Vice President, Issues Management and Policy Communications

Job Classification:
Marketing & Communications - Communications

The Vice President, Issues Management and Policy Communications is a key leadership role responsible for shaping communications strategies related to Prudential's corporate reputation and long-term business success. Working closely with External Affairs and the Retirement, Insurance and Asset Management businesses, as well as Technology teams, the successful candidate will develop the strategies to tell Prudential's story and positively shape the business and regulatory environment within which it operates.

Reporting to the Head of the Reputation & Issues Management team, the successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives, providing counsel and developing strategic communications programs, while also responding to real-time reputation risks associated with regulatory matters, societal issues, litigation and technology. Critical to success in this role is the ability to build trust and develop a strong network of colleagues across functions, as well as the ability to connect dots, communicate openly and bridge siloes. The successful candidate is able to simplify complex information, make decisions based on limited or changing information and adapt plans based on rapidly evolving internal or external dynamics. This is a unique opportunity to elevate the issues and policy communications approaches of a Fortune 100 company amidst an increasing scope of corporate reputation risks and policy challenges.

• Partner closely with External Affairs, the Prudential businesses and other functions to develop and execute the engagement strategies and communications campaigns (proactive and reactive) that will address issues most critical to Prudential's long-term success. This includes informing and educating key stakeholders; working collaboratively within Prudential Communications and across functions to identify policy threats and opportunities.
• Lead the development of communications strategies that address regulatory, legislative and societal developments that impact Prudential's business; distill complex policy messages and issues for various audiences including customers and clients, third parties, policymakers and the media.
• Serve as a key partner and trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing counsel and developing strategic communications programs, while also responding to real-time challenges and emerging issues.
• Play a role in developing programs to mitigate risks to Prudential's business and reputation; create strategic communications materials including but not limited to, cyber security and enterprise risk plans, company issues response and media statements, internal and external executive communications.
• Serve as a proxy and additional senior level support to the VP, Reputation & Issues Management as needed on cybersecurity incident response, litigation and societal issues response; including contributing to the development of scenario plans and messaging for use with internal and external audiences.

• 12+ years of professional experience in corporate, policy and/or crisis communications. Experience working in a highly regulated industry, such as financial services or insurance, is a strong plus, as is experience serving in a policy communications or public affairs role within a highly structured, in-house corporate or trade association.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing public affairs or issue management campaigns (proactive and reactive) to address highly complex legislative, legal and regulatory issues.
• Proven track record executing communications response advising senior leaders, providing strategic communications counsel, coordinating across multiple stakeholder communications needs, developing compelling messaging and executing media relations in crisis and sensitive situations.
• Indisputable executive presence with high degree of professionalism, comfort and credibility advising C-suite level leaders.
• Deep knowledge and curiosity about reputation risk and its impact on business outcomes, especially within the financial services and insurance industries, is highly desired.
• Confidence working directly with top-tier media journalists, as well as new and emerging social and digital media outlets.
• Exceptional critical-thinking, persuasive written and verbal communications skills, including interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to think ahead, engage proactively and take initiative.
• Experience building and maintaining internal stakeholder relationships at all levels, particularly in a hybrid environment.
• Minimum bachelor's degree.

• Business and Financial Acumen: excellent business judgement and understanding of business strategy and financial goals. Ability to connect the dots and think laterally about disparate issues and stakeholder issues.
• Trusted business advisor: track record of success in counseling senior business leaders such that insights derived from communications' capabilities influence their business strategies, and communication strategy is driven by business needs and aligned with the enterprise-wide comms strategy.
• Influencing with impact: skilled in influencing business, function and other communications leaders on complex business issues through a combination of impeccable verbal and written communication skills, highly developed emotional intelligence and savvy navigation of complex business structures.
• Strategic leadership: demonstrated willingness to challenge the status quo and tackle difficult issues in a constructive and solutions-oriented manner, while retaining a forward-looking, innovative mindset.
• Effective Partner: proven success working within a matrixed environment and building alignment across multiple stakeholders and groups.

• Market competitive base salaries, with a yearly bonus potential at every level.

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, Paid Time Off (PTO), and leave of absences, such as parental and military leave.

• 401(k) plan with company match (up to 4%).

• Company-funded pension plan.

• Wellness Programsincluding up to $1,600 a year for reimbursement of items purchased to support personal wellbeing needs.

• Work/Life Resources to help support topics such as parenting, housing, senior care, finances, pets, legal matters, education, emotional and mental health, and career development.

• Education Benefit to help finance traditional college enrollment toward obtaining an approved degree and many accredited certificate programs.

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Shares can be purchased at 85% of the lower of two prices (Beginning or End of the purchase period), after one year of service.