Communication Consultant - Media Relations Specialist

The position is located in Northbrook, IL The Corporate Relations department handles the internal (workforce) and external public relations communication effort on behalf of the Allstate Corporation. Functions in the department include communication strategy, corporate positioning and stakeholder relations, media relations, government affairs and issues management, corporate contributions, The Allstate Foundation, shareholder communications, executive support, and employee and agent communications. Primary responsibilities include developing and executing external communication and media relations strategies for The Allstate Corporation and its two main operating units -- Allstate Protection and Allstate Financial. Specific communication topics include quarterly financial results, property and casualty products and services, claim operations and practices, executive management changes, human resources practices, marketing promotions and advertising, and litigation activity for the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurance company. Additional duties include developing relationships with and serving as a corporate spokesperson to the country's most important national news organizations, issues management, identifying executive spokespersons, identifying and pursuing opportunities with the news media that enhance the company's reputation, increase business volumes, and highlight to shareholders, customers, employees, and regulators the company's business objectives. The individual will be responsible for: 1. Proactively and reactively managing issues related to the corporation or one of its main operating units so as to minimize any negative publicity and maximize the potential for positive publicity. 2. Identifying, establishing, and maintaining relationships with key journalists covering the company or its business units. 3. Seeking opportunities to position the company, its key executives, and its products and services as favorably in the press with an emphasis on leadership, innovation, and excellence. 4. Working with key internal clients and corporate communication colleagues to anticipate communication needs and opportunities and then developing strategies and tactics for addressing those needs and opportunities.
REQUIREMENTS
The skills required are: 1. Intermediate - Strategic thinking/planning 2. Intermediate - Ability to prioritize, organize, and multi-task (in terms of both attention to projects and managing internal/external resources) 3. Advanced - Effective oral and written communication (business writing) with all internal and external stakeholders 4. Intermediate - Problem solving 5. Intermediate - Developing and managing online communications programs Experience Required: Public Relations, Public Affairs, or corporate communication (3+ years experience), ideally with experience in financial communication, issues management, litigation management, and/or in a regulated industry. Experience developing and managing relationships with journalists and a solid understanding of business. Computer Proficiency: Microsoft Office suite of products including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Internet research capability (news monitoring, Lexis-Nexis, Factiva, Bacon's Online, Biz360, Cymphony, or Vocus). Education: College Degree - Preferred Major preference: Degree in journalism, communication, public relations, political science, or related field. To apply to this position please visit www.allstate.jobs and enter Job Code 237358