Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications

Company
Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Fed is the home of the Federal Reserve’s Third District, serving Delaware, southern New Jersey, and eastern and central Pennsylvania.
We are the nation’s central bank, committed to a sound financial system and a strong, healthy economy. We foster the stability, integrity, and efficiency of our nation’s monetary, financial, and payments systems. We create conditions that generate jobs, promote price stability, and promote inclusive economic growth and fair and impartial credit access.
At the Philadelphia Fed, we strive to create a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. We believe that economic inclusion in the Third District and the nation is vital to the Fed’s mission to encourage maximum employment and financial stability. The Philadelphia Fed and the economy work better when all voices are heard.
The Federal Reserve System (System) is the central bank of the United States and is comprised of the Board of Governors, 12 regional Reserve Banks, and the Federal Open Market Committee. Its work spans monetary policy, financial stability, supervision and regulation, payment systems, and consumer protection and community development.
Instructions on Applying
Interest, inquiries, and nominations may be directed to the Heidrick & Struggles engagement team at
frbpcommssearch@heidrick.com

Job Description: The Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications leads the Bank’s internal and external communications, including media relations. The SVP serves as a key advisor to the Bank President and plays a critical role in positioning and executing Bank strategy with fellow members of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). In addition, this leader strengthens stakeholder understanding and protects the reputation of the Philadelphia Fed and the Federal Reserve System. Along with other ELT members, they influence organizational direction, build capacity and performance, and support the overall mission of the Philadelphia Fed and System.
This role calls for an experienced communications executive who combines strategic perspective with editorial judgment and operational discipline. The SVP will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, build relationships with key partners and organizations across the region of the Third District, within the Bank and the Federal Reserve System, and lead a communications organization that responds effectively to change and preserves the reputation and integrity of the Bank.
Key Responsibilities

The scope of the role includes, but is not limited to:
1. Strategic Communications & Leadership
Develops communications strategies in partnership with the President and Executive Leadership Team; oversees the Bank's internal and external communications and media relations functions.
Aligns institutional narrative with Bank priorities and develops programs and policies that enhance and protect the reputation of the Philadelphia Fed and the Federal Reserve System.
Represents the Bank and assumes leadership positions at the System level, including contributing to the System’s communication strategy.
2. Internal Communications & Employee Engagement
Develops and leads internal communications strategies that keep employees informed, engaged, and aligned with the Bank’s mission and priorities; partners with leaders to communicate effectively through periods of change and foster alignment across the organization.
3. Reputation & Crisis Management
Identifies and oversees the management of reputational risk exposures in the media and with stakeholders and constituents.
Handles crisis communications and acts as spokesperson for the organization during crises.
4. Digital Strategy & Innovation
Sets and drives the Bank’s digital communications strategy across internal and external websites, social media and emerging digital channels, proactively identifying opportunities to expand reach, deepen engagement and strengthen the Bank’s digital presence and impact.
Monitors external developments and applies digital and AI tools with appropriate judgment and review against Bank and System standards.
5. Executive Support & Speechwriting
Oversees the Bank’s Speakers Bureau and contributes to the speechwriting process for the President.
Advises the President on key messages and may collaborate with speechwriters on cultivating a speech agenda.
6. Operational Excellence & Performance
Works effectively with leaders in areas of responsibility to ensure that department objectives, performance metrics, quality measures and budget targets are achieved.
Establishes communications metrics and incorporates feedback, sentiment, and engagement data to improve messages and delivery.
Fulfills job duties and responsibilities in conformance with sound safety practices and in compliance with all Reserve Bank policies.
Performs other executive tasks as required.

Education

A bachelor's degree is required. An advanced degree is preferred but not required.

Knowledge and Skills

The Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications will bring demonstrated executive experience leading a public relations and/or communications function, together with the following professional attributes:
Enterprise & Strategic Thinking: Expert at understanding and navigating the interconnected dynamics of the Bank, Third District, and Federal Reserve System to drive strategic outcomes.
Executive Communications & Narrative: Skilled in crafting and aligning executive messaging with business strategy, translating complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives.
Stakeholder Management & Coaching: Trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing guidance on high-stakes communications, media, and reputational matters; adept at coaching executives and preparing leaders for key engagements.
Leadership & Team Development: Sets direction, motivates teams, builds trust, and develops talent through effective delegation and feedback; leads through change and uncertainty.
Audience Analysis & Messaging: Analyzes and segments audiences to tailor communications for maximum relevance and impact.
Relationship Building: Builds and maintains cross-community and national relationships, enabling value-driven engagement with key stakeholders.
Change & Crisis Communications: Leads clear, employee-centered communications during organizational change and crisis, translating decisions into coordinated messaging.
Regulatory & Compliance Messaging: Partners with HR, Legal, and Risk to ensure conduct, governance, and compliance are communicated clearly and effectively.
Storytelling & Multichannel Delivery: Crafts memorable stories and messages, selecting appropriate channels for maximum reach and engagement.
Misinformation Response: Detects and responds to misinformation, coordinating cross-System frameworks and monitoring security tools.
Measurement & Improvement: Establishes metrics, analyzes feedback, and iterates communications for continuous improvement.
Context Sensing: Regularly scans external trends and triggers to inform situational awareness and communications strategy.
Collaboration & Governance: Builds trust and collaboration structures with executive peers, coordinating communications across governance teams.
Digital Literacy & GenAI: Utilizes digital tools and GenAI to enhance executive briefs, synthesize media themes, and ensure alignment with Bank and System standards.

Other Requirements

Maintain a full-time onsite presence at the Philadelphia Fed.
Willingness to travel as needed.

Ethics Considerations and Prohibited Activities

Employees of the Philadelphia Fed are held to the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, and public trust. To maintain confidence in the Federal Reserve System, all employees must comply with federal statutes prohibiting financial conflicts of interest, and senior officials are subject to additional restrictions.
The Bank’s Code of Conduct prohibits outside activities that conflict with official