📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Manager, Client Communications
🔹 Company: Woodruff Sawyer
🔹 Location: United States (Hybrid)
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Insurance
🔹 Date Posted: April 23, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days remote, 3 days on-site)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving communication strategies to enhance client experiences
- Supporting Account Executives in client engagements and planning meetings
- Developing and nurturing relationships with vendors and partners
- Managing and improving the Core Communication Toolkit
- Building compelling content for various communication pieces
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, creativity, and project management skills. It involves both internal team collaboration and external client-facing interactions.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Be the go-to expert on Employee Communication solutions and strategies, supporting Account Executives in client engagements and planning meetings to ensure flawless execution.
✅ Develop and nurture relationships with vendors and partners specializing in communication, education, and engagement, integrating them into our Communications Toolkit or presenting them to clients as standout features.
✅ Own the current Core Communication Toolkit and craft future versions tailored to align with market trends. The Communication Toolkit includes benefits guides, benefits microsites, digital communication options, and other related materials.
✅ Build compelling content for communications pieces, including the Core Communications Toolkit and custom projects crafted in-house for clients, managing these projects to ensure timely and effective delivery.
✅ Stay informed about evolving vendors and solutions that improve our capacity to support clients and distinguish our offerings from competitors.
✅ Utilize proven management experience to monitor, evaluate, and recognize team members’ performance, identifying training opportunities, and supporting team members in their career growth and development.
✅ Lead and manage team members, resources, and internal processes to achieve communication objectives.
✅ Monitor trends, solution adoption, and metrics to determine strategies for improvement or changes to our offerings.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and the capacity to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred but not required.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years in crafting, leading, and delivering effective employee benefit communication strategies and programs.
Required Skills:
- Proven success in building and managing Employee Benefit Communication programs, with a comprehensive understanding of the vendor landscape.
- A track record of enjoying client-facing strategic discussions and the ability to turn concepts and ideas into successful, measurable deliverables.
- Outstanding presentation and communication skills.
- Proven ability to partner with internal teams (sales and service) to meet client needs.
- Strong project management skills with a history of managing projects to successful completion.
- At least 2 years of management experience, with a focus on leading and mentoring teams.
- Proficiency in Publisher, Illustrator, InDesign, and Microsoft Office.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with employee benefits communication tools and platforms.
- Fluency in multiple languages (beneficial but not required).
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in employee benefits communication, strong project management skills, and a proven track record of successful client-facing interactions are most likely to succeed in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Anticipated salary between $103,000 – $158,000. Salary offered will be dependent upon geography, experience, and expertise of the candidate.
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
- 401k Retirement Plan with company match
- Ownership in the company through our ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Program) and profit sharing
- Paid vacation, holidays, and sick days
- Life Insurance, Short-term, and Long-Term Disability benefits
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Wellness programs and workplace flexibility benefits
- Professional development and reimbursement programs
- Discounted event tickets, pet insurance, financial coaching, identity theft protection, milk stork, etc.
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. This role follows a hybrid work arrangement with 2 days remote and 3 days on-site.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles. The final offer may vary depending on the candidate's experience and expertise.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Woodruff Sawyer is a leading insurance brokerage and consulting firm, specializing in property & casualty, management liability, cyber liability, employee benefits, and personal wealth management.
Company Size: Woodruff Sawyer is a mid-sized company with approximately 734 employees, providing a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Founded: 1918, with headquarters in San Francisco, California.
Company Description:
- One of the largest private insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the US
- Protects the people and assets of more than 4,000 companies
- Provides expert counsel and fierce advocacy to protect clients against their most critical risks
- Offers global reach on six continents
Company Specialties:
- Employee Benefits Insurance
- Property & Casualty Insurance
- Corporate & Executive Protection
- Construction Insurance
- Real Estate Insurance
- Venture Capital Insurance
- Wine Industry Insurance
- Risk Management
- Workers' Compensation
- Claims Consulting
- and Director's & Officer's Insurance
Company Website: http://www.woodruffsawyer.com
ASSUMPTION: Woodruff Sawyer's extensive experience and expertise in the insurance industry make it an attractive employer for professionals seeking to grow their careers in this field.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a mid-level management position, offering opportunities for career growth and development within the company.
