Public Relations Director

Recognizing and valuing diversity strengthens our ability to attract, retain and engage associates and reinforces our relationship within our communities. Our associates are the most valuable asset we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge and talent that our associates invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation and company's achievement as well.

A Centier Associate is someone who embodies a servant heart, is unaccepting of anything less than remarkable service, and is self-motivated and driven to deliver exceptional results.

What are our values? Our Corporate values are Caring, Loyalty, Integrity, Friendship, Fun....who wouldn't want to work for an AWARD-WINNING companythat's built on these pillars?

What about the perks? Access to our Marathon Health Clinics which provide FREE visits & prescriptions, Generous Paid Time Off benefit, Tuition Reimbursement, 401K match, Associate Stock Ownership Plan, Daycare Reimbursement, FREE Onsite Fitness Center/Fitness Reimbursements, Health and Wellness Programs, the ability to have a voice with our Diversity/Equity/Inclusion Council, Career Growth, Work/Life Balance, AND MORE.

Department Hours are Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00 CST. This position is based out of our Corporate Centre in Merrillville, IN.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Manage and oversee the activities of the contracted PR agency. Provide guidance, direction, and feedback to the PR agency team members. Monitor the performance of the PR agency to ensure alignment with Centier's objectives and standards.

Summary: The Public Relations Director will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic communication initiatives to enhance the bank's reputation, manage its public image, and effectively communicate with key stakeholders - both internally and externally. This role will involve overseeing the activities of the PR agency, managing media relations, creating compelling content, and supporting various communication channels to ensure consistent messaging and brand positioning.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute comprehensive PR, communications, and event strategies aligned with the bank's goals and objectives.
• Manage media relations activities, including press releases, media inquiries, and interviews, to secure positive coverage and manage reputational risks.
• Create engaging content for various channels, including press releases, newsletters, social media, website, and internal communications.
• Cultivate and maintain reciprocal relationships with journalists, local media, bloggers, chambers, and other key influencers to amplify the bank's messaging and increase visibility.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including senior leadership, marketing, business/retail/mortgages, and compliance teams, to ensure consistency and accuracy of communications.
• Utilizing Meltwater and additional avenues, monitor industry trends, news, and public opinion to identify potential opportunities and risks, and develop proactive communication strategies accordingly.
• Prepare executives and subject matter experts for media engagements, speaking opportunities, and crisis communications.
• Measure and analyze the effectiveness of PR and communications efforts, and provide regular reports and insights to senior management and marketing team.
• Draft press releases, bio cards, talking points, newsletters, etc.
• Research topics and industry trends; bring forward ideas, solutions, and strategies; find and recommend interesting promotional angles; create attention-getting headlines.
• Build reciprocal relationships online with local media, bloggers, chambers, and other key influencers

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in coverage of events, conferences, and sponsorships to enhance the bank's visibility and reputation.
• Stay informed about relevant regulatory requirements and industry best practices in PR and communications.
• Assist in the development of thought leadership pieces establishing Centier Associates as experts in the industry.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Proven track record of successfully managing PR campaigns and media relations.
• Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to think strategically, anticipate issues, and develop effective communication solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in PR/communication tools and monitoring.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in PR, communications, or related field, preferably in the financial services industry.
• Experience in managing PR agencies or external vendors is desirable.

What do I do now?

• Apply with us!
• Refer this opening to others!

Disability Accommodation Statement
Centier Bank is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. If you need an accommodation due to a disability to use our online system to apply for a position at Centier Bank, please call us at 219-755-6160 or send us an email at hrcareers@centier.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran
Centier Bankis proud to have an engaged and inclusive culture and to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity in all employment decisions regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, veteran status or any other legally protected status.