Global Media Relations Director

Overview:

The Gallagher Re Global Media Relations Director will be the primary global PR leader for Gallagher’s reinsurance business, responsible for shaping and delivering a compelling media program to support growth ambitions and dominant business priorities for our global Gallagher Re business.

You will be responsible for developing the global strategy and undertaking media relations, drafting media-targeted content - advising on the messaging, distribution, placement and amplification of our messages. The role requires a strong and compelling writer as it will include the drafting of press releases, articles and media bulletins. You will be required to develop global media relations plans and other content and you will need to be comfortable in proactively contacting journalists to pitch stories about Gallagher Re and our products. You will work closely with senior stakeholders across the business globally.

You’ll play an integral role in helping to promote Gallagher Re to ensure our business is represented strongly in the media and through our owned channels.

Other responsibilities include positioning company spokespeople as subject matter authorities, monitoring and tracking media coverage, and media coaching.

How you'll make an impact:

• You’ll be a champion for the Gallagher brand amongst the media 
• Work with the wider external communications team and marketing leads to create media relations plans (informed by business priorities, market, customer and competitive insights) to accelerate growth 
• Distinguish Gallagher Re from its competitors (globally and regionally) 
• Devise and implement a global media relations program including news jacking, reactive and proactive story generation 
• Collaborate with senior managers and other key business partners to generate a regular flow of news stories 
• Enhance thought-leadership and market research to support media relations campaigns 
• Write copy (including press releases, pitches, articles and media commentary) for insurance, business and vertical media - researching, writing and distributing these to relevant target audiences 
• Handle incoming media relations and/or inquires 
• Monitor competitor media activity, and find opportunities for Gallagher to comment and reinforce our leading market position 
• Collate, analyze and evaluate media coverage in line with agreed KPIs 
• Handle media events including press conferences and briefings 
• Proactively work with senior counterparts to learn key trends affecting our clients and advise the business on how our insight can translate into compelling media coverage 
• Educate stakeholders about the role of media relations in driving growth 
• Regularly review performance and workflow processes to ensure maximum efficiencies 
• Record, analyze, and report on activity results to influence future strategy planning 
• Ensure necessary compliance and legal sign off obtained for all press releases and articles

About You:

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree 
• Minimum of 8 years media relations or general communications experience 
• Direct experience managing communication professionals 
• Experience and comfort functioning as a senior communications counselor for senior leaders on both proactive topics as well as issues management, expert conflict resolution skills 
• Propensity to apply considerable judgment, analysis, and initiative to make recommendations and resolve problems 
• Strong work ethic and ability to work unpredictable hours when necessary, as well as be available for travel.

Highly Preferred:

• 8-10+ years of professional experience in global media relations and corporate communications. 
• Degree major in English, Journalism, or Communications preferred. 
• Insurance related experience is a bonus. 
• Knowledge in driving media relations strategy for a large, global financial services firm, inclusive of media outreach and collaboration with agencies. 
• High-functioning, proactive individual who can prioritize multiple demands and handle challenging situations that may require adapting to changing requirements on a project. 
• Excellent written and verbal proficiency. 
• Strong expressive and interpersonal skills. 
• Well organized and able to efficiently multi-task. 
• Lead projects independently and meets deadlines.

On top of a competitive salary, great teams and exciting career opportunities, we also offer a wide range of benefits. Below are the minimum core benefits you’ll get, depending on your job level these benefits may improve:

• Medical/dental/vision plans, which start from day one! 
• Life and accident insurance 
• 401(K) and Roth options 
• Tax-advantaged accounts (HSA, FSA) 
• Educational expense reimbursement 
• Paid parental leave

Other benefits include:

• Digital mental health services (Talkspace) 
• Flexible work hours (availability varies by office and job function) 
• Training programs 
• Gallagher Thrive program – elevating your health through challenges, workshops and digital fitness programs for your overall wellbeing 
• Charitable matching gift program 
• And more...