VP Communications

At VyStar, we offer competitive pay, an excellent benefit package that includes a 401(k) Plan, an extensive paid technical and on-the-job training program, and tuition reimbursement--available to all full and part time employees. Part time positions start at a minimum of 30 hours per week.

We encourage you to become a part of VyStar Credit Union's family of employees.

VP Communications & Public Relations

ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT
Reporting to the CMO, responsible for leading, developing, implementing and managing all aspects of communication and public relations strategies and programs for VyStar. Key focus areas include member and employee communications, digital content/organic SEO, public relations, and growth (M&A) communications with the aim to grow VyStar's brand reputation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Leadership:

• Management, development and inspiration of three direct reports (AVP of Communications, AVP of PR, and AVP of Growth Communications) and an overall team of 8.
• Develop, gain buy-in and implement broadscale proactive communications and PR vision and strategy.
• Build brand reputation and positive media sentiment.
• Deliver business results through high volumes of impressions and media value.
• Optimize resources through effective delegation, prioritization and utilization of third-party support.
• Track and report impacts of team's activities (ex: impressions, media value, sentiment, page engagement, SEO impacts, etc.)
• Deploy new tools and technology (including AI) to drive efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with appropriate rules and regulations. Own well organized and detailed procedure documentation across Comms and PR team activities.
• Lead cross-marketing high impact project process.
• Serve as Marketing team lead helping drive effective strategies, execution and team engagement across the Marketing organization.
• Serve as Marketing representative for key operational, risk management and organizational projects. Lead continuity of business preparation and MPR process for Marketing team.

Member Communications:

• Develop, recommend and manage all membership marketing communications, publications and materials (including newsletters, informational emails/mailings, etc.).
• Partner across Marketing (Member Engagement, Brand, and Community Engagement) and other teams to deliver member communications as needed.
• Lead and deliver VyPerks (member benefits/discounts) strategy.

Employee and Organizational Communications:

• Lead the development and delivery of key employee written communications (newsletters, emails, intranet, digital screens, etc.).
• Lead the development and delivery of live presentations and events (townhalls, key announcements, leadership meetings, press conferences, company events, etc.).
• Partner with HR to develop and deliver communications strategies (including tools) that enhance employee engagement and advocacy and helps drive our strategy to attract world class talent.
• Lead the development and distribution of key information about the organization, included the annual report, 'About us' website and informational packets, promotional videos, historical content, etc.

Digital Content and organic SEO:

• Oversee the digital content strategy and delivery on VyStar's website and other related channels.
• Partner with Member Engagement Marketing team to deliver product specific content as needed and deliver personalization.
• Partner with Digital Platform IT team to deliver best in class digital experience and optimize organic SEO.
• Own organic SEO strategy to deliver optimized business results.

Public Relations:

• Lead the development of wide-scale, multi-faceted PR strategy that drives favorable public perceptions of the organization's products, services, accomplishments and agenda.
• Develop well-articulated press releases that drive media interest and positive press coverage for the organization.
• Establish and maintain deep cooperative relationships with members of the media, community, government officials, industry representatives and consumer, employee, and public interest groups.
• Own, gain buy-in, update, and execute the crisis management plan/process. Lead and participate in 'table top' exercises to test plans.
• Coordinate, provide talking points, and review/edit key media interviews with VyStar leadership and subject matter experts. Provide advice and media training as needed.
• Develop program to identify key subject matter experts within our organization that can be representatives across media for key financial education/information. Assist with media training and preparation.
• Own, maintain and ensure communication of employee policies and procedures for media interactions and public speaking engagements. Lead the necessary reviews/approvals for these appearances.
• Drive vetting and applications for key awards and recognitions for VyStar.
• Promote appointment and key accomplishments of VyStar leadership.
• Promote and support branch openings.
• Deliver and execute VyCast (video/podcast) strategy.

Growth (M&A) Communications:

• Oversee and lead the merger and acquisition customer communications and conversion strategy and execution that drive to high retention and advocacy levels.
• Oversee and lead M&A employee communications and events.
• Represent Market perspective in key stakeholder reviews and decision making related to M&A.
• Resolve issues and maintain strong relationships with M&A partners.
• Communicate key M&A information across the Marketing tea and pull-in key members to deliver/input into key areas of the M&A as required.
• Maintain cross-marketing M&A project plan and serve as key liaison with Strategic Planning and other M&A stakeholders.

Other Communications and Projects:

• Review, edit, and assist with communications that are sent to members, employees, or the community/public regardless of their origination.
• Optimize and manage budget.
• Provide inputs into annual marketing and operating plans.
• Perform other duties and assignments as requested.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of 4-year bachelor's degree in business, advertising, public relations or communications areas.
• A minimum of ten year of public relations and communication experience
• A minimum of 5 years directly managing staff
• A minimum of 3 years working in financial services

OTHER SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Candidate must possess editorial level written communication skills, and strong verbal and visual communication skills. A compelling storyteller who knows who to tell stories about brands to multiple audience experiences.
• Demonstrated success developing strategic PR plans, driving impactful PR execution, and policies.
• Skilled in leveraging key insights, best practices, and industry analysis to drive measurement results.
• Able to handle changing priorities, make good decisions under pressure and use sound judgment.
• Deep relationship building and partnership skills – ability to demonstrate advanced diplomacy.
• High emotional IQ
• Strategic mindset
• Effective interaction and relationship building with C-Suite, community and government leadership.
• Engaged community representative/volunteer.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Good working knowledge of the desktop publishing and graphics systems.
• Experience with project management software (Smartsheet)
• Strong understanding of digital tracking tools (i.e. google analytics)
• Advanced Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

DISCLAIMER AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Nothing in this position description is an implied contract for employment. The position description is intended to be an accurate account of the essential functions. The functions are not all encompassing and are subject to change at any time by management.

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

As required or requested, may exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

VyStar Credit Union is not seeking outside assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies or search firms for employment or contractor opportunities. Any resumes submitted by an outside vendor to any employee at VyStar via e-mail, internet, or directly to hiring managers without a valid written search agreement with the Talent Acquisition / HR department will be deemed the sole property of VyStar Credit Union.

No placement fee will be paid if a candidate is hired as a result of the referral, or through other means.

Thank you for your inquiry regarding our current job opening. Your resume will be carefully reviewed against the position requirements. Should your experience and skills match, you will be contacted by one of our Human Resources department staff members.

Thank you again for your interest in this position

VyStar Credit Union Human Resources