Sr Marketing & Communications Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist

🔹 Company: TDECU

🔹 Location: Sugar Creek, Missouri

🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (1-2 days on-site per week)

🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications

🔹 Date Posted: April 30, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Strategic communication initiatives to enhance brand and reputation
• Media relations and crisis communication management
• Content creation and management across various platforms
• Collaboration with executives and cross-functional teams

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, initiative, and adaptability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines, especially in high-stakes situations.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Serve as the primary media contact, cultivating relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets

✅ Lead proactive and reactive media relations, including writing press releases, media pitches, and statements

✅ Oversee the organization’s crisis communication plan and serve as a key team member in crisis response situations

✅ Monitor media coverage and trends, providing regular reporting and sentiment analysis to executive leadership

✅ Create, edit, and manage content across platforms, ensuring alignment with brand voice, tone, and organizational priorities

✅ Collaborate cross-functionally to develop messaging and campaigns that support business units, product launches, events, and initiatives

✅ Ensure consistency in brand messaging across all internal and external touchpoints

✅ Contribute to the development of strategic communication plans, talking points, executive messaging, and speeches

✅ Use media intelligence tools to track coverage, identify emerging risks or opportunities, and measure impact

✅ Develop monthly and quarterly dashboards to evaluate communications performance and media reach

✅ Support executive leadership with communication needs, including training, messaging development, announcements, and presentations

✅ Partner with internal stakeholders to strengthen internal engagement and organizational culture

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with senior executives and cross-functional teams.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field

Experience: Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in marketing, communications, or public relations roles

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated success managing media relations, crisis communications, and content strategy
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
• Proven experience with media monitoring platforms (e.g., Meltwater, Cision, Critical Mention)
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with senior executives and cross-functional teams

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the financial services or credit union industry

ASSUMPTION: Given the seniority of this role, candidates are expected to have extensive experience and a proven track record in marketing and communications.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $85,000 - $120,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for a Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist with 10+ years of experience in the financial services industry)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee assistance program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee discounts on financial services

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with flexibility for on-site work (1-2 days per week)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Benefits are subject to change and may be confirmed during the interview process.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Financial Services

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees

Founded: 1955

Company Description:

• TDECU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative with over 379,000 members and $4.8 billion in assets
• Founded in 1955, TDECU began as a group of Dow employees pooling resources to loan money to a friend
• Today, TDECU offers a wide range of financial services, including personal and business banking, loans, mortgages, insurance, investments, and digital banking

Company Specialties:

• Personal/Business Checking Accounts
• Loans (Auto, Personal, Mortgages)
• Credit Cards (including Buc-ee's Credit Card)
• Insurance
• Investments
• Digital Banking and Online Bill Pay

Company Website: https://www.tdecu.org

ASSUMPTION: TDECU's not-for-profit status means it is member-owned and focused on providing great value and service to its members.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior-level position with significant responsibility and autonomy

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Vice President of Marketing & Brand

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (1-2 days on-site per week, with the rest of the work done remotely)

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance to a leadership or management role within the marketing and communications department
• Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and initiatives that drive business growth and enhance the organization's reputation
• Access to professional development and training opportunities to enhance skills and advance career growth

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development, particularly for candidates with strong leadership potential and a proven track record in marketing and communications.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (1-2 days on-site per week, with the rest of the work done remotely)

Office Location(s): Sugar Creek, Missouri (with additional locations in Lake Jackson, TX, and Sugar Land, TX)

Geographic Context:

• Sugar Creek is a small city in Missouri with a population of approximately 3,000 people
• The area offers a mix of urban and rural living, with easy access to outdoor recreation and cultural attractions
• The cost of living in Sugar Creek is relatively low compared to other major metropolitan areas in the United States

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with flexibility for on-site work (1-2 days per week)

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a good balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
• Final interview with the Vice President of Marketing & Brand
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively
• Media relations experience and understanding of crisis communication strategies
• Content creation and management skills, with a focus on brand voice and messaging
• Collaboration and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior executives and cross-functional teams

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Provide specific examples of your media relations, crisis communication, and content creation successes
• Demonstrate your understanding of the financial services industry and TDECU's mission and values

ATS Keywords: Media Relations, Crisis Communications, Content Strategy, Marketing Communications, Brand Management, Executive Messaging, Stakeholder Engagement, Media Monitoring, Strategic Planning

ASSUMPTION: TDECU's hiring process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best possible fit for the organization and the role.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Media monitoring platforms (e.g., Meltwater, Cision, Critical Mention)
• Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for marketing and communications professionals and can be learned or adapted to quickly.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Member-focused
• Integrity
• Excellence
• Teamwork
• Innovation

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities and deadlines
• Proactive and strategic in approach to communication initiatives

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment that requires strong communication skills and adaptability?
• Are you comfortable working with senior executives and cross-functional teams to develop and execute strategic communication plans?
• Do you have a proven track record of success in media relations, crisis communication, and content creation?

ASSUMPTION: TDECU values candidates who are member-focused, demonstrate strong integrity, and exhibit a commitment to excellence, teamwork, and innovation in their approach to marketing and communications.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple priorities and meeting tight deadlines, especially in high-stakes situations
• Working effectively with senior executives and cross-functional teams to develop and execute strategic communication plans
• Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement, balancing on-site collaboration and remote flexibility
• Operating in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment that requires strong communication skills and adaptability

ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges associated with this role are typical for a senior-level marketing and communications position and can be effectively managed by a qualified candidate with relevant experience and skills.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other senior marketing and communications roles, this position places a greater emphasis on media relations and crisis communication management
• TDECU's not-for-profit status means the organization is member-owned and focused on providing great value and service to its members, which may impact the role's priorities and focus
• This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development, particularly for candidates with strong leadership potential and a proven track record in marketing and communications

ASSUMPTION: This role is well-suited for candidates with extensive experience in marketing and communications, a strong background in media relations and crisis communication, and a proven track record of success in driving business growth and enhancing organizational reputation.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive media relations strategy to enhance TDECU's brand and reputation in the financial services industry
• Creating and managing content for various platforms, ensuring alignment with brand voice, tone, and organizational priorities
• Supporting executive leadership with communication needs, including training, messaging development, announcements, and presentations

ASSUMPTION: The sample projects listed are representative of the types of initiatives and responsibilities associated with this role and provide insight into the day-to-day work of a Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist at TDECU.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical workload and priorities for this role, and how they may vary depending on the organization's needs?
• How does this role collaborate with other departments and teams within TDECU to develop and execute strategic communication plans?
• What are the most significant challenges facing TDECU's marketing and communications efforts, and how can this role help address them?
• How does TDECU support the professional development and growth of its marketing and communications team members?
• What is the company's long-term vision for this role, and how does it fit into the organization's overall growth and expansion plans?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and provides an opportunity to assess the fit between your career goals and the organization's needs.

📌 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 media relations, crisis communication, and content creation successes
• Prepare for your interview by researching TDECU's mission, values, and industry, as well as the specific challenges and opportunities facing the organization's marketing and communications efforts
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications for the role

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