibility strategies that strengthen leader positioning and reinforce business priorities.

Prepare leaders for media interviews, conferences, customer events, and internal engagements.

Internal Communications Support

Serve as a strategic advisor to senior business leaders and be their single point of contact on all things communications.

Contribute to internal communications initiatives when needed, helping ensure alignment between internal and external narratives.

Support leadership communications, employee messaging, organizational announcements, and change communications efforts.

Partner closely with internal communications colleagues to deliver coordinated communication campaigns.

Strategic Counsel & Measurement

Serve as a trusted communications advisor to business stakeholders.

Develop communications plans that align with organizational objectives and measurable outcomes.

Monitor and analyze communications performance, media coverage, and share-of-voice trends.

Provide recommendations to improve effectiveness, visibility, and impact.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Business, or a related field preferred.

10-12 years of experience in public relations, corporate communications, media relations, or strategic communications. Ability to navigate A.I. in the workplace.

Demonstrated experience supporting complex, highly regulated, or professional-services organizations.

Strong media relations background with established relationships across business, financial, and trade media.

Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling capabilities.

Proven ability to translate complex topics into clear and compelling communications.

Experience supporting senior executives and developing executive communications materials.

Strong project management and stakeholder management skills.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively under tight deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in financial services, ratings, capital markets, professional services, or related industries.

Familiarity with internal communications, employee engagement, and change communications.

Experience supporting reputation management and crisis communications.

Experience working in global, matrixed organizations.

The Right Candidate

You are a strategic yet hands-on communicator who enjoys balancing media relations, executive visibility, and bringing strong executive presence. You are comfortable advising senior leaders, challenging where appropriate, building relationships with journalists, managing sensitive issues, and developing impactful communications programs. You bring sound judgment, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to operate effectively across regions and functions.