Senior Innovation and AI Communications Director

Our vision for the future is based on the idea that transforming financial lives starts by giving our people the freedom to transform their own. We have a flexible work environment, and fluid career paths. We not only encourage but celebrate internal mobility. We also recognize the importance of purpose, well-being, and work-life balance. Within Empower and our communities, we work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, and our associates dedicate thousands of hours to volunteering for causes that matter most to them.Chart your own path and grow your career while helping more customers achieve financial freedom. Empower Yourself.Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time, including CPT/OPT.The Senior Director, Innovation & AI Communications will serve as a strategic communicator, storyteller, and ambassador for Empower’s innovation, AI, and emerging technology agenda. This role develops and delivers compelling internal and external narratives that educate, inspire, and influence clients, prospects, consultants, partners, associates, senior leaders, and Executive Leadership. The role leads high-impact communications initiatives, including presentations, roadshows, thought leadership, RFP content, executive messaging, and internal enablement efforts, while ensuring Empower’s innovation and AI strategy is communicated clearly, consistently, and in alignment with responsible AI principles, regulatory expectations, and business objectives.What you will do:Develop and define the enterprise Innovation & AI communications strategy in partnership with the Head of Innovation and drive execution across the organization.Create and deliver high-impact presentations for prospective, new, and existing clients, consultants, partners, internal associates, senior leaders, and Executive Leadership.Represent the organization as a keynote speaker at conferences, panels, client meetings, finalist presentations, roadshows, webinars, and internal events, and manage associated budgets.Develop clear, compelling messaging that communicates the value, relevance, and responsible use of AI, generative AI, innovation, and emerging technology initiatives.Translate complex technical concepts into business-focused narratives aligned to client value, customer experience, associate productivity, operational efficiency, and risk management.Create and execute communication plans supporting major AI, innovation, and emerging technology initiatives, including roadshows and internal enablement efforts.Develop, edit, and manage content through established approval processes in a highly regulated environment, including presentations, whitepapers, talking points, FAQs, RFP responses, client-ready narratives, demo scripts, and thought leadership materials.Partner with Innovation, AI, Technology, Product, Marketing, Sales, Legal, Compliance, Risk, Corporate Communications, and business leaders to ensure messaging accuracy, alignment, and approval.Support RFPs, client due diligence, consultant inquiries, and finalist presentations related to AI, innovation, responsible AI, and digital capabilities.Build and maintain a centralized library of approved messaging, presentation assets, use cases, proof points, demos, and executive-ready materials.Manage the speaking engagement pipeline, including intake, prioritization, content development, approvals, speaker preparation, scheduling, and follow-up.Coordinate logistics for presentations and speaking engagements, including venue setup, audio/visual needs, connectivity, materials, attendance, and supplies.Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, regulatory considerations, client needs, and competitive activity related to AI and innovation.Recommend and implement updates to messaging, presentations, and enablement materials based on evolving business needs and technology capabilities.Experiment with innovative storytelling formats, including interactive demos, video, synthetic media, webinars, podcasts, digital experiences, and innovation showcases.Perform other duties as assigned.What you will bring:Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Business, Technology, Journalism, Public Relations, Information Systems, or a related field.7+ years of experience in strategic communications, executive communications, technology communications, innovation, AI, digital transformation, marketing, consulting, client engagement, or a related field.Strong understanding of AI, generative AI, responsible AI, emerging technology, digital innovation, and technology strategy.Exceptional presentation, facilitation, writing, editing, and storytelling skills.Ability to communicate complex technical topics to non-technical audiences.Strong executive presence and ability to present to clients, consultants, partners, senior leaders, and large audiences.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and st