Senior Communications Consultant

Due to our success and increased business opportunities, Lockton is seeking a skilled Sr. Communications Consultant to create, manage and deliver custom communications and guidance to our clients. The successful candidate will be an outstanding problem solver, project manager and writer with a keen eye for visual design. The candidate will possess a strong, professional presence and possess the skills required to build client relationships, independently lead client open items calls, advance open projects, identify sales opportunities, mentor and develop team members and ensure flawless projects are delivered according to promised scope and timing.

Client Management:
· Consult on and manage a large book of business and act as a resource to others as needed
· Work directly with the Strategic Communications team’s most strategic key clients to define project scope, gather necessary information, and set shared expectations regarding content, design and deadlines
· Provide planning and consulting advice to clients regarding messaging, layout, medium selection and distribution channel management
· Develop and implement strategic communication plans that address client objectives and challenges, leveraging your expertise in employee benefits, change management, storytelling and the employee value proposition
· Work with clients throughout deliverable development to ensure their direction is incorporated, questions are answered and collaborative environment is maintained
· Run frequent strategy meetings as a top representative of Lockton and the Strategic Communications practice
· Demonstrate proficiency in managing large complex high-profile clients and projects
· Ensure clients’ key objectives are met; be able to prove deliverable efficacy
· Act as a mentor to team specialists

Content Development:
· Define and convey clear messaging and creative direction to writers and designers
· Review and edit content and design to ensure content aligns with client strategy
· Achieve the desired output by editing art and copy to clearly convey key messages
· Independently manage the coordination of internal partners (strategic consultants, benefits service teams, traffic managers, copywriters, proofers and graphic designers) to ensure commitments are met and deliverables exceed client expectations, seeking out guidance as needed

Project Management:
· Follow processes as defined by the Strategic Communications Manager and Strategic Communications Advisor
· Ensure success of overall project
· Create and maintain client editorial calendars, communication plans and project plans
· Review each stage of development to ensure projects stay within scope and meet client objectives
· Independently organize the team calendar, assign responsibilities and keep team on task for deliverables

Other:
· Attend evening and lunch events with clients to build ongoing relationships
· Present concepts and plans to internal and external audiences
· Participate in internal office meetings as required
· Travel to client meetings as needed
· Oversee account teams on complex projects to ensure efficiency and creative excellence
· Mentor and develop junior associates
· Other responsibilities as assigned

#LI-SM3

· Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, English or closely related major
· A minimum of ten years’ full-time experience in communications (employee communication, corporate communication, public relations, marketing or advertising)
· Superior customer service skills
· Strong working knowledge in use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel
· Strong knowledge of AP Style
· Excellent writing, proofing and editing skills with a strong drive for accuracy and detail
· Exemplary aptitude
· Proven ability for use of the English language with regard to sentence structure, punctuation, paragraph formation, and grammar and proofreading skills
· Ability to apply and enforce client established brand guidelines
· Demonstrated knowledge of total rewards, including compensation, medical plans, dental and vision, life and disability, etc. is preferred
· Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly productive and collaborative environment through strong organizational and multi-tasking skills