📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director, Marketing (Brand) & Communication
🔹 Company: Alliant Credit Union
🔹 Location: Chicago, IL
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Financial Services
🔹 Date Posted: July 1, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days remote, 3 days on-site)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Shaping and executing Alliant Credit Union’s brand expression across visual, written, and communication channels.
- Overseeing creative design, content writing, and media & communications teams, including Public Relations (PR), internal communications, and crisis response.
- Ensuring a cohesive, compelling, and compliant brand presence that resonates with members, employees, and the broader public.
- Collaborating with senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to present creative strategies and campaign concepts.
- Leading and managing a team to achieve functional and individual operational objectives and goals.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of branding and communication strategies within the financial services industry.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Define and maintain the visual and verbal brand identity across marketing and communication channels and lead the creative campaigns that support business goals, member engagement, and brand awareness.
✅ Present creative strategies and campaign concepts to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
✅ Direct the creation of marketing collateral, campaign visuals, video content, and branded materials, ensure consistency in visual storytelling across different channels and guide the development of brand guidelines and design systems.
✅ Oversee the development of clear, engaging, and on-brand content for campaigns, web, email, social media, and internal communications, ensure alignment with Alliant’s tone, values, and objective while simplifying complex financial concepts into concepts for members.
✅ Lead public relations efforts, including media outreach, press releases, and thought leadership opportunities.
✅ Oversee internal communications strategy to ensure employees are informed, inspired, and aligned with organizational goals.
✅ Develop and manage crisis communication plans in partnership with legal and executive teams and support influencer and media partnerships to amplify brand visibility.
✅ Implement scalable creative workflows, project intake processes, and resource planning while collaborating with compliance and legal teams to ensure creative outputs meet regulatory and brand standards.
✅ Maintain documentation and audit trails for marketing materials as required by financial regulations.
✅ Partner with analytics teams to evaluate creative performance, apply insights to future campaigns while leading A/B testing and creative experimentation to enhance engagement and conversion.
✅ Lead and oversee the team to achieve functional and individual operational objectives and goals. Provide strategic direction, coaching, mentoring, and development opportunities for staff, including overseeing new employee onboarding and career development planning. Make key decisions regarding hiring, performance, discipline, and problem resolution.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of strategic thinking, creativity, and leadership, with a strong focus on driving brand consistency and engagement across various channels.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree - Marketing, Communications, or similar concentration - Minimum
Experience: 8 Years - Brand Storytelling, Campaign Development, Content Strategy, Communications or Related - Minimum
4 Years - People Management - Minimum
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in brand storytelling, campaign development, and content strategy within the financial services industry.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
- Familiarity with financial regulations and compliance processes.
- Proficient in project management and resource planning.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with internal and external corporate communications.
- Fluency in Spanish (or other languages) for a diverse member base.
- Experience with crisis communication and media relations.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in financial services branding and communication, along with proven leadership and management skills, will be well-suited for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $148,800 - $215,800 Annually. Actual compensation will be determined using factors such as experience, skills & knowledge.
Benefits:
- Health Care
- Vision
- Dental
- 401k With Employer Match
- Work From Home Up To 3 Days A Week
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Discount Programs
- Time Off Including Paid Personal And Sick Days
- 11 Paid Holidays
- Education Reimbursement
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with the option to work remotely up to 3 days a week.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for similar roles within the financial services sector. Benefits are subject to change and may vary depending on employment status.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Alliant Credit Union operates within the competitive financial services industry, focusing on digital banking, lending, and member engagement.
Company Size: Alliant Credit Union has 501-1,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: Alliant Credit Union was founded in 1935 and has since grown to become one of the largest credit unions in the United States.
Company Description:
- Alliant is a national digital credit union that focuses on wowing its members and disrupting banking norms.
- With over $19 billion in assets and more than 900,000 members, Alliant offers industry-leading financial products and seamless digital experiences.
- The company is committed to providing exceptional customer service and working to do good for its members, employees, and communities.
Company Specialties:
- Credit Union
- Banking
- Financial Services
- Online & Mobile Banking
- Lending
- Digital Marketing
- Technology
- Call Center
Company Website: https://www.alliantcreditunion.org
ASSUMPTION: Alliant Credit Union's focus on digital banking and member engagement makes it an innovative and forward-thinking financial institution, providing unique opportunities for growth and development within the industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, requiring a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and expertise in branding and communication within the financial services industry.
Reporting Structure: The Director, Marketing (Brand) & Communication will report directly to the VP Head of Marketing and oversee the creative design, content writing, and media & communications teams.
Work Arrangement: This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, with the option to work remotely up to 3 days a week.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to shape and influence Alliant Credit Union's brand strategy and communication efforts across various channels.
