PPM AMERICA, INC.

Sr. Managing Director, Head of Marketing & Communications

Chicago, IL Full time

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Working at PPM America, Inc.

PPM is a US-based institutional asset manager. Established in Chicago in 1990, PPM exists to consistently support institutional clients in achieving their long-term value goals. We take a hard work, straight talk, full transparency and humility approach to our work. Our success is supported by a team-based culture that encourages debate, collaboration and consistency. At the center of our belief is the fact that our best ideas to date have and can come from any team member anywhere in our firm. We believe the success of our investment culture is best demonstrated by the strong retention of our clients and investment professionals. PPM was again named one of the Best Places to Work in Money Management by Pensions & Investments in 2024. We attract professionals who exhibit humbleness, directness, and dedication. PPM’s values guide our internal conduct and help define the type of relationships we share with our investors, affiliates, and other valued partners. Above all, PPM is passionate about giving back to our clients, to each other, and to our community. We understand that community and purpose are just as important as the job description when finding your next career.

Values

At PPM, our values are reinforced in our culture every day.  We act like owners.  Integrity guides all that we do, and we are committed to exercising sound judgment in every decision that impacts the company and serves our clients.  We are passionate about investment performance and driving results.  We are relentless in our efforts to provide best in class service.  We strive to build strong and lasting relationships with our clients, seeking to gain trust in everything we do.  We work collaboratively with transparency and accountability.  We operate as a team.  We rely on each other, are accountable to each other, and respect each other.  We value differences and unique perspectives and embrace the principle that great ideas can come from anyone.  We embrace change.  We are not afraid to challenge the status quo in search of a better, smarter or faster solution.  We value learning, challenge ourselves and motivate others.  We are also committed to positively impacting our community.  As a firm, we invest time, experience and fundraising efforts with our non-profit partners.

At PPM, we offer volunteer opportunities to get involved with a network of peers and support the causes that are important to you. Your passion and talents can make a lasting impact on our organization and our community. Additionally, our employees go the extra mile every day and the benefits of working at PPM reflect our commitment to supporting and enhancing their personal and professional lives. The plans and programs listed below are offered in collaboration with our parent company.

Marketing and Communications Department

The Marketing and Communications Team is responsible for building and strengthening the PPM brand. Specifically, the team supports the firm’s Global Client Group - a team consisting of sales and client service professionals responsible for prospecting for new business and servicing existing clients across the firm’s various investment capabilities. The team creates marketing collateral across a number of mediums that help inform current clients, persuade prospective clients and influence the institutional consultant community in a compelling way. The team is comprised of individuals with expertise in content creation, financial writing, design, and digital.

Job Purpose

The Sr. Managing Director, Head of Marketing & Communications leads the firm's brand, client engagement, and communication strategy. This role is responsible for shaping the firm's market positioning, strengthening investor relationships, and driving growth through integrated marketing initiatives. Has deep experience in asset management or financial services, with a strong understanding of institutional clients.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Strategic Leadership

    • Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy aligned with the firm’s growth objectives

    • Position the firm as a differentiated asset manager across target markets

    • Partner with senior leadership to align messaging with investment philosophy and business priorities

    • Collaborate with Jackson Marketing and Communications team as necessary

    • Serve as member of the firm’s Executive Forum

    • Support reporting to PPM’s parent company

  • Brand & Positioning

    • Own and evolve the firm’s brand identity, ensuring consistency across all channels and touchpoints

    • Oversee brand architecture, messaging frameworks, and value proposition development

    • Manage external agencies and partners as needed

  • Client & Product Marketing

    • Partners with stakeholders for market strategies for investment products and capabilities

    • Develop compelling marketing materials, presentations, and campaigns for institutional, and intermediary audiences

    • Partner with distribution teams to support client acquisition and retention efforts including requests for proposals, due diligence questionnaires and consultant databases

  • Communications & Public Relations

    • Oversee all internal and external communications, including press releases, media relations, and executive visibility

    • Manage crisis communications and reputational risk and integrates with the Jackson stakeholders

    • Support leadership in firmwide messaging, employee engagement (e.g., Town Halls)

  • Digital & Content Strategy

    • Drive digital marketing initiatives, including website, social media, email campaigns, company intranet and analytics

    • Lead content strategy, including market insights and investment commentary

    • Ensure optimization of digital channels for engagement and lead generation

  • Team Leadership

    • Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing marketing and communications team

    • Foster a collaborative, innovative, and performance-driven culture

    • Improve processes by adopting innovative tools, workflows, and operating models that increase team efficiency

    • Manage budgets and resource allocation effectively

Other Duties

  • Performs other duties and/or projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Proven track record of building and executing successful marketing strategies in a regulated environment.

  • Strong understanding of institutional channels.

  • Exceptional communication, storytelling, and stakeholder management skills.

  • Experience managing teams and cross-functional collaboration at senior levels.

  • Ability to learn about industry-leading content management systems, Responsive and Seismic.

  • Ability to grow knowledge of the asset management industry and investment products.

  • Ability to work on potential new strategy/product launches.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Communications, Finance, or related field required.

  • MBA or advanced degree preferred.

  • 12+ years of experience in marketing and communications within asset management, investment management, or financial services required.

  • Experience with fixed income and alternative strategies strongly preferred.

  • Experience working at a public company preferred.

Benefits

At PPM, we offer volunteer opportunities to get involved with a diverse network of peers and support the causes that are important to you. Your passion and talents can make a lasting impact on our organization and our community. Additionally, our employees go the extra mile every day and the benefits of working at PPM reflect our commitment to supporting and enhancing their personal and professional lives. The plans and programs listed below are offered in collaboration with our parent company. 

  • Competitive salary and bonus  

  • Medical, dental and vision coverage 

  • For eligible employees, $2 for $1 matching on 401k contributions, up to a max matching contribution of 12% of your eligible compensation.

  • Tuition and professional certification reimbursement 

  • Paid parental leave 

  • Adoption assistance 

  • Holidays and paid time off 

  • Paid time off to volunteer 

Equal Employment Opportunity PPM America, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and we base our employment decisions without unlawful regard or consideration of an individual’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, non-job related disability, pregnancy or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

Base Pay:

$200,000.00 - $235,000.00. The base salary for this position may vary depending on experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities. In addition to the base salary, this role will be eligible to participate in our annual bonus program and may be eligible to participate in our long-term incentives program. This role will also be eligible for compensated personal time off and holidays, health benefits, 401(k) plan with generous matching and other benefit programs according to the Company's employment policies and subject to the formal terms of such plans and programs.