Community Relations Specialist Senior-Hybrid

The Community Relations Specialist Senior manages the credit union’s community relations efforts and mentors and trains the Community Relations Specialists I & II as hired. Identifies the strategic objectives that align with department and company goals/objectives. Builds relationships with local community members and business leaders to create partnerships. Represents the credit union as a brand ambassador, speaking in public on behalf of the organization. This role requires leadership skills, as this individual will act as chair of Logix Community Stars Foundation, supporting all aspects of the employee engagement and public outreach associated with the demands of the nonprofit. Responsible for building connections, increasing awareness, and promoting the credit union’s brand within the community. This role requires excellent communication skills, a strong understanding of community dynamics, and the ability to develop strategies to engage and build trust with various stakeholders. This role requires the skillset to manage multiple projects, identify, strategize and facilitate unique opportunities, working with all levels of the organization and leaders in the community. Also responsible for strategic plans for community relations, crisis management, media relations, and public relations. This position will be required to manage public perception, promoting goodwill, and facilitating effective communication. Performs other marketing functions within the department as assigned.

• Builds and maintains relationships with local officials and community organizations such as schools, nonprofits, service clubs, and chambers of commerce to build brand awareness.
• Plans special events and celebrations in support of individual branches to help meet goals and promote brand awareness and visibility. Works with the Marketing Department to develop marketing strategies for events, branch grand openings and ongoing member acquisition strategies that support the credit union's goals.
• Develops and implements strategic planning and evaluation of communication and marketing activities.
• Designs, drafts and manages unique community relations campaigns.
• Analyzes, develops, and presents creative and innovative approaches to developing communication strategies to reach and engage members and the public to increase brand awareness.
• Reviews community relations activities and utilizes resources to provide analysis of results; these statistics will be reviewed to identify success and pitfalls to support future success of campaigns.
• Provides lead direction to staff on community relations activities; prioritize and coordinate deliverables (fliers, branch communication, member communication, etc.) with internal and external resources; review work for accuracy and content; evaluate projects, activities and processes.
• Working closely with departments and subject matter experts, develop and execute community relations campaigns.
• Manages the community support functions by researching available opportunities and making recommendations for each branch market area.
• Represents the credit union at community events and acts as a brand ambassador, evaluating and selecting appropriate communication and styles for targeted audiences, supporting the credit union’s mission, services and values.
• Develops and modifies strategies that support department objectives and goals. Prioritizes and coordinates work assignments; reviews work for accuracy and content; evaluates projects, activities and processes.
• Writes and supports communication plans, website copy, newsletter articles, speeches, editorial copy, presentations, press releases and general copy; acts as primary contact for media. Responsible for crafting and pitching stories to members of the press.
• Works with web team to update relevant pages, including promotions for community relations events.
• Reviews, coordinates, oversees, and responds to sponsorship, donation and other requests.
• Facilitates community-driven campaigns for the credit union and the foundation.
• Acts as key contact and manages SEG relationships; arranges onsite visits to SEGs and works with branch managers to establish and support Smarter Banking at Work relationships.
• Serves as chair of credit union’s charitable foundation and creates events to support charities and gain public attention and increase employee participation.
• Sits on the boards of directors or committees of key charities and/or community organizations.
• Conducts research and stays current on local community trends, needs, and issues that might impact the credit union’s brand.
• Develop and maintain a database of community contacts, partnerships, and collaborations.
• Coordinate and oversee the organization's participation in community sponsorships, donations, and partnerships.
• Prepare reports documenting community relations activities and their impact on the organization.
• Mentors the Community Relations Specialist l & II positions as hired.
• Required to work with internal departments and vendors to support crisis management efforts.

Education

• Min/Preferred:
• Education Level: 4 Year / Bachelors Degree      
• Description: Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university

Experience

• Minimum Years of Experience:  7
• Preferred Years of Experience:  10
• Comments: 7 to 10 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Ability

• Must be available to work nights and weekends.
• Must be work in the office three days a week, as well as in the field.
• Must have proficiency with Word, Excel, Power Point and Microsoft Outlook. Experience with HTML and website maintenance preferred.
• Required Knowledge & Skills:
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, press releases and general copy.
• Ability to present information effectively to groups using a projector and PC.
• Ability to respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Experience with engaging the public through collaborative partnerships with schools, nonprofits and/or chambers of commerce.
• Experience implementing public communication, and outreach plans and programs.
• Experience coordinating and conducting public relations and outreach activities.
• Experience communicating sensitive and/or complex information to community groups and organizations.
• Experience in public speaking.
• Experience in media and public relations.
• Experience with Monday.com preferred.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to articulate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences.
• Critical thinking skills required.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with individuals from various backgrounds and cultures.
• Proven experience in community engagement, public relations, or a related field.
• Knowledge of community dynamics, issues, and resources.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, managing multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills to develop innovative community engagement strategies.
• Proficiency in social media platforms and other digital communication tools.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.

Disclaimer

Logix Federal Credit Union is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran or disability status, or any other status protected by law.