Communication Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Description

Where Communication Expertise Meets Purpose-Driven Impact
Use your ESOP knowledge to help employees across the country build financial independence.

At Blue Ridge Associates, we don't just administer retirement plans - we help people build lasting financial security. Through Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and 401(k) services, we empower employees across the country to take ownership of their financial futures. We are proud to be nationally ranked among the top two providers of ESOP recordkeeping and administration services and among the top three providers of retirement plan administration and consulting services, which includes 401(k), defined benefit (DB), cash balance (CB), and other qualified retirement plans.

Whether remote or based in one of our seven offices across the country, our team members work together with a shared mission: to make it easy for retirement plan professionals and sponsors to provide wealth-building benefits to business owners and their employees.

That's Where You Come in as a Senior ESOP Communication Consultant

The Senior ESOP Communication Consultant is responsible for developing and delivering advanced communication strategies, materials, and education for clients with Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). This role provides leadership on complex client engagements, creates high-quality communication tools, and delivers presentations both virtually and on-site.

The Senior Consultant serves as a subject matter resource for clients, mentors junior communication team members, and collaborates cross-functionally to ensure clarity, accuracy, and engagement in all ESOP communications. This role requires strong public speaking skills, strategic thinking, creativity, and a passion for employee ownership.

Essential Functions

Client Communication & Education

Serve as a lead presenter for ESOP educational sessions, delivering in-depth content to diverse employee groups both virtually and in person.

Consult with clients to understand cultural, demographic, and communication needs and develop appropriate communication approaches.

Facilitate workshops, interactive learning activities, webinars, and employee ownership events to employees, managers, executive leadership, and Board members 

Content Creation & Material Development

Lead the development of custom, high quality communication materials including presentations, handouts, videos, learning tools, and digital/print assets.

Oversee and enhance communication toolkits for recurring client use.

Contribute advanced content to ESOP Blue Ribbon (subscription platform) including articles, training modules, and multimedia resources.

Ensure all materials communicate ESOP and ownership concepts with clarity and accuracy.

Client Management & Strategy Support

Manage communication components of complex client engagements with minimal oversight.

Assist in developing comprehensive client communication plans in collaboration with the Vice President.

Identify and recommend improvements to client communication strategies based on best practices in employee engagement and ESOP education.

Provide ongoing consultation to clients regarding messaging, visuals, delivery methods, and employee ownership culture development.

Team & Cross Functional Collaboration

Mentor, train, and support ESOP Communication Consultant I and II team members.

Collaborate closely with internal departments-including marketing, IT, HR, and ESOP administration-to ensure consistent messaging and seamless client service.

Support leadership in enhancing departmental processes, templates, and quality standards.

Promotion & Industry Engagement

Represent Blue Ridge Associates at conferences, webinars, and industry events.

Contribute to articles, thought leadership, and business development opportunities related to ESOP communication services.

Assist the VP in demonstrating the value of communication services to prospective clients.

Other Duties

Support clients in planning and executing Employee Ownership Month celebrations, annual meetings, and employee engagement events.

Collaborate with internal and client-based employee committees to strengthen in house ESOP communication capability.

Assist with process improvements that increase accuracy, efficiency, and documentation standards.

Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President or executive team.

Requirements

Skills/Abilities

Strong capability to navigate ESOP environments, including governance expectations, employee ownership principles, and plan operations. 

Skilled at guiding organizations through transitions, applying effective change management practices, and communicating in ways that build understanding and adoption. 

Experienced in coaching individuals and teams, supporting development, and improving performance through clear guidance and structured feedback. 

Solid financial acumen with the ability to interpret data, explain financial concepts to non financial audiences, and support informed decision making.

Exceptional written and verbal communication, with the ability to engage large and diverse employee audiences.

Strong public speaking and facilitation skills; confidence presenting complex ESOP information clearly. 

Strategic thinker with the ability to develop high-quality presentations and communication materials with strong attention to detail.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and familiarity with design tools such as Canva or Publisher.

Strong project management capabilities with the ability to manage multiple engagements and deadlines.

Understanding of ESOPs, qualified benefit plans, and employee ownership culture.

Familiarity with digital marketing, content creation, basic video editing, and modern communication methods preferred.

Self-starter, highly organized, and able to work independently and collaboratively.

Spanish fluency a plus, but not required.

Must be able to provide and maintain a distraction-free work environment, a professional workspace, and reliable high-speed internet connection. 

Education/Experience

Bachelor's degree in Business, Communications, Marketing, Human Resources, or related field-or equivalent combination of education and experience.

3-7 years of professional experience in communication, training, public speaking, employee engagement, or related roles.

Experience delivering presentations, workshops, or educational content required.

Experience developing communication materials for diverse audiences.

Prior exposure to ESOPs or qualified benefit plans required

Experience with digital and print marketing or video editing tools is a plus.

Supervisory Responsibility 

No direct reports; however, this role provides mentorship, guidance, and training to junior ESOP communication consultants.

May lead project teams or oversee components of larger client engagements.

Travel

Travel to client locations will be required, including occasional overnight stays.

Travel may involve presentations, training sessions, and other ESOP-related activities.

Why You'll Love Working Here as a Senior ESOP Communication Consultant

You'll join a company that works hard and supports one another - while doing work that truly matters.

We offer:

Remote-first work culture with in-office options (VA, MD, OH, CA, MN)

Competitive salary & comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, life, disability)

401(k) with company match + HSA with contribution

Generous PTO for parental leave, vacation and holiday time

Support for certifications, association dues, and professional growth

Company culture built on community: happy hours, social events, committee opportunities, and volunteer opportunities to make a difference

Join Us as We Build Wealth for Generations

Everything we do is driven by our vision. We see a future where more people achieve financial independence, enjoy meaningful retirement, and leave a legacy.

To get there, we live by our values every day:

Precision - Accurate records, timely and error-free service.

Efficacy - We ensure compliance, support communication, and guide participants toward retirement readiness.

Advocacy - We champion regulatory and legislative change that benefits employers and employees.

Collaboration - Trusted partners to clients, advisors, and teammates alike.

Excellence - We bring personalized, proactive, high-touch service to everything we do.

This is more than a job. It's your chance to create lasting impact - for your career, for your clients, and for the people whose futures you work to shape every day.

Apply now and make a career out of making a difference!

Blue Ridge is committed to equal pay and pay transparency.

The annual base salary range for this position is $80,000 - $125,000. This range represents the anticipated pay for this role across multiple U.S. labor markets and is intended as a general guideline.

Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the role, relevant experience, work location, education and training, key skills, internal equity, external market data, and current business considerations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Must be authorized to work in the US.