Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, Communications Manager

Communications Manager – Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, London

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, part of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:MHP), is the world's leading provider of independent credit risk research and benchmarks. We publish more than a million credit ratings on debt issued by sovereign, municipal, corporate and financial sector entities. With over 1,400 credit analysts in 23 countries, and more than 150 years' experience of assessing credit risk, we offer a unique combination of global coverage and local insight. Our research and opinions about relative credit risk provide market participants with information and independent benchmarks that help to support the growth of transparent, liquid debt markets worldwide.

S&P Communications team:

As part of its overall marketing activities, S&P is very active in communicating its views on Europe’s economy, industries and companies to the region’s financial media. It has extensive contact with financial dailies, specialist press, news agencies and TV throughout the region, and generates a large volume of media coverage. The Communications team in London coordinates media relations and other communications activities throughout Europe, working with management and analytical teams internally and with a network of communications managers in key markets.

We are currently recruiting for a Communications Manager, based in London.

Responsibilities include:

Working with S&P Ratings practices to plan and execute external communications activities to promote S&P’s analytical thought leadership.

Drafting messages from research-based reports, writing media releases and articles.

Handling incoming media enquiries, arranging interviews/briefings, articulating and pitching stories, promoting reports via social media.

Managing communications initiatives among the wider European communications network, including external agencies.

Developing relationships between key journalists and relevant S&P analysts.

Support as required with general press office duties.

Qualifications:

Relevant experience in a communications function (preferably in financial services), either in-house, for an agency, or in the media.

Undergraduate degree required.

Effective communications skills (written and verbal).

Confidence, enthusiasm and energy – proactive approach to communications.

Keen interest in financial markets.

Good team-worker, while also being able to take initiative and work independently, with limited support.

Fluent English written and spoken (an additional European language would be an advantage but not essential).

Ability to prioritise and manage time effectively.

Excellent administrative and organisational skills.

Technical computing skills (Word, Excel, Powerpoint etc).