π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Senior Media Relations Manager Americas
πΉ Company: Swiss Re
πΉ Location: Armonk, NY, USA
πΉ Job Type: On-site
πΉ Category: Insurance
πΉ Date Posted: July 28, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 10+ years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing strategic media plans to support business priorities
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with key journalists and editors
- Creating and shaping newsworthy narratives for Swiss Re
- Providing communications counsel to senior leadership
- Overseeing media activities across the Americas, with a focus on the US and Canada
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive, results-oriented professional with a strong background in media relations and a deep understanding of the financial sector.
π Key Responsibilities
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Develop and execute strategic media plans that support business priorities and influence conversations about important risk management topics
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Build and maintain strong relationships with key journalists and editors across broadcast, print, and digital platforms
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Create and shape newsworthy narratives that resonate with journalists and audiences, moving the needle on important risk management topics
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Provide communications counsel to senior leadership, advising on broader framing and messaging, developing media briefings, and providing steering and coaching
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Oversee media activities that support three Swiss Re business units, tailoring regional stories while aligning with global themes
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Act as a senior media spokesperson for Swiss Re in the Americas, collaborating on emerging issues and crisis management, regulatory matters, transactions, and other Group topics
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Monitor the news cycle and act quickly to insert Swiss Re into the conversation, as advantageous
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Provide strategic guidance and coordination support to Latin American media relations colleagues
ASSUMPION: This role requires excellent storytelling, writing, and editing skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple high-priority projects under tight deadlines.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field
Experience: 10+ years of experience in media relations or journalism, preferably within financial services, insurance, or risk-related sectors
Required Skills:
- Proven ability to secure coverage in top-tier outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, New York Times, and CNBC
- Excellent writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to convert complex content into compelling messages
- Strong strategic thinking and savvy sense of judgement, with the ability to confidently engage with senior leaders
- Proven experience managing brand reputation and crisis communication, particularly in a highly regulated industry
- Excellent verbal and written command of English; additional fluency in Spanish or Portuguese is advantageous
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with the US and Canadian media markets; experience with Latin America is a strong plus
- Experience working with senior executives and topic experts to position a company as a thought leader in its industry
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a proven track record in media relations and a deep understanding of the financial sector, with the ability to thrive in a fast-moving, globally connected environment.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $112,000 to $252,000 per year
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Global work environment with diverse teams
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a role of this level and experience in the insurance industry. The actual salary offered may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Insurance
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Global)
Founded: 1863, in Zurich, Switzerland
Company Description:
- Swiss Re is a leading wholesale provider of reinsurance, insurance, and other insurance-based forms of risk transfer
- Deals direct and works through brokers with a global client base consisting of insurance companies, mid-to-large-sized corporations, and public sector clients
- Founded in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1863, and serves clients through a network of over 70 offices globally
Company Specialties:
- Reinsurance
- Insurance Linked Securities
- Public Sector/Emerging Markets
- Insurance
- Risk transfer
- Property & Casualty
- and Life & Health
Company Website: www.swissre.com
ASSUMPTION: Swiss Re is a well-established company in the insurance industry, with a strong global presence and a reputation for innovation and expertise in risk transfer solutions.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior Manager
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Head of Communications for the Americas
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time (40 hours per week)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow within the Communications team or explore other opportunities within Swiss Re
- Chance to work on high-impact projects and contribute to the company's overall success
- Opportunity to develop leadership skills and manage a team in the future
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to advance within the Communications team or explore other paths within Swiss Re.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate office
Office Location(s): Armonk, NY, USA
Geographic Context:
- Armonk is a suburban town located in Westchester County, New York
- Close proximity to New York City, offering easy access to urban amenities
- Quiet and peaceful environment with a strong sense of community
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (EST)
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is professional and collaborative, with a strong focus on teamwork and communication.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
- Final round interview with senior leadership
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Media relations and communication skills
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with Swiss Re's values
- Knowledge of the financial sector and insurance industry
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills
- Prepare examples of your media relations work and success stories
- Research Swiss Re and the insurance industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm
ATS Keywords: Media Relations, PR, Corporate Communications, Financial Services, Insurance, Risk Management, Strategic Planning, Journalism, Storytelling, Writing, Editing
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills and experience throughout the interview process.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Media databases and monitoring tools (e.g., Muck Rack, Agility PR Solutions)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable using various tools and technologies to manage media relations and communication projects effectively.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Client-centric
- Resilient
- High-performing
- Innovative
- Collaborative
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and proactive
- Adaptable and flexible
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Swiss Re's values, particularly 'client-centric' and 'resilient'?
- How do you handle working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and what strategies do you use to stay organized and focused?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt quickly to a changing situation, and how did you approach it?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong cultural fit with Swiss Re's values and work style, with a focus on collaboration, adaptability, and results-driven behavior.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple high-priority projects under tight deadlines
- Navigating a complex and highly regulated industry
- Working with senior executives and topic experts to position Swiss Re as a thought leader
- Monitoring the news cycle and acting quickly to insert Swiss Re into the conversation
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to face these challenges and have strategies in place to manage their time, prioritize tasks, and maintain a strong work-life balance.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on the Americas region, with additional oversight of Latin America
- Unlike other media relations roles, this position requires a deep understanding of the financial sector and insurance industry
- Career path comparison: This role can lead to senior leadership positions within the Communications team or other departments within Swiss Re
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should understand the unique aspects of this role and be prepared to discuss how their experience and skills make them a strong fit for this specific position.
π Sample Projects
- Developing a strategic media plan to launch a new insurance product
- Securing coverage in top-tier outlets for a significant company announcement
- Managing a crisis communication situation, such as a data breach or natural disaster
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and how they approached them successfully.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Communications department?
- How does the company support work-life balance for employees in this role?
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the company in the media relations space, and how can this role address them?
- How does the company measure the success of media relations efforts, and what metrics are most important to track?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the Communications team or other departments within Swiss Re?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should ask thoughtful and insightful questions to demonstrate their interest in the role and the company.
π 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 in media relations, strategic thinking, and communication
- Prepare examples of your media relations work and success stories, demonstrating your ability to secure coverage in top-tier outlets and manage complex projects
- Research Swiss Re and the insurance industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application, inquiring about the status of your application and expressing your continued interest in the position
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.