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: Hybrid

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading and orchestrating earned media, spokesperson, and marketing sponsorship efforts to build brand awareness and protect the credit union's reputation.
• Developing press releases, managing media relationships, and overseeing strategic marketing sponsorships.
• Cultivating strong relationships with key media outlets, journalists, and influencers to secure media coverage and positive exposure.
• Serving as the organization's key media representative, ensuring consistent, positive, and effective communication with external stakeholders.
• Crafting and developing storytelling opportunities, including compelling press releases, media pitches, and communication materials to convey key messages.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic and creative 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 differentiate Ent as a banking provider and community advocate; ensure Ent is a trusted resource for financial, employer of choice, and community expertise.

✅ 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 our key messages, expertise, community contributions, and notable organizational achievements.

✅ Cultivate priority messages and messaging strategy. Ensure timely responses and intentional, planned (where possible) crisis management based on internal or external risk scenarios as they arise, partnering with Ent leadership, internal, and member communications teams for a coordinated response; note this may happen outside of standard business hours.

✅ Establish key performance indicators for media coverage; monitor, measure, report, and evaluate 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.

✅ Identify and activate Ent subject matter experts for media interviews and appearances, ensuring they are confidently prepared and able to best represent Ent (e.g., talking points, speech writing, media training, and interview/speaking prep). Ensure a standard list of approved talking points is developed and maintained to ensure consistent, on-brand messaging.

✅ Maintain a list of strategic opportunities/publications that directly aligns with our current goals and overall mission. Help ensure Ent achieves the position of the #1 credit union in Colorado by seeking awareness and exposure opportunities through external or public ratings, awards, and recognitions.

✅ Supports Ent's brand by seeking and pursuing stories and speaking opportunities related to our philanthropic and financial education work and expertise.

ASSUMPION: This role requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively under pressure.

🎯 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:

• Skilled at developing and executing PR strategies, crafting press releases and media pitches, and building relationships with key media outlets and stakeholders.
• Skilled at managing crisis communications effectively.
• 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 solver.
• 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:

• 2+ years of experience with staff management, training & development, and/or team leadership.
• 1+ years of experience marketing financial services and/or products.

Certifications Required:

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

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the banking industry, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $99,132.80 to $123,926.40 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 an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 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 commitment to community involvement and member satisfaction.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2-3 days per week in the office)

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance to a director or manager role within the marketing and communications department.
• Opportunities to lead special projects and initiatives.
• possibility to expand the role's scope and responsibilities based on performance and organizational needs.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to take on more responsibility and advance within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate headquarters with multiple branch locations

Office Location(s): 7250 Campus Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80920, US (Headquarters); multiple branch locations throughout Colorado

Geographic Context:

• Colorado Springs is the second most populous city in Colorado, with a population of approximately 465,000.
• The city is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, with over 55 state parks and hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails within a two-hour drive.
• Colorado Springs has a semi-arid climate, with four distinct seasons and an average annual precipitation of about 15 inches.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement)

ASSUMPTION: The work environment is professional yet casual, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and teamwork. The office is located in a modern, well-equipped facility with ample parking and nearby amenities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring team
• Final interview with the senior vice president of marketing and communications
• Background check and reference check
• Job offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Problem-solving abilities
• Creativity and strategic thinking
• Media relations and PR experience
• Cultural fit and alignment with Ent's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Demonstrate your understanding of the banking industry and Ent Credit Union's mission and values.
• Prepare examples of your PR and media relations work, as well as any relevant achievements or successes.
• Be prepared to discuss your approach to crisis communications and managing media relationships.

ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Media Relations, Crisis Communications, Storytelling, Press Releases, Media Pitches, Sponsorship Management, Communication Skills, Interpersonal Relationships, Organizational Skills, Problem Solving, Attention to Detail, Team Leadership, Marketing Strategy, Community Engagement, Financial Education

ASSUMPTION: The interview process is designed to assess the candidate's skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, Zoho CRM)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
• Media monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
• Design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)

ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies may vary depending on the specific needs of the role and the organization.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Excellence
• Community
• Innovation
• Collaboration

Work Style:

• Team-oriented and collaborative
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Results-driven and proactive
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with Ent's value of integrity, and can you provide an example of how you've demonstrated this in a previous role?
• How do you approach working in a hybrid environment, and how do you ensure effective communication and collaboration with remote team members?
• Can you describe a time when you had to manage a crisis or challenging situation, and how did you approach it to achieve a positive outcome?

ASSUMPTION: Ent Credit Union values a strong cultural fit, with an emphasis on integrity, excellence, community, innovation, and collaboration. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their alignment with these values and provide specific examples of how they've embodied them in their previous roles.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role may require working outside of standard business hours to manage media inquiries or crises.
• Candidates may face competition from other experienced PR professionals in the Colorado market.
• The role may require travel to attend industry events, conferences, or meetings with media outlets.
• The banking industry is subject to regulatory changes and compliance requirements, which may impact the role's responsibilities.

ASSUMPTION: While these challenges may present obstacles, they also offer opportunities for growth and learning, and the right candidate will be able to overcome them successfully.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from other PR and communications positions in the banking industry in its focus on earned media and strategic sponsorships, rather than paid advertising.
• In the Colorado market, this role may be more competitive than similar roles in other regions, due to the strong local media presence and the number of financial institutions headquartered in the state.
• Career progression in this role may involve transitioning to a director or manager position within the marketing and communications department, or moving into a specialized role within the organization, such as corporate communications or investor relations.

ASSUMPTION: A thorough understanding of the banking industry, local media landscape, and the specific needs of Ent Credit Union will be essential for success in this role.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive PR strategy to launch a new banking product or service, including press releases, media pitches, and event planning.
• Managing a crisis communications plan for a data breach or other sensitive issue, ensuring the organization's reputation remains intact and stakeholders are informed.
• Securing media coverage for a community event or initiative, highlighting the organization's commitment to community involvement and social responsibility.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and challenges that the Public Relations Manager Sr. may face in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the marketing and communications department?
• How does Ent Credit Union approach community engagement and corporate social responsibility, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?
• What are the most pressing challenges facing the organization in the near future, and how can this role help address them?
• How does Ent Credit Union support the professional development and growth of its employees, and what opportunities are available for this role?
• Can you provide an example of a successful PR campaign executed by the organization, and what lessons were learned from that experience?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, informed questions demonstrates the candidate's interest in the role and the organization, and shows their commitment to understanding the nuances 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, with a focus on PR and communications achievements and any experience working in the banking industry.
• Prepare examples of your PR and media relations work, as well as any relevant achievements or successes.
• Be prepared to discuss your approach to crisis communications and managing media relationships.
• Follow up with the hiring manager 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.