Head of US Public Relations

At Franklin Templeton, we’re driving our industry forward by developing new and innovative ways to help our clients achieve their investment goals. Our dynamic and diversified firm spans asset management, wealth management, and fintech, offering many ways to help investors make progress toward their goals. Our talented teams working around the globe bring expertise that’s both broad and unique. From our welcoming, inclusive, and flexible culture to our global and diverse business, we offer opportunities not only to help you reach your potential but also to contribute to our clients’ achievements.

Come join us in delivering better outcomes for our clients around the world!

What is the Head of US Public Relations responsible for?

The Head of US Public Relations will be responsible for shaping and executing the company's public relations strategy for the US and Canada. This leadership role involves overseeing all PR activities, managing the PR team, and driving strategic communications to enhance the company's reputation, manage public perception, and support business objectives. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in public relations within the financial services industry, a deep understanding of the media landscape, and exceptional leadership skills. The Head of US/Americas Public Relations reports to the Global Head, Public Relations & Communications, will collaborate closely with the Head of US/Americas Marketing, Head of US Distribution, Head of US Institutional, Investments and other key colleagues.  The ideal candidate will have experience in or the desire to work towards aligning public relations strategies with key sales priorities/strategies with the goal of supporting the firm’s distribution goals. 

What are the ongoing responsibilities of the Head of US Public Relations?

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive global public relations strategy that aligns with the company’s business goals and enhances its brand reputation.
• Provide strategic counsel to senior executives on communication matters and public relations initiatives.
• Lead organization’s US public relations growth strategy development and execution of plans and prioritize areas of focus in line with business focus.
• Manage Americas public relations staff (both seasoned and learning), providing strategic direction for their areas of responsibility as well as professional mentorship and growth.
• Work closely with US Head of Distribution and team, key Marketing partners and other leaders across the firm to set annual strategy and quarterly measures of success.
• Maintain relationships with key journalists and editors.
• When applicable, manage public relations agencies and consultants. 
• Work with Head of US Institutional business and team to socialize the firm’s efforts in that space with the media.

Media Relations:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with top-tier national and international media outlets, including financial and business press.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of press releases, media advisories, and other communications materials.
• Write and edit media materials, including press releases, statements, op-eds, letters to the editor, editorial board memos, and email pitches to journalists.
• Lead press responses around issues and developments that impact the Americas business.
• Strong media relationships across key media outlets.
• Along with internal partners, develop and execute crisis communications plans.
• Strategize and integrate earned media tactics into cultural shift and narrative change campaigns.
• Determine and maintain approved spokespeople data with a focus on seeking to balance a good mix that is not too extensive.
• Train organization spokespeople as needed for interviews across print, broadcast, and online outlets.
• Partner with Global Head of Public Relations to manage Americas focused crisis topics.
• Be open to the mindset of thinking more from a commercialization standpoint and the idea of bringing more “storytelling” into the public relations strategy.

Brand Management:

• Shape and uphold the company’s brand narrative, ensuring consistent and positive messaging across all communication channels.
• Lead initiatives to enhance the company’s thought leadership and market positioning through strategic media placements and speaking opportunities.

Crisis Management:

• Develop and execute crisis communication strategies to effectively manage and mitigate reputational risks and sensitive issues.
• Act as a spokesperson for the company, delivering clear and accurate information during high-stakes situations.

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