Wintrust provides community and commercial banking, specialty finance and wealth management services through its 16 bank charters and nine non-bank businesses. Wintrust delivers the sophisticated solutions of a large bank while staying true to the relationship-focused, personalized service of our community banking roots. We serve clients in all 50 states with more than 200 branch banking locations in Illinois, southwestern Florida, northwestern Indiana, west Michigan and southern Wisconsin and commercial banking offices in Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, Grand Rapids, Mich., and in key branch banking locations throughout Illinois. Our people are the heart of our business and we are proud to rank consistently as a top place to work. Wintrust is a $66 billion financial institution based in Rosemont, Illinois, and listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “WTFC.”

The External Communications Director is a key role within the Corporate Communications team and will lead effective external communications, including proactive and reactive media relations and social media. Corporate Communications is part of the Brand, Engagement and Impact Team at Wintrust, which works to support business goals by employing strategies across marketing, communications and community impact.

What You'll Do

• Develop proactive external communication strategies, working in partnership with key internal business partners, to support Wintrust’s organizational goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with key targeted media outlets and other relevant external stakeholders.
• Support crisis communication and reputation management.
• Oversee the strategy and execution of social media engagement.
• Support content creation across a variety of platforms including press releases, white papers, social media posts and speeches.
• Track media coverage across various channels, including conventional media, social media, and external publications and provide insight on effectiveness and areas of opportunity.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in corporate communications execution and leadership.
• Proven experience in leading external communications strategy and managing budgets and agency relationships.
• Exceptional strategic thinking skills backed by strong message development, storytelling and writing experience.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with multiple stakeholders.
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or related field.

Benefits

Medical Insurance • Dental • Vision • Life insurance • Accidental death and dismemberment • Short-term and long term Disability Insurance • Parental Leave • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Traditional and Roth 401(k) with company match • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) • Employee Stock Purchase Plan at 5% discount • Critical Illness Insurance • Accident Insurance • Transportation and Commuting Benefits • Banking Benefits • Pet Insurance

Compensation

The estimated salary range for this role is $130, 000 - $150, 000 along with eligibility to earn an annual bonus. Actual salaries may vary based on several factors, such as a candidate’s qualifications, skills and experience .

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From our first day in business, Wintrust has been proud to serve a variety of unique communities and people from all walks of life. To build a company that reflects the communities we serve, we believe that fostering a unique and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed will support our ongoing success. Wintrust Financial Corporation, including community banking and financial services subsidiaries, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.