- Opportunity to lead and mentor a team, driving their professional development and growth.
- Possibility to expand the role's impact by taking on additional responsibilities or projects as the company grows and evolves.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development within the financial services industry, particularly for individuals interested in branding, communication, and leadership roles.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Alliant Credit Union's headquarters is located in Chicago, IL, offering a vibrant and dynamic work environment in the heart of the city.
Office Location(s): 11545 West Touhy Avenue, Chicago, IL 60666, US
Geographic Context:
- Chicago, IL, is a major metropolitan area with a diverse population and a thriving financial services industry.
- The city offers a wide range of cultural, recreational, and entertainment options, providing a high quality of life for residents.
- Alliant Credit Union's location in Chicago allows for easy access to public transportation and other amenities.
Work Schedule: The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in scheduling, with the option to work remotely up to 3 days a week.
ASSUMPTION: Alliant Credit Union's location in Chicago provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with easy access to public transportation and a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission and resume review.
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager or HR representative.
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members.
- Final interview with senior leadership or the VP Head of Marketing.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Branding and communication strategy development and execution.
- Leadership and team management skills.
- Communication and presentation skills.
- Understanding of financial services industry and regulations.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in branding, communication, and leadership within the financial services industry.
- Prepare examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to develop and execute successful branding and communication strategies.
- Research Alliant Credit Union's brand and values to ensure a strong cultural fit and alignment with the company's mission and goals.
ATS Keywords: Brand Storytelling, Campaign Development, Content Strategy, Communications, Creative Design, Public Relations, Internal Communications, Crisis Management, Team Leadership, Project Management, Analytics, Compliance, Creative Workflows, Media Outreach, Engagement Strategies, Mentoring
ASSUMPTION: Alliant Credit Union's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills and experience in branding, communication, and leadership, with a focus on cultural fit and alignment with the company's mission and values.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
- Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard creative, project management, and analytics tools is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Member-focused
- Innovative
- Collaborative
- Accountable
- Passionate
Work Style:
- Strategic and creative thinking
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
- Familiarity with financial regulations and compliance processes
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a proven track record of developing and executing successful branding and communication strategies within the financial services industry?
- Are you a strong leader and team manager, with the ability to mentor and develop staff?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative and innovative work environment, with a focus on driving results and achieving organizational goals?
ASSUMPTION: Alliant Credit Union's values and work style emphasize a member-focused, innovative, and collaborative culture, with a strong commitment to accountability, passion, and results-driven performance.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Balancing the demands of a senior leadership role with the need to maintain a strong connection to day-to-day creative and communication efforts.
- Managing a team with diverse skills and backgrounds, requiring strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
- Navigating the complexities of the financial services industry and its regulations, ensuring brand compliance and adherence to relevant standards.
- Adapting to a hybrid work environment, balancing remote and on-site work effectively.
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a commitment to continuous learning and growth within the role and the financial services industry.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other marketing director roles, this position focuses specifically on branding and communication, requiring a deep understanding of these disciplines within the financial services industry.
- Compared to other senior management roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape and influence Alliant Credit Union's brand strategy and communication efforts across various channels.
- Career progression from this role may include opportunities to advance to VP or C-level positions within the marketing or communication functions, or to transition into other senior leadership roles within the financial services industry.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to specialize in branding and communication within the financial services industry, with potential for career growth and development in related or senior leadership positions.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive rebranding strategy for Alliant Credit Union, including visual identity, tone of voice, and messaging framework.
- Creating and implementing a crisis communication plan in response to a hypothetical data breach or other significant event, ensuring the protection of Alliant Credit Union's brand and reputation.
- Leading a team to create and launch a successful marketing campaign for a new financial product or service, driving member engagement and acquisition.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic, creative, and leadership skills required for success in this role, with a focus on driving brand engagement, communication, and results within the financial services industry.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current state of Alliant Credit Union's brand and communication efforts, and how this role will contribute to their evolution and growth?
- How does Alliant Credit Union support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly within the marketing and communication functions?
- What is the company's approach to innovation and disruption within the financial services industry, and how does this role contribute to that strategy?
- How does Alliant Credit Union measure the success of its branding and communication efforts, and how will this role be evaluated based on those metrics?
- What is the company's culture like, and how does this role fit into the organization's overall mission and values?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to assess the fit between the candidate's skills, experience, and career goals with the role's requirements and the company's culture and mission.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in branding, communication, and leadership within the financial services industry.
- Prepare examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to develop and execute successful branding and communication strategies.
- Research Alliant Credit Union's brand and values to ensure a strong cultural fit and alignment with the company's mission and goals.
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
