Communications Manager/Team Leader

GESA CREDIT UNION•Richland, WA

7d•$30 - $60•Onsite

About The Position

The Communications Manager leads the day-to-day internal, external, and public relations functions of Gesa Credit Union’s Communications team and supervises its team members. Reporting to the AVP of Strategic Communications, the role puts the AVP’s communications strategy and messaging frameworks into practice through team plans, content planning and editing, review of sensitive communications, and communications advice to department leaders. The manager is also a recognized voice of Gesa to team members, supports executive communications and media preparation, and develops the team’s work in alignment with Gesa’s Strategic Plan and strategic goals. The position oversees communications planning and quality across internal and external audiences, media, executives, culture and change communications, the Frontline Newsroom, public relations, and content and video production. It advises leaders on communications and reputation risks; supports crisis and incident communications under enterprise protocols; and monitors communications KPIs to inform plans and priorities. The manager uses AI tools and automated workflows to increase capacity and quality while retaining human judgment over published work, and complies with applicable laws, regulations, and credit union policies and procedures. This is a full-time, hourly management position. The job listing identifies Richland, Washington, as the location, and provides pay ranges for Richland, Lynnwood, and Renton. Travel for credit union training, strategic initiatives, and career development may be required as approved.

Requirements

Two-year college degree required.
At least three years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience writing and editing content for internal, external, media, and executive audiences.
Expert writing and editing ability, including adapting a message for different audiences while keeping it accurate and on strategy.
Ability to advise leaders on communications and reputation, identify message risks plainly, and turn communications strategy into team plans.
Sound judgment weighing stakeholder sensitivities, regulatory considerations, and reputation risk.
Command of storytelling, message architecture, and narrative development across written, spoken, and video formats.
On-camera and microphone presence and ability to host, interview, and speak at podcasts, videos, and live events.
Working knowledge of media relations, earned media strategy, spokesperson preparation, and public relations agency management.
Ability to plan team work across a year and re-plan when priorities change.
Proven ability to coach and develop communications professionals, including team members growing into leadership roles.
Composure and sound judgment under pressure, including crisis and issues response on compressed timelines.
Strong project and portfolio management skills and ability to prioritize high volumes of concurrent requests.
Working knowledge of change management communications and team-member engagement practices.
Ability to use data and analytics to measure communications effectiveness and guide decisions.
Proficiency with enterprise communications platforms, content management systems, and AI-assisted communications tools.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SharePoint or comparable intranet platforms, and communications analytics tools.
Willingness to travel for credit union training, strategic initiatives, and career development as approved.
Ability to pass a pre-employment credit/background check.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field preferred.
At least two years leading a team, program, or function preferred.
Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite and AI tools preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the day-to-day internal, external, and public relations functions; set priorities and workloads, assign and review work, manage communications request intake and review, and uphold quality standards and deadlines.
Supervise, coach, and develop team members through regular feedback, editorial development, and individual development plans.
Advise department leaders on communications for announcements, initiatives, and issues affecting member or team-member trust, and help shape counsel to executive leadership.
Implement Gesa’s communications strategy and messaging frameworks across team work; develop key messages, talking points, and narratives for organizational priorities and announcements.
Plan storytelling and content for internal and external audiences, including editorial calendars and the content multiplication model.
Review and edit communications for internal, external, media, and executive audiences; ensure alignment with the Gesa Corporate Communications Playbook and brand standards; assess sensitive or high-visibility pieces for message, timing, and audience risk and escalate under Gesa’s governance.
Represent Gesa to team members through podcasts, videos, town halls, and leadership visibility programs, and prepare participating leaders.
Draft messaging, remarks, and presentations for senior leaders and prepare executives and spokespeople for media engagement through briefing documents, interview preparation, and coaching.
Plan and produce culture and change communications that connect team members to Gesa’s mission, values, and Strategic Plan and support Employer of Choice priorities.
Manage the Frontline Newsroom contributor network and measurement, and plan its growth; daily operations are run by the internal communications team.
Partner with the Content & Video function and Gesa Productions on communications video and content, shaping each production’s story, message, and audience.
Draft internal and external messages during crisis and incident activations under enterprise protocols and support communications for major initiatives.
Coordinate day-to-day work with Gesa’s public relations team to follow messaging, standards, and approval workflows, and recommend needed team resources and tools.
Build annual and quarterly communications plans for internal communications, external communications, public relations, content, and the Frontline Newsroom; track and report KPIs and adjust plans and priorities based on results.
Use AI tools and automated workflows to increase team capacity and quality while retaining human judgment over published work.
Comply with applicable laws, regulations, and credit union policies and procedures.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
20 days per year of paid time off and 10 paid holidays.
401(k) match.
Incentive program.
Tuition assistance and student loan repayment.
Commuter benefits.
Paid time off to volunteer in the community.
Product discounts.
Engaging work environment.
Rewards and recognition programs.
Reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities during the application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other employment benefits and privileges.