Reporting Structure: The Manager, Client Communications reports directly to the Director of Employee Benefits Communications.
Work Arrangement: This role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with 2 days remote and 3 days on-site at one of Woodruff Sawyer's offices.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a Director or Vice President role within the Employee Benefits Communications team
- Opportunities to expand responsibilities and manage additional team members
- Chance to gain experience in various aspects of employee benefits communication and management
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a clear path for career progression within the Employee Benefits Communications team and the broader organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Woodruff Sawyer's offices are modern and collaborative spaces, designed to foster teamwork and innovation.
Office Location(s): San Francisco, CA; Denver, CO; Novato, CA; Pleasanton, CA; Sacramento, CA; Lake Oswego, OR; Bellevue, WA; Irvine, CA; San Diego, CA; Boston, MA; Honolulu, HI; London, UK
Geographic Context:
- The United States offices are located in major cities with vibrant business communities and diverse cultural scenes
- Woodruff Sawyer's global reach allows for collaboration with international teams and clients
- The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility and a better work-life balance
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement (2 days remote, 3 days on-site).
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement provides employees with the flexibility to balance their personal and professional lives while maintaining a strong connection to the team and company culture.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call with the HR team
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and team members
- Final interview with the Director of Employee Benefits Communications
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication and presentation skills
- Project management and organizational skills
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with Woodruff Sawyer's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your past communication projects and their outcomes
- Research Woodruff Sawyer's company culture and be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs
- Practice your presentation and communication skills, as these will be heavily assessed during the interview process
ATS Keywords: Employee Benefits Communication, Client Engagement, Project Management, Presentation Skills, Team Leadership, Vendor Relationship Management, Content Development, Strategic Planning, Communication Solutions, Market Trends Analysis, Performance Monitoring, Training Opportunities, Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Digital Communication
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should focus on demonstrating their strong communication and project management skills, as well as their ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and clients.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Adobe Creative Suite (Publisher, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
- Employee benefits communication tools and platforms (e.g., Benefitfocus, Gusto, Workday)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in the listed tools and technologies is essential for success in this role. Candidates should be comfortable learning and adapting to new tools as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Client-centric: We put our clients first in all that we do
- Collaborative: We work together to achieve our goals
- Inclusive: We foster an environment where everyone feels valued and respected
- Expert: We strive to be the best in our field
- Innovative: We embrace change and continuously improve
Work Style:
- Collaborative: This role requires strong teamwork and communication skills
- Adaptable: The hybrid work arrangement requires flexibility and self-motivation
- Strategic: This role involves strategic thinking and planning
- Client-focused: The primary goal is to enhance client experiences through effective communication strategies
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with Woodruff Sawyer's company values?
- Are you comfortable working in a hybrid environment, balancing remote and on-site work?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative and client-focused work environment?
- Are you able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Woodruff Sawyer's values and work style are more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the company's culture.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously may be challenging
- Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement may require additional self-motivation and organization
- Working with diverse teams and clients may present unique communication challenges
- Keeping up with evolving market trends and vendor solutions may require continuous learning
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong project management skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on employee benefits communication strategies and solutions
- Compared to related roles in marketing or communication, this position requires a deep understanding of employee benefits and the vendor landscape
- Career progression in this role may lead to management or director positions within the Employee Benefits Communications team or other departments within Woodruff Sawyer
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to specialize in employee benefits communication and grow within a leading insurance brokerage and consulting firm.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive employee benefits communication strategy for a large client
- Managing the creation and distribution of benefits guides, microsites, and digital communication options for multiple clients
- Collaborating with vendors and partners to integrate new communication solutions into the Core Communication Toolkit
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and the level of strategic thinking required for success in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Employee Benefits Communications team?
- How does Woodruff Sawyer support the growth and development of its employees?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in them?
- How does Woodruff Sawyer approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring and promotion practices?
- What opportunities are there for collaboration and knowledge-sharing with other departments within Woodruff Sawyer?
ASSUMPTION: Asking insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable information to help you make an informed decision.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your past communication projects and their outcomes
- Research Woodruff Sawyer's company culture and be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs
- Practice your presentation and communication skills, as these will be heavily assessed during the interview process
- Follow up with the HR team one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
