Director - External Communications

About the Role

As the Director leading external communications at CRISIL, you will play a crucial role in shaping and preserving the company's public image and communications narrative. This position demands a seasoned former journalist with substantial exposure to the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector, capable of translating intricate financial and regulatory information into compelling narratives for various internal audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement a robust corporate communication strategy that aligns with CRISIL's business goals.
• Develop and maintain the company's brand voice, messaging strategy, and overarching narrative framework.
• Provide counsel to senior leadership on communication strategies, reputation risks, and public affairs matters.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with media professionals and outlets to strengthen media presence.
• Analyze media coverage to detect trends, regulatory changes, competitive dynamics, and reputational risks relevant to the BFSI industry.
• Interpret BFSI developments such as Reserve Bank policies, market trends, and sector forecasts to offer actionable insights to business teams.
• Apply rigorous editorial standards to produce concise, accurate, and impactful reports, prioritizing news based on relevance and credibility.
• Monitor sensitive issues and emerging narratives, develop early warning systems and manage crisis communications in partnership with external agencies.
• Engage closely with business leaders and executive committees to act as a strategic advisor on media perception and narrative formation.
• Lead the comprehensive media reporting system across print, digital, television, and social platforms, delivering daily, weekly, and monthly analytical reports to senior management.
• Leverage media monitoring technology, including AI and automation tools, to enhance the efficiency and quality of tracking, reporting, visualizations, and decision support.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• Minimum 15 years of professional experience, including mandatory prior work as a journalist.
• Current or recent extensive involvement in the BFSI sector such as banking, financial services, insurance, ratings, or fintech.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to handle and distill large volumes of complex information.
• Proven capabilities in stakeholder management and ability to influence at senior levels.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills with sharp editorial judgment and news instinct.