Wespath is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to a diverse and inclusive company culture and does not discriminate against applicants and employees because of disability, sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law.

Wespath, recognized as a 2017-2024 Chicago’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® and a 2018-2024 National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For®, has an opportunity for a Communications Manager – Benefits. This people leadership position is primarily responsible for developing and implementing the communications strategy for Wespath’s benefit plans (retirement, health and welfare), and overseeing the day-to-day work of the Benefits Communications team. In consultation with the managing director, Communications, this individual will develop and execute communication and marketing plans for the benefit plans Wespath offers. The individual in this role will work closely with the Benefit Plans leadership team, and other benefit plan supporting teams including Customer Service, Plan Sponsor Relations and Church Relations. This individual ensures the alignment of their direct reports’ editorial calendars, strategic plans and tactics with the overall organization and department goals.

More specifically, as the Communications Manager – Benefits you will:

Lead the benefit plans communication strategy—strategic approach, objectives, audiences, messaging, vehicles and barriers.

• Serve as a strategic partner to the senior managing director of Benefits Plans on communications and marketing.
• Coordinate and collaborate with the managing director of Church Relations, director of Plan Sponsor Relations, and managing director of Customer Service in developing communications and information for key audiences.
• Collaborate with direct reports to identify and execute tactical solutions, including development of work plans from concept through production in alignment with the established organizational visual and written brand identity.
• Develop a system to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies. Conduct audience analyses to ensure continuous improvement in communication. Recommend enhancements and explore new methods for effective communication across various channels.

Direct strategic communication consulting for the Benefit Plans business area. Act as the strategic communications consultant to the Benefit Plans leadership team, ensuring alignment between communications and business objectives, prioritizing messaging, and creating an integrated Wespath voice and brand identity. Regularly introduce new ideas and insights based on industry best practices and developments among benefits industry peers.

Manage the development and execution of a marketing strategy for our benefit plans in partnership with key business areas and the managing director, Communications.

• Oversee the development of branded collateral and materials by the Communications department.
• Coordinate and consult with key business leaders in developing the strategy and agendas for key events targeting Wespath benefit plans. Partner with the Meeting and Events team on logistics and execution and lead direct reports through the implementation.

Oversee benefits-related content creation. Work with direct reports to oversee the development of content for key audiences including retirement plan participants, employers/plan sponsors and the Central Conference Pension program. Materials may include:

• Presentations, digital materials, videos, e-newsletters, eblasts, marketing materials, podcasts, designed leveraging strong storytelling to effectively engage audiences.
• Social media posts and materials developed in collaboration with the social media manager.Wespath.com and Wespath.org written, visual and video content.
• Case studies relating to benefit plans to create strong connections with key audiences.
• Reports including the biennial Central Conference Pensions Report.

Communications Manager - Benefits Compensation and Benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision and well-being benefits from our HealthFlex Exchange on day one.
• 8% employer contribution to retirement plan with an additional match up to 2% on day one.
• 22 days of PTO + 12 paid holidays.
• Hybrid working arrangement.
• The compensation range for this position is $118,000 - 131,000 with a bonus opportunity and customary benefits. Final compensation will be set based on the hired applicant’s qualifications (education, training, and/or experience related to this role), and as such, may fall outside the range shown.

#LI-CW1 #LI-hybrid

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in communications and/or marketing.
• Five plus years writing for health and welfare, pension/benefit plans, institutional investments or related financial services experience.