Director - US Public Relations

At Franklin Templeton, we're driving our industry forward by developing new and innovative ways to help our clients achieve their investment goals. Our dynamic and diversified firm spans asset management, wealth management, and fintech, offering many ways to help investors make progress toward their goals. Our talented teams working around the globe bring expertise that's both broad and unique. From our welcoming, inclusive, and flexible culture to our global and diverse business, we offer opportunities not only to help you reach your potential but also to contribute to our clients' achievements.

Come join us in delivering better outcomes for our clients around the world!

What is the Director - US Public Relations responsible for?

The Head of US Public Relations will be responsible for shaping and executing the company's public relations strategy for the US and Canada. This leadership role involves overseeing all PR activities, managing the PR team, and driving strategic communications to enhance the company's reputation, manage public perception, and support business objectives. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in public relations within the financial services industry, a deep understanding of the media landscape, and exceptional leadership skills. The Head of US/Americas Public Relations reports to the Global Head, Public Relations & Communications, will collaborate closely with the Head of US/Americas Marketing, Head of US Distribution, Head of US Institutional, Investments and other key colleagues. The ideal candidate will have experience in or the desire to work towards aligning public relations strategies with key sales priorities/strategies with the goal of supporting the firm's distribution goals.

What are the ongoing responsibilities of the Director - US Public Relations?

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive global public relations strategy that aligns with the company's business goals and enhances its brand reputation.
• Provide strategic counsel to senior executives on communication matters and public relations initiatives.
• Lead organization's US public relations growth strategy development and execution of plans and prioritize areas of focus in line with business focus.
• Manage Americas public relations staff (both seasoned and learning), providing strategic direction for their areas of responsibility as well as professional mentorship and growth.
• Work closely with US Head of Distribution and team, key Marketing partners and other leaders across the firm to set annual strategy and quarterly measures of success.
• Maintain relationships with key journalists and editors.
• When applicable, manage public relations agencies and consultants.
• Work with Head of US Institutional business and team to socialize the firm's efforts in that space with the media.

Media Relations:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with top-tier national and international media outlets, including financial and business press.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of press releases, media advisories, and other communications materials.
• Write and edit media materials, including press releases, statements, op-eds, letters to the editor, editorial board memos, and email pitches to journalists.
• Lead press responses around issues and developments that impact the Americas business.
• Strong media relationships across key media outlets.
• Along with internal partners, develop and execute crisis communications plans.
• Strategize and integrate earned media tactics into cultural shift and narrative change campaigns.
• Determine and maintain approved spokespeople data with a focus on seeking to balance a good mix that is not too extensive.
• Train organization spokespeople as needed for interviews across print, broadcast, and online outlets.
• Partner with Global Head of Public Relations to manage Americas focused crisis topics.
• Be open to the mindset of thinking more from a commercialization standpoint and the idea of bringing more "storytelling" into the public relations strategy.

Brand Management:

• Shape and uphold the company's brand narrative, ensuring consistent and positive messaging across all communication channels.
• Lead initiatives to enhance the company's thought leadership and market positioning through strategic media placements and speaking opportunities.

Crisis Management:

• Develop and execute crisis communication strategies to effectively manage and mitigate reputational risks and sensitive issues.
• Act as a spokesperson for the company, delivering clear and accurate information during high-stakes situations.

Content Development:

• Oversee the creation of high-quality content, including speeches, op-eds, executive communications, and media kits.
• Ensure that all content is aligned with the company's strategic objectives and resonates with target audiences.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing PR team, fostering a collaborative and results-driven environment.
• Provide guidance and support to ensure the team's alignment with the company's strategic goals and PR best practices.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Cultivate and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including industry analysts, influencers, and business partners.
• Coordinate with other departments, such as marketing, investor relations, and legal, to ensure a cohesive communication strategy.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Track and analyze media coverage, public opinion, and industry trends to measure the effectiveness of PR efforts and inform future strategies.
• Prepare and present regular reports on PR activities, media impact, and strategic outcomes to senior leadership.

What ideal qualifications, skills & experience would help someone to be successful?

• 15+ years of experience in public relations, and communications, especially at an asset manager or public relations agency.
• Track record of both supervising and leading high-performing and talented teams.
• Knowledge of investment products preferred.
• Extensive media relationships across key media outlets.
• Strong media relations, issues management, and crisis communications skills, as well as a knowledge base in digital communications and social media.

• Excellent written and verbal skills, and demonstrated success drafting and placing statements, press releases, and by-lines.
• Ability to act quickly and effectively under pressure, and experience making prudent decisions and taking appropriate action in uncharted situations.
• Demonstrated skills to work well with competing priorities and manage projects involving multiple people from across the department and organization.
• Excellent strategic planning and resource management skills.
• Engaging personality and the desire to foster ongoing dialogue with key internal and external business partners.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong track record of developing plans and motivating a team to execute.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain key relationships through ongoing communication and dialogue.
• Track record of experience in establishing clear priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Able to move at a fast pace while maintaining a high quality of work and make decisions with input quickly when necessary.
• Understands when and how to escalate errors and/or any situation that does not meet Franklin Templeton's standards or may threaten the firm's reputation or success.
• Experience in dealing with senior leaders and high comfort level in providing guidance and feedback on media issues/topics.

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Franklin Templeton offers employees a competitive and valuable range of total rewards-monetary and non-monetary-designed to support the whole person and to recognize their time, talents, and results. Along with base compensation, other compensation is offered such as a discretionary bonus, 401k plan, health insurance, and other perks. There are several factors taken into consideration in making compensation decisions including but not limited to location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. At Franklin Templeton, we apply a total reward philosophy where all aspects of compensation and benefits are taken into consideration in determining compensation. We expect the salary for this position to range between $200,000.00 - $230,000.00.

Experience our welcoming culture and reach your professional and personal potential!

Our culture is shaped by our diverse global workforce and strongly held core values. Regardless of your interests, lifestyle, or background, there's a place for you at Franklin Templeton. We provide employees with the tools, resources, and learning opportunities to help them excel in their career and personal life.

Hear more from our employees

By joining us, you will become part of a culture that focuses on employee well-being and provides multidimensional support for a positive and healthy lifestyle. We understand that benefits are at the core of employee well-being and may vary depending on individual needs. Whether you need support for maintaining your physical and mental health, saving for life's adventures, taking care of your family members, or making a positive impact in your community, we aim to have your needs covered. Learn more about the wide range of benefits we offer at Franklin Templeton.

Highlights of our benefits include:

• Three weeks paid time off the first year
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with 85% company match on your pre-tax and/or Roth contributions, up to the IRS limits
• Employee Stock Investment Program
• Learning and Education Assistance Program (LEAP)
• Purchase of company funds with no sales charge
• Onsite fitness center and recreation center*
• Onsite cafeteria*

*Only applicable at certain locations

Learn more about the wide range of benefits we offer at Franklin Templeton

Franklin Templeton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and existing employees, and we evaluate qualified applicants without regard to ancestry, age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, or gender expression, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.

Franklin Templeton is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. If you believe that you need an accommodation or adjustment to search for or apply for one of our positions, please send an email to accommodations@franklintempleton.com. In your email, please include the accommodation or adjustment you are requesting, the job title, and the job number you are applying for. It may take up to three business days to receive a response to your request. Please note that only accommodation requests will receive a response.