Public Relations Director

Location Type: Onsite in Tampa Bay, FL

Position Type: Full Time 

The Public Relations Director will serve as the chief storyteller and strategic leader of the organization's public communication efforts. This role is responsible for designing, developing, and executing comprehensive, high-level public relations strategies that actively shape, manage, and enhance the company's reputation and public image. This position will oversee all external communication planning and rapid response, ensuring the organization communicates effectively, transparently, and confidently during high-stakes situations, serving as the organization's principal voice and strategic architect of its public narrative.

• Serve as the senior-most spokesperson, articulating Suncoast's vision, values, and strategic priorities across all external and internal platforms

• Represent the organization at high-profile events, industry forums, and media engagements, ensuring consistent and compelling messaging

• Proactively secure positive coverage by pitching timely stories, thought leadership pieces, and executive commentary to top-tier media publications

• Lead initiatives that spotlight member success, community impact, and innovation, positioning Suncoast as a thought leader in financial services and social responsibility

• Oversee the creation and quality control of all public-facing content, including compelling press releases, media kits, corporate announcements, and executive briefing materials

• Continuously monitor the media landscape (including traditional and digital channels) to identify emerging trends, potential risks, and strategic public relations opportunities

• Lead the organization's reputation management strategy, including crisis communications, issues response, and risk mitigation

• Serve as the executive authority during reputational events, ensuring transparency, trust, and resilience

• Provide strategic counsel to the CEO, executive leadership, and Board of Directors on communications strategy, public affairs, and brand positioning

• Collaborate across departments to align messaging with business objectives and member engagement goals

• Track, measure, and analyze the effectiveness of all PR campaigns, utilizing data and metrics to refine future strategies and report on ROI

• Review and recommend new methods or procedures to make daily operations more efficient

• Perform considerable short-term planning, scheduling, and coordinating to develop and implement business objectives

• Set goals for assigned teams to achieve operational and strategic results

• Provide guidance, mentoring, and development opportunities for directly reporting staff

• Cultivate strong working relationships, build trust among team members, and respond appropriately to employees' concerns

• Assist with the development, monitoring, and maintenance of the annual budget

• Assist with regulatory compliance to ensure work is completed in accordance with applicable laws and government regulations

• Maintain knowledge and understanding of current trends, laws, and issues affecting area of expertise

• Attend educational events to increase professional knowledge

• Complete annual compliance and info security training to understand employees' role in maintaining effective compliance and security programs

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field is required

• Advanced degrees or executive education in strategic communications or leadership are a plus

• Minimum of 8 years of proven leadership in a newsroom or broadcast environment (e.g., anchor, executive producer, bureau chief), with a nuanced understanding of media dynamics and public influence

• Demonstrated success as a high-profile spokesperson with experience navigating complex, high-stakes media environments

• Track record of designing and executing enterprise-level media strategies that drive brand visibility and stakeholder engagement

• Exceptional ability to craft and deliver compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences and reinforce organizational values.

• Experience leading crisis response efforts with poise, clarity, and strategic foresight

• Ability to influence senior leaders and cross-functional teams through strategic insight, emotional intelligence, and communication excellence

• Excellent organization, prioritization and analytical skills to effectively manage areas of responsibility and attain organizational goals

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills to interact effectively with members, staff, vendors, and government regulators

• Ability to analyze and resolve complex problems or situations

• Ability to positively influence others regarding policies, practices, and procedures

• Strong knowledge and understanding of credit union products, services, policies, and procedures

• Strong knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance

• Strong knowledge and understanding of credit union computer systems and software applications required to perform job duties

Benefits

• Financial Well-Being: Bonus Program up to 12%, 401K Matching up to 8%, Retirement Planning, Pay Increases based on Competency, Employee Loan Discounts, Flex Spending Accounts
• Wellness: Medical Coverage, Dental and Vision Coverage, Access to 4,000+ Gyms, Mental Health Resources, PTO Wellness Days, Short Term and Long Term Disability Coverage
• Work-Life Balance: 11 Paid Holidays, 3 weeks of Paid Time Off, 4 weeks of Paid Parental Leave, Birthday PTO
• Community Involvement: Paid Volunteer Hours
• Growth: Degree Assistance up to $5,000 per year

For more information, including additional benefits, please visit our benefits website at

Company Overview

 #LOVEWORK Employees flourish in an inclusive culture celebrating growth and prioritizing the community. Chartered in 1934.

For more information, please visit our careers site