Job Information
SMBC Internal Communications Lead, Director in New York, New York
SMBC Group is a top-tier global financial group. Headquartered in Tokyo and with a 400-year history, SMBC Group offers a diverse range of financial services, including banking, leasing, securities, credit cards, and consumer finance. The Group has more than 130 offices and 80,000 employees worldwide in nearly 40 countries. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMFG) is the holding company of SMBC Group, which is one of the three largest banking groups in Japan. SMFG’s shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York (NYSE: SMFG) stock exchanges.
In the Americas, SMBC Group has a presence in the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. Backed by the capital strength of SMBC Group and the value of its relationships in Asia, the Group offers a range of commercial and investment banking services to its corporate, institutional, and municipal clients. It connects a diverse client base to local markets and the organization’s extensive global network. The Group’s operating companies in the Americas include Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC), SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., SMBC Capital Markets, Inc., SMBC MANUBANK, JRI America, Inc., SMBC Leasing and Finance, Inc., Banco Sumitomo Mitsui Brasileiro S.A., and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co., Ltd.
Role Description
SMBC Americas Division is seeking a Director of Internal Communications on the Americas Communications team to identify opportunities and create plans to increase colleague engagement via multiple channels through the promotion of the bank’s growing businesses and news about the bank’s internal and external activities.
The position involves developing and executing a strategic internal communications plan via channels that include internal emails and the bank’s intranet with a focus on measuring results. The ideal candidate will have strong writing and organizational skills and experience managing an email distribution tool.
In collaboration with senior leaders in the Americas, the Director, Internal Communications will help develop and advance compelling messages, programs, and projects to further enhance employee engagement and awareness about SMBC’s market presence.
The role is based in the New York office and reports to the Head of Communications, Americas Division.
Role Objectives
Leads the Americas internal communications program and is accountable for consistently delivering high-quality results.
Develops a strategic internal communications plan and deploys it via numerous internal channels.
Creates and maintains appropriate policies and procedures with local management and the Head Office in Tokyo to ensure an effective program for the Americas Division.
Demonstrates measurable results and impact toward business objectives through meaningful metrics and reporting.
Qualifications and Skills
B.A. or B.S. degree in Communications, Journalism, English, or related field.
10 or more years of experience in communications.
Experience streamlining internal communications and using an email distribution tool to manage communications and measure impact.
Expertise developing content for intranet and digital signage platforms.
Track record of creating and implementing comprehensive internal communications programs that support a corporate brand and overall business objectives while driving employee engagement.
Excellent writing and editing skills are a must, including the ability to quickly write executive talking points and speeches as well as employee and client talking points.
Proven track record of teamwork, innovation, and results. Well organized, with the ability to interact and influence at all levels of an organization. Success will in part result from the ability to build relationships and manage across a highly matrixed Japanese organization.
Expertise in counseling senior management and earning respect of peers.
Strategic thinking, judgment, and sound decision making are essential, with the ability to work effectively under pressure and an understanding of the connection between media relations, social media, and internal communications.
The ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and move them to completion, working with a cross-section of colleagues.
Additional Requirements
D&I Commitment
Responsible for fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, holding leaders accountable for creating an inclusive environment through awareness and practice of equity in recruiting, developing, and promoting diverse talent.
SMBC’s employees participate in a Hybrid workforce model that provides employees with an opportunity to work from home, as well as, from an SMBC office. SMBC requires that employees live within a reasonable commuting distance of their office location. Prospective candidates will learn more about their specific hybrid work schedule during their interview process. Hybrid work may not be permitted for certain roles, including, for example, certain FINRA-registered roles for which in-office attendance for the entire workweek is required.
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. SMBC provides reasonable accommodations for employees and applicants with disabilities consistent with applicable law. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please let us know at accommodations@smbcgroup.com.