External Communications - VP

Job Description

At Fannie Mae, futures are made. The inspiring work we do makes an affordable home a reality and a difference in the lives of Americans. Every day offers compelling opportunities to impact the future of the housing industry while being part of an inclusive team thriving in an energizing, flexible environment. Here, you will help lead our industry forward and make your career.

The Vice President, External Communications will play a vital role in positioning Fannie Mae as the most valuable business partner to its customers and a highly engaged corporate citizen with a purpose-driven mission. This executive will lead a highly valued strategic function that is considered a key role by executive management, and will be expected to offer innovative thinking and bold ideas that build Fannie Mae’s brand, create broader and deeper knowledge of Fannie Mae’s mission to make housing accessible to millions of potential homeowners, and position the company strategically for the future. This person will be a strong change agent as we continue to evolve the company and culture. This position leads the External Relations/Communications function including: Media Relations, Thought Leadership, Financial Communications and Corporate Initiatives. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, this leader will be a senior member of the Marketing and Communications leadership team and will have a direct working relationship with the CEO and senior most leaders in the company. This position provides an extraordinary opportunity for a dynamic leader to demonstrate creativity, initiative and impact, and comes with a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience.

THE EXPERIENCE YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assess, manage, and develop talent in support of a high performance, merit-based company and contribute to the development of a best-in-class Communications organization.
• Effectively mentor, develop and inspire members of the division with diverse levels of experience and expertise.
  
• In collaboration with the CMO and peer leaders, develop and implement an external communications strategy in support of the company's corporate and business objectives, including creating events and thought leadership platforms, media relations and social media influence.
• Create corporate platforms, thought leader programs, and proactive media and stakeholder engagement plans as appropriate.
• Engage with meaningful and relevant communities and external partners to advance target messages and key themes.
• Enable Fannie Mae to reach key audiences through thoughtful storytelling that establishes connections.
• Work in close alignment with the Marketing and Communication Leadership Team to achieve shared goals and outcomes.
• Serve as an influencer and partner to the business and its top leadership, establishing a trusted adviser role with top corporate leaders.
• Serve as a senior-level spokesperson for the business.
• Manage crises and issues as required.
• Develop a department budget and manage within expectations.
• Develop deep knowledge of Fannie Mae’s business and establish relationships of trust and confidence with the senior leadership team.
• Develop strong relationships with media and external thought leaders and influencers.
• Build corporate platforms, thought leader programs, and proactive media and stakeholder engagement plans as appropriate.
• Create and execute a strategy with distinct deliverables that delivers measurable improvements in Fannie Mae’s reputation, brand and influence with key stakeholders.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent required
• 15+ years of related experience in Communications and/or External/Public Relations
• 10+ years of successful managerial experience
• Record of building deep media relationships and ability to deliver proactive stories while also managing issues
• Ability to develop strong and compelling stories about complex topics
• Expert in the art of media relations and experienced enough to coach others
• Proven experience building and implementing thought leadership programs for a variety of senior executives
• Proactive mindset and big thinker
• Experience working with a wide variety of external constituents and audiences
• Collaborative leader who inspires the team and has immediate credibility with the client

CRITICAL LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

Driving Results

• Acts to surpass goals, seizing opportunities to push the envelope.
• Sets continually higher goals that are ambitious but realistic, geared to organizational objectives.
• Focuses on new opportunities to build the brand, engage employees, and strengthen sales and corporate reputation.

Strategic Thinking

• Develops deep knowledge of the financial services industry, competitors, clients, technologies, and market dynamics that can affect the business.
• Translates broad corporate strategies into clear, specific objectives and plans.
• Creates plans that address specific objectives and support the broader business plan.
• Thinks 2-3 years ahead.

Collaborating and Influencing

• Operates with a genuine give-and-take approach, where peers are respected and decisions are shared.
• Identifies all stakeholders necessary and meets or connects with all of them, neglecting no one to shape a collective consensus.
• Identifies opportunities to build relationships that will help others achieve their objectives and proactively pursues those relationships.

The future is what you make it to be. Discover compelling opportunities at careers.fanniemae.com.
Fannie Mae is an Equal Opportunity Employer, which means we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, personal appearance, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation in the application process, email us at [email protected].
Successful job applicants will be required to successfully complete a background investigation.
Req ID: 61204