Public Relations Manager Sr.

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Public Relations Manager Sr.

🔹 Company: Ent Credit Union

🔹 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Banking

🔹 Date Posted: April 3, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: 100% remote for candidates residing outside of Colorado, but only in the following states: Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing a comprehensive public relations and earned media strategy
• Cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with key media outlets, journalists, and influencers
• Securing media coverage and positive exposure to differentiate Ent as a banking provider and community advocate
• Serving as the organization's key media representative, ensuring consistent, positive, and effective communication with external stakeholders
• Managing strategic marketing sponsorships to build brand awareness and align with Ent's brand and mission

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong communication skills, and the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with various stakeholders.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and oversee execution of a comprehensive public relations and earned media strategy that strengthens and supports the organization's reputation, credibility, visibility, and business goals through strategic earned media.

✅ Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key media outlets, journalists, and influencers to secure media coverage and positive exposure that differentiates Ent as a banking provider and community advocate.

✅ Serve as the organization's key media representative, ensuring consistent, positive, and effective communication with external stakeholders.

✅ Craft and develop storytelling opportunities, including compelling press releases, media pitches, and communication materials to convey key messages, expertise, community contributions, and notable organizational achievements.

✅ Establish key performance indicators for media coverage, monitor, measure, report, and evaluate the impact of PR efforts.

✅ Oversee creation and execution of PR calendar in close collaboration with marketing, community impact, and financial education, advocacy, partnerships, and business line teams.

✅ Identify and activate Ent subject matter experts for media interviews and appearances, ensuring they are confidently prepared and able to best represent Ent.

✅ Establish, nurture, and negotiate relationships with potential marketing recruiting sponsors, ensuring agreements provide mutual value and support.

✅ Oversee the activation and delivery of marketing sponsorship agreements, ensuring that both parties receive the expected benefits and recognition.

✅ Measure and report on the impact of sponsorship partnerships, demonstrating their contribution to organizational goals.

✅ Collaborate with internal teams to integrate sponsorship activations into marketing and community engagement initiatives.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, and a keen eye for detail.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, English, Marketing, or a similar field

Experience: 5+ years of experience in public relations, media relations, or communications (preferably within banking, finance, or nonprofit sectors; preferably within a Colorado news market with current relationships with media)

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to develop and execute PR strategies, craft press releases and media pitches, and build relationships with key media outlets and stakeholders
• Strong crisis communication skills
• Previous PR or journalism experience with a demonstrated track record of getting the story
• Experience managing sponsorships for a large organization with demonstrated results
• Strong knowledge of local, regional, and state media (current relationships preferred). National media exposure a plus.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills, especially in regards to writing effective news releases, media advisories, and media pitches
• Ability to effectively manage a story under duress with poise and presence
• Skill to drive effective outreach
• Highly proficient at building strong interpersonal relationships within Ent and with our service partners/vendors to accomplish objectives in a smooth, efficient, and effective manner
• Demonstrated ability to successfully secure media coverage within trade and consumer media outlets across broadcast, print, and online
• Strong attention to detail
• Exceptional organization skills
• Effective problem-solving skills
• Comfort with ambiguity, testing, and learning from new things
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to work with all levels of management and associates
• Strong work ethic and highly collaborative with management, cross-functional teams, partners, and the press
• Capable of balancing competing demands of the organization and business units through appropriate management of staff, vendors, and marketing resources
• Solid understanding of AP writing style

Preferred Skills:

• Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) membership and/or accreditation

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the banking industry, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,126 to $118,285 per Year (S17)

Benefits:

• Health Benefits: Affordable insurance, 24/7 doctor access, and a nationwide provider network.
• 401(k): 3% automatic contribution after three months, plus up to 6% matching.
• Paid Time Off: During your first year, enjoy 16 days of paid time off (PTO) plus 9 paid holidays. And it grows from there.
• Volunteer Time Off: Paid time off to give back to the community.
• Education Support: Up to $10,000 annually for higher education and assistance for certifications.
• Exclusive Discounts: Significant savings on home, car, and personal loans.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for a senior public relations manager role in the banking sector. However, the final compensation for this position will be determined by various factors such as relevant work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, certifications, and internal pay equity.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Banking

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees

Founded: 1957

Company Description:

• Ent Credit Union, established in 1957, is Colorado's leading credit union with nearly $10 billion in assets and more than 500,000 members.
• The credit union provides a full range of financial solutions through over 50 service centers, online, mobile, and telephone banking services, a Colorado call center, and a consumer and mortgage loan center.
• Ent is a not-for-profit, community-chartered credit union with membership open to businesses and individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Elbert, Fremont, Jefferson, Larimer, Pueblo, Teller, and Weld counties, as well as select communities in Weld and Adams counties.
• Ent is an Equal Housing and Equal Opportunity Lender, federally insured by the NCUA.

