Community Relations & Education Specialist

Gesa Credit Union•Yakima, WA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Community Relations & Education Specialist will project a favorable image of the credit union to its external and internal audience and encourage growth of the credit union through the development and cultivation of community partnerships. Assist in the growth of niche Community Impact projects and initiatives including the credit union’s community giving programs, sponsorships, high school credit unions, and financial education programs. Coordinate external public relations activities for the credit union.

Requirements

A minimum of two (2) years of similar or related experience in a financial institution, community development, or community relations/events position
Four (4) year college degree with an emphasis in Communications, Business Administration, Marketing, Management, or related field preferred
Experience creating presentations, utilizing presentation equipment, and maintaining tact and diplomacy when communicating
Proficiency with standard office equipment and computer software programs such as Microsoft Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, and Project) utilized in required duties
Travel is required to complete credit union training, attend meetings and events, and to fulfill job duties and responsibilities
Ability to operate a motor vehicle and maintain an active driver’s license
Ability to effectively and professionally communicate ideas and information, both orally and in writing.
Excellent interpersonal, listening, and customer service skills
Initiate and manage workflows, establish strong relationships with a diverse group of partners, and negotiate with vendors and stakeholders on projects to be completed
Strong self-starter and organizational skills with the ability to build/set schedules, create and manage budgets, create and suggest marketing plans, and adhere to deadlines
Work cohesively and successfully in a team environment
Ability to work effectively both collaboratively and independently with moderate supervision
Ability to work in a fast-paced, continuously changing, and sometimes ambiguous work environment

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders to effectively support and execute Community Relations and Marketing outreach initiatives and campaigns with the goal of providing business lead referrals for retail sales, investment services, mortgage lending, commercial services, and commercial lending
Responsible for overseeing a minimum of two markets, based on complexity and demand
Develop comprehensive Community Relations outreach plans and provide recommendations to the annual outreach calendar with the goal of increasing participation and awareness of outreach programs, charitable giving efforts, general credit union products and services, and lead referrals
Support operations of high school credit union branches within assigned markets. Including training and supervising student employees and high school branch staff. Ensure student workers are knowledgeable and capable of performing required duties and school partners’ expectations are being exceeded
Support the credit union’s financial education initiatives through the facilitation and development of new financial education offerings based on member-centered feedback
Represent the credit union at business development events including those held by Chambers of Commerce, trade organizations, economic development organizations, school districts, and other community partners as appropriate
With supervision, coordinate the creation, planning, implementation, and production of external events within established guidelines, including project timelines, tracking, vendor relationships, budgets, event logistics, and volunteer management
Oversee outreach events and campaigns to ensure they are within scope, schedule, and budget.
Produce, maintain, and report statistics to reflect partnership effectiveness to leadership, internal stakeholders and/or external partners
Respond to community giving and sponsorship requests by evaluating for appropriateness and adherence to credit union giving requirements
Support, develop, implement, and manage various internal activities and communications to increase team member participation in community giving activities, business development, and networking opportunities
Promote the credit union difference as a not-for-profit financial cooperative through community-facing work and internal collaboration with credit union team members.
Assist with the growth, planning, and development of actionable plans to expand the credit union’s outreach into identified markets
Track and measure the return on investment of events and campaigns, using data and research to analyze performance to determine if goals are achieved. Use data to drive demand, adoption, and make recommendations to leadership
Ensure credit union brand and messaging are within approved standards and consistent throughout all community events
Responsible for ideation and creation of compelling and engaging content including website copy, digital posts, social media content, and product/service descriptions as approved. Add value by actively engaging members and maintaining a cohesive brand voice
Display leadership values which include mutual respect, trust and dignity, acting in the best interest of the credit union. Lead by example by displaying solid ethics and integrity at all times.
Perform duties in a safe and sound manner
Consistently display successful communication and listening skills with team members, community partners, members, supervisors, vendors, and leadership
Consistently display respect for all areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion
Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of credit union products and services
Attend credit union training sessions, conferences, or seminars as approved by supervisor
Maintain all sensitive data with the highest standard of confidentiality and professionalism
Control risk in all areas of assigned responsibility through awareness of policies and regulations while operating in a safe and sound manner
Adhere to all laws, regulations, and Credit Union policies and procedures