Executive Communications Strategist

Job description

Overview As a Senior Executive Communications Strategist, you will serve as the lead communications advisor and strategic thought partner to a Vanguard Managing Director, shaping and executing a comprehensive external communications strategy that advances Vanguard's business priorities, reputation, and thought leadership agenda. This is a senior-level role requiring exceptional strategic judgment, executive presence, business acumen, and influence. You will partner directly with one of Vanguard's most senior leaders to define and elevate their external presence, helping position them as a credible and influential voice on issues that matter to clients, the financial services industry, and the broader marketplace. Media relations and executive visibility are core responsibilities of this role. The successful candidate will develop, plan and execute the Managing Director's media strategy, shape media narratives, prepare the executive for high-profile engagements, and maximize the impact of earned media. This individual will also lead the executive's speaking strategy, identifying and securing external opportunities that reinforce Vanguard's priorities and strengthen the executive's influence with key audiences as well as their social media strategy. Core Responsibilities Serve as the primary communications strategist and trusted advisor to a Vanguard Managing Director. Develop and execute a comprehensive external executive communications strategy aligned to enterprise priorities and business objectives. Translate complex business, industry, economic, and market topics and data into compelling narratives and thought leadership platforms. Shape and maintain a clear, differentiated thought leadership platform that positions the executive as a credible voice on priority business and industry topics. Provide strategic counsel on reputation opportunities and risks, helping the executive navigate complex and high-profile issues. Own the Managing Director's external visibility strategy across earned media, external speaking engagements, industry forums, thought leadership platforms, and social channels. Advise and prepare executives for media interviews, editorial board meetings, podcasts, broadcast appearances, and other high-profile engagements. Cultivate relationships with key journalists, conference organizers, industry influencers, and external stakeholders. Develop speeches, keynote presentations, opinion pieces, bylined articles, talking points, social content, and other thought leadership assets designed for external audiences. Establish and lead a measurement framework to assess the effectiveness of executive communications, thought leadership, media engagement, and speaking programs. Define success metrics and key performance indicators that demonstrate how executive communications contribute to Vanguard's reputation, strategic priorities, and business objectives. Qualifications Minimum of 12 years of experience in executive communications, corporate communications, media relations, public relations, journalism, public affairs, or a related field. Significant experience advising C-suite or senior executive leaders in highly visible environments. Proven track record developing executive thought leadership platforms and external communications strategies. Demonstrated media relations expertise, including developing proactive media strategies and supporting executives in high-profile media engagements. Strong understanding of the financial services media landscape and experience working with national, trade, broadcast, and digital media. Exceptional writing, storytelling, messaging, and presentation development skills. Experience developing communications measurement frameworks and demonstrating the impact of executive communications programs. Ability to influence senior leaders, navigate ambiguity, and operate effectively in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required. What Success Looks Like The Managing Director is recognized as a credible and influential voice on priority business and industry topics. Executive visibility efforts advance Vanguard's reputation and strategic priorities. Media engagement generates measurable impact and supports key business objectives. Thought leadership content and speaking engagements resonate with priority audiences and influence industry conversations. Data and insights clearly demonstrate the effectiveness and impact of executive communications efforts. Senior leaders view the strategist as a trusted counselor and indispensable strategic partner. Special Factors Sponsorship Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position. About Vanguard At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission. To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best. How We Work Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.