Senior Communications & PR Specialist

Senior Communications & PR Specialist

Requirements

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven knowledge and skills in writing and positioning of corporate communications and promotional efforts including CEO letters and speeches, complex corporate communications, annual reports, brochures, website, press releases, social media responses, crisis communications, etc.
• Proven skills in media relations, public relations strategies, techniques and practices, and media responsiveness.
• Knowledge of rules, regulations, principles, practices and writing techniques, including grammar and punctuation in the AP style.
• Demonstrated knowledge of using the applications within the Microsoft Office Suite, plus additional online tools, and resources.
• Video and photo editing skills a plus.
• Proven knowledge and experience in social media including techniques for content creation and management, creating engaging content, knowledge of techniques and strategies for building social media following and more.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize and successfully manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
• Demonstrated abilities in complex project management.
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to ensure brand and quality control.
• Ability to analyze situations and recommend solutions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse group of people.
• Ability to work under pressure and to communicate effectively in crisis situations while meeting urgent deadlines.
• Ability to work a schedule which includes Saturdays.

Responsibilities

• Write Member communications, Senior Management and Officials’ public communications, copywriting for Member letters and emails, web content, emails, videos, press releases, and other communications and materials.
• Develop, write, and edit a wide range of communication efforts including annual reports and speeches.
• Provide brand and quality control for department and organizational efforts by writing, proofreading and/or editing a wide variety of communication pieces.
• Recommend and implement improvements, innovation, and increased effectiveness to RCU’s communications.
• Develop and assist with supporting organization’s marketing promotions, materials, and efforts through effective communication.
• Stay current with Credit Union industry, financial and economic environments for emerging consumer and business trends to incorporate into communications and drive recommendations for key issues to be addressed/communicated to a variety of audiences.
• Assist with maintaining documentation of RCU’s history.
• Participate in groups and committees to provide communication support as needed, including new product releases, new branches, or delivery channels, etc.
• Write press releases for The Redwood Group.
• Draft and gain approval of releases, and the timely distribution of news releases to the media.
• Maintain media database and contacts.
• Build relationships with local and trade media.
• Field requests from the media for interviews and make recommendations regarding best approach to response, coordinate interviews, research media questions and craft key messages/preparation documents.
• Coordinate and communicate media conferences working closely with Communications & PR Manager, Assistant Manager, and SVP/Product and Member Engagement.
• Provide back-up support to SVP, Communications & PR Manager, and Assistant Manager as spokesperson with media, as needed and authorized.
• Monitor, track, and report press coverage of The Redwood Group.
• Review and approve scheduled social media content prepared by Social Media Specialist.
• Function as back-up to Social Media Specialist when necessary to create and schedule content.
• Take an active role in community events and contribute to local area non-profits via volunteerism, etc.
• Support Member and community events including the Annual Membership Meeting, Shred-A-Thon, Branch openings and other company events as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Video and photo editing skills a plus.