Director-US Communications_

Chicago

Lead communications for BMO's high-growth U.S. markets, driving positioning that demonstrates that BMO helps its customers, communities and colleagues make progress and supporting business growth goals. Must demonstrate ability to create and lead strategic communications that support both reputation and culture. Experience leading diverse teams formally and informally in a large organization a plus, as well as agency experience or agency management experience.

Leader will work collaboratively with stakeholders to assess communications needs, recommend communications plans & solutions, secure necessary approvals, and create/deliver communication solutions that effectively support and address communications needs. Delivers high quality communications solutions that target audiences can easily access, understand and action that are alignment with company standards and values.

+ Fosters a culture aligned to BMO's purpose, values and strategy and role models BMO values and behaviors. Fosters diversity and inclusion.

+ Regularly connects work to BMO's core positioning, sets inspirational goals, defines clear expected outcomes, and ensures clear accountability for follow through.

+ Manages teams that collaborate across functional and operating groups to create the highest value for all stakeholders. Attracts, retains, and enables the career development of top talent. Improves team performance, recognizes and rewards performance, coaches employees, supports their development, and manages poor performance.

+ Acts as a trusted advisor to senior leaders for making business decisions and implementing strategic initiatives.

+ Develops an expert understanding of business/group opportunities and challenges. Influences and negotiates to achieve business objectives.

+ Identifies emerging issues and trends to inform decision-making. Recommends and implements solutions based on analysis of issues and implications for the business.

+ Recommends measures to improve organizational effectiveness, including improvements, changes, additions or deletions of communication content and the vehicles/platforms/tools/technology as necessary, and coordinates with partners to ensure content is up-to-date and relevant.

+ Leads communications strategy planning process, bringing strategic, professional communications counsel, planning and direction to senior leaders. Recommends business priorities, advises on resource requirements and develops roadmap for strategic execution. Recommends, develops and executes communication plans and solutions based on an understanding of the business strategy and stakeholder needs, and in alignment with an overarching communication strategy.

+ Leads the development of strategies and tools to measure, analyze and report on the effectiveness of communications initiatives. Monitors and tracks performance, and addresses any issues. Makes recommendations for improvements based on insights.

+ Guides communicators on relevancy, appropriateness, pacing and sequencing of messages, choice of channels and alignment to business priorities.

+ Collaborates to develop communications strategies and ensure consistency of messaging, in order to positively influence or change behavior.

+ Evaluates and prioritizes requests for senior leader involvement in external activities/events, and provides recommendations for final approval.

+ Manages expenses and external suppliers (as required). Acts as the day to day contact for vendors; supports the implementation, maintenance, and sustainment of vendor solutions.

+ Applies expertise and thinks creatively to address unique or ambiguous situations and to find solutions to multiple, interdependent, complex problems.

+ Communicates abstract concepts in simple terms.

**Qualifications:**

+ Typically 15+ years of relevant experience and post-secondary degree in Business, Communications/Public Relations or a related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

+ Writing & editing skills - Expert.

+ Spanish fluency a plus

+ Uses a straight-talk and story-telling approach for communications.

+ Ability to take technical and complex information and distill it to key messages that make sense

+ Demonstrated experience influencing and coaching senior leaders.

+ Technical leader viewed as a thought leader for innovation.

+ Verbal & written communication skills - Expert.

+ Analytical and problem solving skills - Expert.

+ Influence skills - Expert.

+ Collaboration & team skills; with a focus on cross-group collaboration - Expert.

+ Able to manage ambiguity.

+ Data driven decision making - Expert.

**Salary:**

$128,000.00 - $238,000.00

**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: mo.com/global/en/Total-Rewards

**Equal Employment Opportunity Statement**

BMO is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected. characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.

**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 mo.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.