Public Relations Specialist

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.

Public Relations Specialist

ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT

The Public Relations Specialist, working with the Public Relations Team, will be responsible for planning, producing and tracking public relations and thought leadership strategies that strengthen VyStar's brand recognition and awareness. This role will develop and maintain strong relationships with media and other key stakeholders to increase the credit union's impact in support of its employees, members and community partners. The PR Specialist should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and knowledge of industry trends and best practices. This includes excellent storytelling, brand positioning and message placement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Public Relations Strategy & Planning

• Collaborate with VyStar's subject matter experts to draft press releases, pitches, thought leadership articles, Op-Eds, talking points, speeches and case studies
• Track and analyze media mentions and sentiment to create weekly, monthly and quarterly reports
• Build relationships with local media, national media and trade publications
• Support PR strategy and execution of press conference/other events across VyStar's field of membership
• Schedule and contribute to preparation for interviews
• Provide PR support for internal and external communications, including newsletters, blogs, social media posts and product campaigns
• Work with Communications Team and Videographer for impact storytelling
• Support award nominations and Board placements
• Serve as media/stakeholder contact
• Other projects as assigned

Brand Support and Activation

• Manage execution of brand activation and brand amplification. Support Marketing team's efforts to learn, apply and teach industry stands and best practices across VyStar
• Support projects from ideation to final deliverables. Work with the Marketing team to bring new ideas to the table, making suggestions on how to best leverage our message(s)
• Monitor TV, radio and online coverage analytics for brand awareness and other key performance indicators
• Work with VyStar's creative agency on a wide range of projects

Product and Member Support

• Work with company departments and branches, capturing anecdotes from members and employees and turning them into content appropriate for any and all mediums
• Manage special projects, including planning, developing and executing strategies for editorial content

JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate ideas in a persuasive, organized and effective manner
• Minimum of 3 years relevant public relations experience
• Must be flexible and comfortable adapting to different writing styles while maintaining VyStar's core writing standards
• Keen attention to detail and familiarity with AP style.
• Solid grasp of social media (appropriate in a professional environment), creatively fostering the firm's engagement and visibility as a relevant online presence
• Able to project manage multiple work assignments in a deadline-sensitive environment
• Excellent judgment and interpersonal skills both in person, on the phone and email
• Self-directed, able to accomplish projects with little supervision and collaborative
• Extremely proficient using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Good design eye and Adobe Creative Suite experience
• Email marketing and management experience
• Experience working in financial services preferred
• Agency or consulting/freelance background
• Supervision of vendors or employees

EDUCATION

• Candidate must possess a minimum of a four-year college degree with specialization in English, marketing, journalism, public relations or related field (or equivalent experience).

EXPERIENCE

• 5+ years' work experience in marketing or similar marketing agency role inclusive of:
• 3+ years public relations experience
• 2+ years marketing communications experience

COMPUTER SKILLS

• Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Analytics, AdWords, predictive search.
• Microsoft Teams, SmartSheet, etc.

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.