Communications Specialist – Operations, Tech, Risk & Resiliency - Hybrid

About Northern Trust: Northern Trust, a Fortune 500 company, is a globally recognized, award-winning financial institution that has been in continuous operation since 1889 Northern Trust is proud to provide innovative financial services and guidance to the world’s most successful individuals, families, and institutions by remaining true to our enduring principles of service, expertise, and integrity. With more than 130 years of financial experience and over 22,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service We are seeking a dynamic, digital-first Communications Specialist to join our forward-thinking global team. As a Communications Specialist in our Operations, Tech, Risk, and Resiliency communications group, you will support internal communications across multiple channels and regions In this role, you’ll leverage your technological savvy and creative energy to produce engaging content that keeps employees informed, aligned, and inspired. You will work closely with the team lead and other stakeholders to ensure our communications are innovative, data-driven, and impactful – keeping us at the leading edge of internal communication This position is ideal for a tech-savvy communicator with experience who is passionate about crafting compelling messages and modernizing how a company connects with its people. You’ll be joining a forward-thinking, data-driven global team that values creativity, continuous improvement, and the smart use of technology (including AI) to make our communications as effective as possible Key Responsibilities As a Communications Specialist on our team, you will be expected to:

• Create, edit, and publish engaging content across multiple internal channels. Develop and deliver communications on a wide range of topics – from strategic initiatives to technical updates – via email newsletters, intranet news posts, virtual town halls, videos, and in-person events. Ensure messaging is clear, consistent, and tailored to the target audience and medium. You will help maintain a tracker to keep communications timely and relevant

• Drive a digital-first communication approach. Utilize modern tools and media to enhance content creation and delivery. For example, use the Microsoft 365 suite and collaboration platforms like SharePoint for content management, and experiment with new formats (infographics, podcasts, interactive videos, etc.) to keep communications fresh. Leverage analytics (email open rates, intranet engagement metrics, etc.) to track the reach and effectiveness of communications and determine optimal channels making data-driven adjustments to improve impact

• Collaborate with stakeholders to craft messaging. Work closely with internal partners across the Operations, Technology, Risk, and Resiliency teams to understand their communication needs. Consult with subject matter experts and leadership to gather content, then translate complex information into accessible, compelling messages for broad internal distribution. Ensure all communications align with the company’s goals, values, and tone

• Manage end-to-end production of communication projects. Coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, from initial concept through delivery. Set project objectives and timelines, determine priorities, and align resources. Oversee the production process for communication materials – coordinating with designers, videographers, or external vendors as needed – to ensure high-quality output and consistent branding

• Support global communication plans. Collaborate on communication strategies and content previews for key partners and senior management. Act as an internal communications consultant by advising on the best approaches for various initiatives and incorporating leadership input to refine messaging

• Innovate and continuously improve. Bring a forward-thinking mindset to the team’s communication strategy. Stay attuned to emerging communication trends and technologies (e.g. AI-powered content tools, new internal social platforms) that could enhance our effectiveness. Proactively propose and implement new ideas to engage employees, improving or replacing old methods with more creative, efficient ones. We expect you to challenge conventional approaches and champion innovations that keep our communications fresh and impactful

• Measure impact and optimize. Take a data-driven approach to internal communications. Monitor engagement metrics and gather feedback for each major communication effort. For example, analyze newsletter open rates, intranet page views, or town hall feedback surveys to gauge what’s working. Provide insights and recommendations to the team, and adjust tactics accordingly to continuously increase engagement and effectiveness

• Liaise with external resources (as needed). When necessary, work with external communications vendors or agencies (designers, video producers, etc.) to support internal campaigns. Manage these relationships and ensure deliverables from outside partners meet our needs and standards. (Note: The focus of this role is internal comms, but occasional coordination with external parties may occur for specific projects.)

Required Skills and Qualifications Education & Experience:

• Experience in internal communications, corporate communications, change management, or a related field (preferably in a fast-paced or tech-driven industry)

• Studies in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations or a related discipline is preferred (or equivalent work experience)

Core Skills:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities. Superb writing, editing, and proofreading skills are a must – you can craft clear, engaging content and have a keen eye for detail in grammar and style. Equally, you are a confident verbal communicator who can present ideas clearly and adjust your tone for different audiences

• Storytelling and content creation. Talent for turning complex or dry information into compelling stories or messages that resonate with employees. You understand how to hook an audience and convey key points in a memorable way

• Digital proficiency. Highly proficient with modern workplace and communication tools. This includes advanced skills in Microsoft Office 365 (especially Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and familiarity with intranet or content management systems like SharePoint. Experience with visual design or video editing software, as well as enterprise social media platforms, is a plus

• Analytical mindset. Comfortable using data and feedback to guide decisions. You can interpret communication metrics and analytics to assess success and pinpoint areas for improvement. Experience measuring the performance of communications (e.g., using email analytics, intranet stats, or employee surveys) is beneficial

• Project & time management. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines at once. You have strong project management skills able to plan effectively, adapt to changing priorities, and ensure timely delivery of initiatives

• Collaboration and interpersonal skills. A team player who can work cross-functionally and build relationships at all levels. You’re adept at stakeholder management – listening to needs, managing expectations, and facilitating alignment. Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills will help you work closely with colleagues and leadership across the organization

• Creative and proactive mindset. A self-motivated, innovative thinker with a positive, can-do attitude. You consistently seek out ways to improve and aren’t afraid to propose new ideas. You stay informed about the latest communication trends and technologies (AI included) and are eager to incorporate them to keep our communications strategy cutting-edge

• Adaptability and resilience. Able to thrive in a fast-changing environment. When priorities shift or unexpected challenges arise, you maintain composure and adapt quickly, all while keeping an eye on the end goal

Bonus Qualifications:

• Industry knowledge: Familiarity with financial services or experience communicating about financial or technical topics is a plus. Understanding our business context (operations, risk, etc.) will help in creating more relevant and impactful content

• Graphic/multimedia skills: Any ability to create simple graphics, videos, or other multimedia content for communications (or to brief specialists effectively) is an advantage, given our multi-channel approach

• Continuous learning: Demonstrated enthusiasm for professional development in communications (e.g., taking courses, following industry blogs, learning from feedback) shows us you’re invested in growing with the role

Working with Us: As a Northern Trust partner, greater achievements await. You will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture in an organization where financial strength and stability is an asset that emboldens us to explore new ideas Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to assisting the communities we serve! Join a workplace with a greater purpose We’d love to learn more about how your interests and experience could be a fit with one of the world’s most admired and sustainable companies! Build your career with us and apply today. #MadeForGreater Reasonable accommodation Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at [email protected] We hope you’re excited about the role and the opportunity to work with us. We value an inclusive workplace and understand flexibility means different things to different people Apply today and talk to us about your flexible working requirements and together we can achieve greater.