Senior Integrated Communications Specialist

135048 Zurich U.S., a leading global provider of commercial insurance products and services, is seeking a Senior Integrated Communications Specialist to join our Communications team based in the Chicago area. This individual contributor role will help develop and execute integrated communications plans that advance business priorities, enhance Zurich’s reputation and engage key audiences. The position will be based in Zurich’s offices in suburban Schaumburg, Illinois, or downtown Chicago. We are looking for a strong writer and agile communications professional to collaborate across stakeholder groups, develop communications plans rooted in business strategy and translate business priorities into clear, compelling content. The ideal candidate will bring journalistic initiative, sound judgment and familiarity with commercial insurance or industries Zurich serves in the U.S. Role responsibilities: The Senior Integrated Communications Specialist will combine strategic counsel with hands‑on content development and media engagement, creating, editing and measuring the impact of business-to-business content across owned, earned, paid and shared channels. Working closely with marketing, business executives and subject matter experts, this specialist will translate complex business topics into clear, concise and compelling messaging for diverse audiences. Responsibilities include: Draft high-quality external content including press releases, talking points, Q&As, media statements, executive remarks, social copy, award nominations and web copy that align with brand standards. Develop and update core positioning, communications plans and briefing materials that support executive visibility, thought leadership, strategic initiatives and business announcements. Provide communications counsel to executives and cross-functional leaders on messaging, reputational considerations, positioning and media strategy. Build relationships with relevant business, trade and industry media; proactively identify media and speaking opportunities; develop pitches; and respond to media inquiries. Prepare and coordinate media training, briefing materials and coaching for executives and subject matter experts ahead of interviews, panels and public engagements Support crisis and issues‑management communications, including scenario planning, aligned messaging and materials development. Monitor emerging issues, industry developments and competitive dynamics, translating insights into communications strategies and external media opportunities. Track and report on communications performance, including media coverage, audience engagement and other business-relevant metrics to guide continuous improvement Collaborate effectively with colleagues to help implement and promote communication plans and marketing campaigns. Support updates to communications resources and guidelines. Manage multiple communications projects with strong prioritization, organization and deadline discipline. Build knowledge of insurance concepts, brand standards and supported business areas. This role requires hands-on execution, ability to balance multiple priorities and fluency with Microsoft 365 applications including Copilot. The Senior Specialist will reinforce Zurich’s reputation as a trusted source of risk and industry insight with brokers, commercial customers and industry influencers. Basic Qualifications: Bachelors Degree in Communications or Marketing or Journalism or Public Relations and 7 or more years of experience in the Communications or Marketing or Media Relations or Public Relations area OR Associate Degree in Communications or Marketing or Journalism or Public Relations and 7 or more years of experience in the Communications or Marketing or Media Relations or Public Relations area OR High School Diploma or Equivalent and 9 or more years of experience in the Communications or Marketing or Media Relations or Public Relations area AND 5 or more years experience developing organizational publications and promotional materials Preferred Qualifications: Agency and/or journalism experience Experience developing B2B communications programs and content Experience writing on deadline for business, trade, financial services, insurance or other complex industries. Experience using analytics and measurement tools to evaluate communications effectiveness and inform future content decisions. Familiarity with commercial insurance, financial services, risk management or business-to-business industries such as Construction, Energy, Technology, Financial Services or Professional Services. Demonstrated ability to turn technical or complex topics into clear, compelling content. Strong news judgment and demonstrated ability to connect communications activities to business priorities and commercial outcomes. Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and stakeholders. Your pay at Zurich is based on your role, location, skills, and experience. We follow local laws to ensure fair compensation. You may also be eligible for bonuses and merit increases. If your expectations are above the listed range, we still encourage you to apply—your unique background matters to us. The pay range shown is a national average and may vary by location. The proposed Salary range for this position is $95,000.00 - $157,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 15%. We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families. [Learn more about Total Rewards here .] Why Zurich? At Zurich, we value your ideas and experience. We offer growth, inclusion, and a supportive environment—so you can help shape the future of insurance. Zurich North America is a leader in risk management, with over 150 years of expertise and coverage across 25+ industries, including 90% of the Fortune 500®. Join us for a brighter future—for yourself and our customers. Zurich in North America does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy or other characteristics protected by applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer disability/vets. Zurich complies with 18 U.S. Code § 1033. Please note: Zurich does not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies. Preferred vendors should use our Recruiting Agency Portal. Location(s): AM - Chicago, AM - Schaumburg Remote Working: Hybrid Schedule: Full Time Employment Sponsorship Offered: No Linkedin Recruiter Tag: #LI-AK1 #LI-ASSOCIATE #LI-HYBRID Nearest Major Market: Chicago