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BMO is currently seeking a Media Relations Specialist to join our team in Chicago. We’re looking for a self-starter with a passion for strategic communications who can tell compelling stories for BMO’s North American Commercial Bank, its U.S. Wealth Management group, and other priority areas – while helping us deliver on our Purpose commitment to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. We are looking for a team player with a passion for personal finance who can drive media relations campaigns and develop thought leadership programs. You’ll play an important role in advancing our digital narrative and reinforcing our deep commitment to customers. You love the thrill of the pitch, building relationships with media, and thinking creatively on how to do things differently.

With 4-6 years of experience in communications, you’ll work 1:1 with leaders on media campaigns and projects that generate earned national and regional coverage with measurable results. Working in an integrated manner with communicators across the bank, you’ll seek creative ways to amplify and extend our earned media coverage with both internal and external audiences.

If you’ve got a passion for strategic communications, we want to hear from you.

Supports the delivery of external communication messages, programs and initiatives to increase BMO’s engagement externally. Communicates with employees, media and other stakeholders on matters related to corporate affairs & corporate messaging. Supports a wide range of campaigns and programs including special events, fundraisers, education and awareness, and relationships with internal & external partners. Ensures BMO’s brand is communicated in a way that reflects our values and corporate responsibility.

• Work with leaders to develop media relations campaigns for BMO’s U.S. Wealth Management business and other priority areas

• Develop strategic media relations plans that include goals and objectives, media targets, story angles and outreach approaches, in collaboration with and support from the broader media relations team

• Pitch story ideas and BMO experts to media covering wealth management and financial services

• Develop messaging for spokespeople while coordinating and supporting media interviews for BMO spokespeople

• Monitor media outlets, understand financial industry issues and distill insights from media coverage

• Develop news releases, strategic messaging, and related materials

• Collaborates across BMO – including colleagues in marketing and other disciplines – to uncover opportunities and develop communications strategies that ensure consistency of messaging for external amplification

• Participate in regular updates and roundtable meetings with media relations team colleagues

• May represent BMO’s position and business interests to specific stakeholder industry/market/government organizations.

• Supports the execution of strategic initiatives in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

• Helps determine business priorities and best sequence for execution of business/group strategy.

• Conducts independent analysis and assessment to resolve strategic issues.

• Researches and identifies position statements on specific issues to support a proposed program, initiative or event.

• Executes program & initiative activities based on a detailed understanding of program/initiative requirements.

• Identifies opportunities for alignment with other BMO groups to strengthen messaging

• Builds effective relationships with internal/external stakeholders.

• Ensures alignment between stakeholders.

• Acts as a subject matter expert for the development and maintenance of process/program frameworks, principles and practices.

• Prepares communications and analysis to launch/support programs/campaigns events.

• Acts as point of escalation on administrative matters.

• Builds change management plans of varying scope and type; leads or participates in a variety of change management activities including readiness assessments, planning, stakeholder management, execution, evaluation and sustainment of initiatives.

• Leads or participates in defining the communication plan designed to positively influence or change behaviour; develops tailored messaging; and identifies appropriate distribution channels.

• Provides input into the planning and implementation of operational programs.

• Executes work to deliver timely, accurate, and efficient service.

• Develops solutions and makes recommendations based on an understanding of the business strategy and stakeholder needs.

• Provides advice and guidance to assigned business/group on implementation of solutions.

• Develops knowledge related to external communications and/or area of specialty e.g. media relations

• Collaborates with internal & external stakeholders to provide business context in the design, develop and implementation of external communication programs/campaigns and /or events

• Supports the organization and execution of external communication related initiatives, programs, campaigns and events e.g. community sponsorship events, fundraising campaigns, etc.

• Supports the development, production and distribution of communication, campaign, and special event materials across all delivery channels

• Ensures that BMO’s brand is used correctly and effectively in all content by applying standards.

• Breaks down strategic problems, and analyses data and information to provide insights and recommendations.

• Monitors and tracks performance, and addresses any issues. Designs and produces regular and ad-hoc reports, and dashboards.

• Supports development and execution of strategic initiatives in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

• Focus is primarily on business/group within BMO; may have broader, enterprise-wide focus.

• Exercises judgment to identify, diagnose, and solve problems within given rules.

• Works independently on a range of complex tasks, which may include unique situations.

• Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed. Qualifications:

• Typically between 4 - 6 years of relevant experience and post-secondary degree in related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience, ideally working in an agency, coporate enviornement, or journalism.

• Experience in media relations or external communications related field-In-depth. Subject matter expert with strong understanding of the U.S. media landscape.

• Established media relationships, particularly with those covering wealth management, banking and financial industry

• A work style that is self-motivated, well-organized, and resilient to changing timelines, requests and deliverables

• Able to prioritize competing requests and priorities

• Strong written and verbal communication, presentation, collaboration, and problem-solving skills

• Familiarity and experience with media databases and other common tools and resources

• A committed networker willing to develop relationships with key internal stakeholders

• True team player

• Technical proficiency gained through education and/or business experience.

• Verbal & written communication skills - In-depth.

• Collaboration & team skills - In-depth.

• Analytical and problem solving skills - In-depth.

• Influence skills - In-depth.

• Data driven decision making - In-depth.

Salary:

$56,000.00 - $104,000.00

Pay Type:

Salaried

The above represents BMO Financial Group’s pay range and type.

Salaries will vary based on factors such as location, skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role, and may include a commission structure. Salaries for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on number of hours regularly worked. For commission roles, the salary listed above represents BMO Financial Group’s expected target for the first year in this position.

BMO Financial Group’s total compensation package will vary based on the pay type of the position and may include performance-based incentives, discretionary bonuses, as well as other perks and rewards. BMO also offers health insurance, tuition reimbursement, accident and life insurance, and retirement savings plans. To view more details of our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.bmo.com/global/en/Total-Rewards

We’re here to help

At BMO we are driven by a shared Purpose: Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. It calls on us to create lasting, positive change for our customers, our communities and our people. By working together, innovating and pushing boundaries, we transform lives and businesses, and power economic growth around the world.

As a member of the BMO team you are valued, respected and heard, and you have more ways to grow and make an impact. We strive to help you make an impact from day one – for yourself and our customers. We’ll support you with the tools and resources you need to reach new milestones, as you help our customers reach theirs. From in-depth training and coaching, to manager support and network-building opportunities, we’ll help you gain valuable experience, and broaden your skillset.

To find out more visit us at https://jobs.bmo.com/us/en

BMO is committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. By learning from each other’s differences, we gain strength through our people and our perspectives. BMO is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. To request accommodation, please contact your recruiter.

Note to Recruiters: BMO does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to BMO, directly or indirectly, will be considered BMO property. BMO will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. A recruiting agency must first have a valid, written and fully executed agency agreement contract for service to submit resumes.