CMA Communications and Engagement Lead

The CMA Communications and Engagement Lead

The CMA Communications and Engagement Lead is responsible for driving the platform's internal and external communications strategy, ensuring consistency, clarity, and alignment with ING’s brand and strategic objectives. This includes translating our global and WB strategies to the CMA setting, including maintaining high awareness of ‘the ING difference’ and our differentiated sustainability profile. The CMA Communications and Engagement Lead works closely with CMA senior management and the Communications & Brand Experience team. Key responsibilities will include:

1. Co-developing storylines for CMA across multiple channels such as presentations, newsletters, Townhalls, Engagement Days, podcasts.
2. Supporting the CMA MT with communication strategies to build engagement around key indicators, such as Operational Health Index (OHI), as well as embracing change initiatives.
3. Acting as an advisor to the Head of CMA and the broader CMA MT on sensitive communications matters.
4. Providing guidance on the execution of communications plans/projects within CMA departments, ensuring that initiatives are delivered on time and within budget.
5. Collaborating with the Communication & Brand Experience team (and other departments where relevant) to ensure alignment on engagement and messaging.

This position is essential to enhancing CMA’s reputation within the bank further, as the strategy the successful applicant develops will support CMA’s overall business growth and strategic goals.

The role will report to the CMA Change Lead, to ensure full access to, and alignment with, the overall Global CMA strategy.

Background

Capital Markets and Advisory (“CMA”) is the single center of excellence for the advisory business and related financing across Wholesale Banking, with a mission to support clients across the entire value chain, especially in transformational moments. The business operates from 14 locations across EMEA, Americas and APAC and has 5 main product areas:

1. Corporate Finance
2. Corporate Investments
3. Global Capital Markets
4. Acquisition Finance
5. Loan Distribution Group

Main Duties and Responsibilities of Role

Communications Strategy

1. Develop and implement a comprehensive communication and engagement strategy to support CMA’s goals and enhance awareness around Wholesale Banking.
2. Oversee the creation of high-quality content for internal and external communications channels including press releases, newsletters, digital content, and management communications.
3. Coordinate communications efforts across CMA departments to ensure cohesive and consistent messaging.
4. Collaborate with CMA leadership to craft key messages and presentations for high-profile events, media and stakeholder engagements.

Internal Communications

1. Develop an internal communication programme that inspires and engages CMA employees, aligning them to CMA’s mission, values, and business strategies.
2. Manage communication channels such as CMA’s intranet page(s), internal newsletters, and town halls.
3. Support change management initiatives through effective communication that fosters understanding and adoption among employees.

External Communications – working in partnership with Global Wholesale Banking Communications

1. Cultivate strong relationships with financial press, industry analysts, and other external stakeholders and seek opportunities to proactively promote and position CMA spokespeople.
2. Manage crisis communications and ensure that issues are handled proactively and professionally.
3. Develop and implement PR campaigns that reinforce CMA’s areas of expertise.

Candidate Profile

A colleague with a talent for taking it on and making it happen, enthusiasm for helping others to be successful and a knack for always being a step ahead. You are a naturally collaborative person who listens and invests in others to achieve common goals.

Qualification/Education

1. Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience/Knowledge

1. 7-10 years of experience in corporate communications or public relations, preferably in the financial services or banking sector.
2. Proven track record of developing and executing successful communications and engagement strategies.
3. Strong understanding of wholesale banking operations, products, and regulatory environment.
4. Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
5. Experience in crisis communication and issues management.
6. Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and mentor a team.
7. High degree of initiative, creativity, and strategic thinking.
8. Proficiency in digital communication platforms, social media, and content management systems.
9. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and complex environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Essential and Desirable Skills

1. Essential: Ability to build strong relationships as a trusted advisor, capability to navigate ambiguity and uncertainty, good attention to detail and ability to motivate and inspire others.
2. Desirable: Experience in a leadership role, strong project management skills, understanding of communications strategy, planning and execution, crisis communications.