Company Specialties:

• Credit Union
• Banking
• Checking and Savings Accounts
• Mobile Banking
• Consumer and Mortgage Lending
• Business Banking
• Corporate Banking
• Commercial Lending
• and Community Support

Company Website: https://www.ent.com

ASSUMPTION: Ent Credit Union is a well-established financial institution with a strong presence in Colorado, offering a wide range of financial services and committed to community support.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior Manager

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Director of Marketing.

Work Arrangement: This role is 100% remote for candidates residing outside of Colorado, but only in the following states: Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Candidates requesting remote work who live in other states will not be considered.

Growth Opportunities:

• As Ent Credit Union continues to grow, there may be opportunities for the Public Relations Manager to take on additional responsibilities or move into a leadership role within the marketing department.
• Ent values internal promotions and provides opportunities for employees to grow within the organization.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and expanding organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (for Colorado-based candidates)

Office Location(s): 11550 Ent Parkway, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80921, United States

Geographic Context:

• Colorado Springs is the second most populous city in Colorado, with a population of approximately 465,000 people.
• The city is located in the southern part of the state, near the base of Pikes Peak, one of the most famous mountains in the United States.
• Colorado Springs has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters.

Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is Monday through Friday, with the possibility of working outside of standard business hours as needed.

ASSUMPTION: Colorado Springs offers a high quality of life with a mix of urban and outdoor recreational opportunities. The work environment for this role is dynamic and fast-paced, with a strong focus on collaboration and teamwork.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the team
• Final interview with the director of marketing
• Background check and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Problem-solving abilities
• Cultural fit with Ent's values and work environment
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Media relations and crisis communication skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Showcase your ability to develop and execute PR strategies, craft press releases and media pitches, and build relationships with key media outlets and stakeholders.
• Demonstrate your strong communication skills, especially in regards to writing effective news releases, media advisories, and media pitches.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that assess your problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit.

ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Media Relations, Crisis Communications, Storytelling, Press Releases, Media Pitches, Sponsorship Management, Communication Skills, Interpersonal Relationships, Attention to Detail, Organization Skills, Problem Solving, AP Writing Style

ASSUMPTION: Ent Credit Union uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage and review job applications. Including relevant keywords from the job description in your resume can help your application stand out and increase your chances of being selected for an interview.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
• Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
• Media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)

ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools. Familiarity with CRM software, social media management tools, and media monitoring and analytics tools is preferred.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Member-focused
• Integrity
• Excellence
• Community
• Innovation
• Collaboration

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced
• Strong focus on collaboration and teamwork
• Results-driven
• Adaptable and flexible
• Positive and supportive work environment

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do your personal values align with Ent's company values?
• Describe a time when you had to manage a crisis or challenging situation. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?
• How do you approach building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, both internally and externally?
• How do you stay organized and manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively?

ASSUMPTION: Ent Credit Union values a strong cultural fit with its employees. Candidates who demonstrate a strong alignment with the company's values and work style are more likely to succeed in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Working effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
• Adapting to changes in priorities and work arrangements
• Dealing with media inquiries and crises outside of standard business hours
• Balancing the demands of the organization and business units

ASSUMPTION: This role may present challenges related to time management, communication, and adaptability. Successful candidates will be able to manage their time effectively, communicate clearly and persuasively, and adapt to changes in priorities and work arrangements.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Communications Manager or Public Relations Specialist, but with a greater focus on strategic planning and leadership.
• In the banking industry, this role may be comparable to a Corporate Communications Manager or a Director of Public Relations.
• Career paths for this role may include moving into a leadership role within the marketing department or transitioning into a corporate communications role within the banking industry.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to lead and shape the public relations and earned media strategy for a well-established financial institution. Successful candidates will have a strong background in public relations, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive public relations strategy for a new product launch
• Managing a crisis communication plan for a data breach or other sensitive issue
• Securing media coverage for a community event or charitable initiative
• Negotiating and activating a strategic marketing sponsorship agreement with a high-profile partner

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and challenges that the Public Relations Manager may face in this role. Successful candidates will have experience in developing and executing public relations strategies, managing crises, securing media coverage, and negotiating marketing sponsorship agreements.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the biggest challenges facing the organization's public relations efforts in the next 12 months?
• How does this role fit into the organization's long-term goals and growth plans?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does the organization support work-life balance for its employees?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the marketing department or the organization as a whole?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and the organization, and can help you better understand the expectations and requirements of the position.

📌 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 and skills for this role.
• Prepare for phone or video screening and in-person or virtual interviews by practicing your communication skills and researching the organization.
• Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the position and reiterate your qualifications.
• If you are selected for the final interview, be prepared to discuss your problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit with Ent's values and work environment.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.