Communications Director, Human Resources

Description

Citizens is seeking a proactive and strategic Communications Director to support our Commercial Banking division by delivering high‑impact internal and external communications, with a focus on clear, compelling storytelling that advances priority business initiatives and transformation efforts.

Reporting to the Head of Commercial and Business Banking Communications, this role will be instrumental in driving the Commercial Bank mission through impactful storytelling and engagement with diverse audiences, externally and internally.  This person will shape tactics that connect with diverse audiences — including senior leadership, relationship managers, product partners and clients — while helping drive key business and cultural initiatives. This role blends strategic storytelling, persuasive communications and use of emerging technologies such as Gen AI to inform, engage and inspire.

The ideal candidate is hands‑on, with strong Commercial Banking communications experience and a proven track record of developing and executing integrated campaigns that advance strong narratives across channels and audiences, externally and internally.

Primary Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications & Campaigns
  • Design and execute integrated communications strategies aligned with business goals.
  • Develop high-impact content: press releases, executive presentations, thought leadership, and internal messaging.
• Media & External Relations
  • Lead media relations for Commercial Banking across key markets and sectors.
  • Secure visibility in top-tier national, regional and trade media advancing key messages; collaborate with social media teams to amplify reach.
• Internal & Executive Communications
  • Drive internal communications initiatives that align with Citizens’ Commercial Banking missions and values.
  • Establish and execute strategies to drive colleague alignment around business objectives and culture. 
  • Develop and maintain highly collaborative relationships at senior leadership levels and cross-functionally, ensuring effective communication and strategy alignment.
• Performance & Insights
  • Monitor, analyze and report on communications effectiveness using data-driven insights.
  • Continuously refine strategies to improve engagement and impact.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of agency or in‑house communications experience, with a strong track record leading integrated communications programs at major brands.  Experience in commercial and/or investment banking strongly preferred.

• Deep understanding of commercial banking and capital markets audiences.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex topics into clear messaging.

• Proven experience advising senior executives and building trusted partnerships across leadership teams.

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex strategies into clear, compelling narratives.

• Strong editorial judgment and crisis management capability; confidence making time‑critical decisions and guiding spokespeople.
• Keen news instinct and ability to identify moments for thought leadership.
• Enthusiastic, with a ‘can do’ approach to all aspects of work.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders in a fast‑paced environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to partner cross‑functionally to advance business priorities and ensure message alignment.
• Advanced understanding of media monitoring tools for reporting purposes. 
• Ability to leverage Generative AI platforms and other advanced technologies in the design and execution of integrated programs.

Key Competencies

• Strong critical thinking skills and strategic acumen 

• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills

• Experience guiding sophisticated thought leadership and high-impact content initiatives

• Collaborative mindset with comfort operating across functions and lines of business

• Confidence operating in fast-paced, high-visibility environments

• Passion for continuous learning
• Attention to detail and accuracy

Hours & Work Schedule

• Hours per Week: 40

• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 4 days in office, 1 day remote

Pay Transparency 

The salary range for this position is$137,000- $204,000 per year, plus an opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus. Actual pay is based on various factors including but not limited to the work location, and relevant skills, budget and experience.

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, maternity/paternity leave, flexible work arrangements, education reimbursement, wellness programs and more. Note, Citizens’ paid time off policy exceeds the mandatory, paid sick or paid time-away policy of every local and state jurisdiction in the United States. For an overview of our benefits, visit https://jobs.citizensbank.com/benefits .

#LI-Citizens2

Some job boards have started using jobseeker-reported data to estimate salary ranges for roles. If you apply and qualify for this role, a recruiter will discuss accurate pay guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Citizens, its parent, subsidiaries, and related companies (Citizens) provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all colleagues and applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, citizenship, physical or mental disability, perceived disability or history or record of a disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, genetic characteristic, marital or domestic partner status, victim of domestic violence, family status/parenthood, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy/childbirth/lactation, colleague’s or a dependent’s reproductive health decision making, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state and/or local laws. At Citizens, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that enables all colleagues to bring their best selves to work every day and everyone is expected to be treated with respect and professionalism. Employment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, performance and capability.