Overview:

Plays key role in supporting, reputation management including crisis communications for the organization. Develops communications strategies and related materials to help keep the Bank effectively functioning after disruptive events such as natural disasters, , social, financial and other reputational issues. Helps plan communications strategies in advance of events.  Serves as a communications subject matter expert regarding communication tools, resources and industry practices. Develops related training and continual process improvement initiatives.
 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Work with cross-functional team to utilize situational awareness tools and analyze impacting threats to activate appropriate communications response, determine appropriate escalation including or Executive Management team, either scaled or fully engaged.
• Proactively work with key stakeholders to ensure they are engaged, and key audiences are considered in managing and mitigating issues.
• Participate in companywide team supporting Incident Action Plan in response to business disruptions including those related to technology disaster recovery, security or weather; provide leadership and communications subject matter expertise during response to regional and global crisis events.
• Coordinate and work with external communications firm on issue spotting and preparedness also engage during  particularly at time of event.
• Serve as communication, management and coordination point of contact for all Crisis teams as well as the Executive Management team.
• Implement strategic communication strategy that properly position the Bank during a crisis or incident that may have a reputational impact.
• Ensure adherence regarding post incident review and assessment processes. Own, track and report on post-incident documentation including process improvement initiatives. • Assess regional and/or global events or potential incidents which may require engagement of the Bank’s crisis management program on a regular and proactive basis. Track and report regional crisis management metrics, issue and change management actions.
• Conduct executive-level communications training and exercises to ensure communications strategies and roles are clear.
• Identify knowledge gaps, develop and deliver awareness and training content appropriate for varying audience types.
• Exercise usual authority of a manager concerning staffing, performance appraisals, promotions, salary recommendations, performance management and terminations.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Scope of Responsibilities:

The job holder is engaged in activities that support the Corporate Operational Risk framework, Internal Audit, Operational Risk, regulatory reviews, incident response and managing resources.
 

Education and Experience Required:

Combined minimum of 8 years’ higher education and/or related work experience

Minimum of 2 years’ work leadership, supervisory and/or managerial experience

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Excellent organizational skills

Excellent time management skills

Excellent problem-solving skills

Experience handling responsibilities across multiple crisis management program components concurrently, meeting strict deadlines and overseeing project deliverables for less experienced team members

Prior experience in operating in a fast-paced environment with competing and shifting priorities

Education and Experience Preferred:

Bachelor's degree in Communications or similar field.
Minimum of 5 years’ communications experience with crisis and/or issues management; supporting crisis management and or incident management efforts, operations production and technology environment
Prior financial services  experience
Strong background in managing and planning activities related to business impacting crises
Knowledge of organization's risk tolerance and/or risk management approach
Experience working as liaison with internal and external regulatory bodies and other compliance-oriented entities
Experience asserting ideas and gaining support and commitment from others
Excellent lateral thinking skills

Prior experience advising a range of companies on reputation issues situations.
 

M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for this position is $122,746.73 - $204,577.88 Annual (USD). The successful candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation.

Location

New York, New York, United States of America