Regional Head of Communications, North America

: We are looking for a Regional Head of Communications, North America. This position will work a hybrid schedule based in our New York City office. Your Team Press& Media is the arm and voice of Allianz Commercial (AzC). The Communications Team is a center of excellence and critical in building AzC's narrative and reputation. Allianz Commercial is the center of expertise and global line of Allianz Group for insuring mid-sized businesses, large enterprises and specialist risks. Among our customers are the world's largest consumer brands, financial institutions and industry players, the global aviation and shipping industry, as well as family-owned and medium enterprises, which are the backbone of the economy. We also cover unique risks such as offshore wind parks, infrastructure projects or film productions. The trade name Allianz Commercial (AzC) brings together the large corporate insurance business of Allianz Global Corporate& Specialty (AGCS) and the commercial insurance business of national Allianz Property& Casualty entities serving mid-sized companies. We are present in over 200 countries and territories either though our own teams or the Allianz Group network and partners Allianz Commercial is part of one of the world's strongest financial services groups and world's #1 insurance brand. When you partner with us, you partner with Allianz Group. The Impact You Will Have Reporting to the Chief Regions Officer Americas, this role takes leadership responsibility for the management of communications across North America. In addition, the role is responsible for or contributes to a large number of ad hoc projects at varying levels of importance - from tactical to strategic, and from local to global. Reporting to the Regional CEO and as a member of the Executive Management Team, this role needs to liaise closely with the Regional CEO for the overall region and with the Global Head of Communications. Is responsible for the Communications budget for North America. Some of your specific responsibilities could include:

• Working with a small team, provide regional direction and execution of communications activities. This includes close liaison with key stakeholders (including regional leadership and project stakeholders) and Global Communications, and budget management for all communications activities.
• Lead and coordinate proactive media and external communications across the region, in coordination with other colleagues (local and global, including media teams in other local Allianz companies where relevant), to include: development of a media relations network and process across the region; media management to include planning topic coverage, coordinating, writing and distributing press releases, pitching, fielding journalist enquiries, providing guidance to journalists, press briefings etc.; media relations management for product launches or organizational news and developments; when used, agency coordination, budgeting and management; contact management of media contacts; work with Market Management to develop external newsletters; developing research and ‘knowledge-based' content for external communications in conjunction with global team: white papers, expert reports, risk bulletins and other print/online content; reviewing and monitoring media activity; preparing briefings, and coaching AzC staff including Regional CEO and senior management in media relations; planning and coordinating media training for AzC managers and staff; crisis communications planning and response (local contact for crisis communications); contribute to digital communications including social media where relevant. Target media include mainstream ‘opinion-forming' media as well as business and insurance/trade sector ‘vertical' media, including print, online and broadcast, as well as emerging channels.
• Takes direct responsibility for coordination, management, support and delivery of internal communications activities across AzC Regional Unit, individually or in coordination with other team members (local and global including HR) such as communications planning and projects, change project communications, news/announcements and briefing notes and other newsletters as required, proactive development of consistent messaging and topics for internal use, copywriting and drafting communications, CEO/EMT support for strategy and management& leadership communications, town halls, working with visiting Board Members as needed, regional Intranet (global responsibility is with Global Communications).
• Alongside the above responsibilities, the role will also support and contribute to Regional and Global Communications team activities, including media related activities and ad hoc projects.
• Lead, manage and coach any Communications Officers/Interns to enable them to perform their role effectively.
• Occasional international travel may be required to other AzC countries and as required across the region.

What You'll Bring to the Role-

• A minimum 5 years' strong corporate communications track record with a extensive hands-on experience of media relations and internal communications, ideally in a multi-country environment/global organization, including working with senior managers.
• Services or B2B background preferred - experience of insurance not essential, although this would be beneficial.
• Experience of expertise-driven communications in a knowledge-based industry would be directly relevant. Demonstrable experience of new developments in digital, social and traditional media. Project and change communications experience in a matrix/international environment is an advantage.
• A bachelor's degree or postgraduate qualification in Journalism, Communications or Business. And professional communications qualification/certification highly desirable.
• Knowledge of theoretical and operational principles and techniques of communications for media relations and internal/external communications, and of traditional and digital channels.
• Journalistic skills to include copywriting, information research and analysis, content generation covering text, data and graphics, storytelling, ability to work accurately to tight deadlines.
• Strategic orientation and understanding of commercial business environment, to support communication of Allianz strategy.
• Competence with MS Word and PowerPoint and MS Excel. Use of Photoshop, InDesign and handling of online Content Management tools (intranet/website).
• Communication, presentation and relationship management skills. Ability to remain calm and measured in stressful scenarios, including crisis situations. Ability to prioritize and structure a high workload, identify key issues and work unsupervised to deadlines in a fast-changing environment. Interpersonal skills, including ability to understand others' perspectives and agendas.

The annualized base pay range for this role is $131,513 to $204,717. The annual base salary range represents a nationwide market range. The actual salary for this position may be above and will be determined by several factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role, the skills, education, training, credentials, and experience of the candidate. The base pay is just one component of the AzC total compensation package. As part of our comprehensive compensation and highly rated benefits programs, employees are also eligible for annual performance-based cash incentive awards. 71495 | Communication& Public Relations | Professional | Non-Executive | Allianz Commercial | Full-Time | Permanent