Head of Corporate Communications / Affairs

Morgan Stanley entered into a global strategic alliance with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) in 2008 and established two Japanese securities joint ventures - Morgan Stanley MUFG Securities (MSMS) and Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities (MUMSS) - in 2010. MSMS and MUMSS leverage the combined capabilities of Morgan Stanley's global reach and financial expertise and MUFG's unparalleled client footprint, collaborating closely and offering unprecedented financial services to clients.

Job Profile
Morgan Stanley is recruiting for an experienced and strategic communications executive to lead the Corporate Affairs function for Japan based out of Tokyo.

The individual will play a critical role developing and executing the communications strategy for Morgan Stanley's Japan franchise and businesses, focusing on external communication and media relations, internal communications and employer branding, and philanthropy and employee engagement initiatives, while improving connectivity across business units and with the rest of the Firm.

The position reports to the head of Corporate Affairs for Asia based out of Hong Kong.

Primary Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the external communication strategy and delivery for Morgan Stanley in Japan, as well as for each of the Firm's onshore businesses, including Investment Banking, Institutional Equities and Fixed Income, Research, and Investment Management.
- Forge strong relationships with key media outlets and journalists.
- Be a strategic advisor and communications expert to the executive leadership in Japan.
- Lead issue management communications efforts, developing strategies to mitigate risks and protect the Firm's reputation.
- Develop an internal communications strategy to ensure employees are informed, engaged and aligned.
- Support Japan Firm management and other internal clients on communications and engagement strategies, initiatives, and events.
- Work with the global and regional Community Affairs team on project planning, reporting and communications during the annual global volunteering month.
- Lead employee engagement efforts around philanthropy and community affairs including driving participation and engagement for various Firm initiatives such as CSR programming and volunteering initiatives, in close coordination with the local CSR Committee.
- Cultivate internal relationships and partnerships at all levels of the organization.
- Lead and mentor a small team of communications professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment. Provide guidance and support in developing their skills and careers.
- Work closely with our joint venture partner MUMSS' communications team, and as required with the MUFG communications team.
- Work in collaboration with global Firmwide Marketing and internal stakeholders on the Firm's branding and content for our Japan bilingual public website, marketing collaterals and social media content, with dotted line oversight of the Marketing function for Japan. Required Skills
- Ability to create an overall strategic communications vision for Morgan Stanley in Japan, ensuring alignment with the Firm's global initiatives and values while addressing local nuances.
- A proven track record driving successful communications campaigns from inception to delivery.
- Ability to become the trusted communications advisor to senior executives.
- Ability to quickly absorb and process often complex financial information and then create clear and concise messaging for use with the media and employees.
- Strength in creating and maintaining deep relationships across businesses and organizations.
- A known and skilled collaborator, who consistently looks to connect the dots.
- Ability to speak up and challenge convention respectfully with the goal of finding common ground and optimum outcomes.
- Ability to incorporate new tools (videos, blogs, infographics, firsthand stories, mobile tools) into communications delivery.

Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a related field desired (Journalism, Communication, Marketing, Liberal Arts, Public Relations, Advertising, etc.).
- At least 15+ years of experience as a Communications and Media Relations professional specializing in the financial services sector.
- Complete fluency in both spoken and written English and Japanese.
- Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
- Proven experience creating and managing communications strategies and translating those strategies into actionable plans.
- Demonstrated track record of managing a small team.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM MORGAN STANLEY:

We are committed to maintaining the first-class service and high standard of excellence that have defined Morgan Stanley for over 85 years. At our foundation are five core values - putting clients first, doing the right thing, leading with exceptional ideas, committing to diversity and inclusion, and giving back - that guide our more than 80,000 employees in 1,200 offices across 42 countries. At Morgan Stanley, you'll find trusted colleagues, committed mentors and a culture that values diverse perspectives, individual intellect and cross-collaboration. We Firm is differentiated by the caliber of our diverse team. While our company culture and commitment to inclusion define our legacy and shape our future, helping to strengthen our business and bring value to clients around the world. Learn more about how we put this commitment to action: morganstanley.com/diversity. We are proud to support our employees and their families at every point along their work-life journey, offering some of the most attractive and comprehensive employee benefits and perks in the industry.

We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

Morgan Stanley is an equal opportunities employer. We work to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where all individuals can maximize their full potential. Our skilled and creative workforce is comprised of individuals drawn from a broad cross section of the global communities in which we operate and who reflect a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives, and experiences. Our strong commitment to a culture of inclusion is evident through our constant focus on recruiting, developing, and advancing individuals based on their skills and talents.