Director of Client and Community Relations

Busey • Leawood, KS

128d • $79,000 - $109,000

About The Position

The Director of Client & Community Relations is responsible for advancing Busey’s vision, mission, and values by supporting the strategic direction of sales and community engagement initiatives across all Busey regions. This role oversees the development and implementation of high-impact, scalable programs that foster sales growth and reinforce the organization’s charitable objectives. The Director will collaborate closely with executive leadership, sales leaders, the Brand Experience team, and key community partners to drive innovative solutions that enhance the sales process and strengthen community relationships. This position is central to cultivating a culture of community engagement that supports Busey’s strategic objectives and regional presence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, or a related field is required.
• 7 or more years of progressively responsible experience in multi-faceted sales, marketing, and community relations, with leadership experience preferred.
• Comprehensive understanding of the organization’s strategic goals, including advanced concepts, practices, and procedures for managing initiatives, resources, and tools that support community partnerships and corporate volunteerism.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex information effectively to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, Smartsheet, and related project management tools.
• Demonstrated high-level organizational skills, balancing competing priorities, managing multiple deadlines, and maintaining budget oversight.
• Ability to analyze and resolve complex challenges by applying advanced problem-solving techniques and strategic thinking.

Responsibilities

• Lead collaboration with sales leadership to design, refine, and oversee the implementation of advanced sales training programs that drive high performance and align with corporate objectives.
• Ensure alignment with corporate goals, guide regional managers in optimizing community impact and philanthropic partnerships, and communicate training and resources to support sales teams effectively.
• Consult with senior line of business leaders to develop and recommend high-level sales and prospecting strategies that enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experience, and increase client loyalty.
• Oversee the collection and analysis of feedback to continually evolve and strengthen the sales strategy.
• Direct Busey’s philanthropic strategy within multiple regions, managing sponsorships, budgeting, charitable outreach, and event wrap-up efforts to maximize community impact.
• Oversee, evaluate and manage charitable vendor partnerships and platforms.
• Lead the organization and execution of community and charitable events, promoting employee volunteerism and enhancing the organization’s community engagement through targeted campaigns and strategic communications.
• Cultivate relationships with community leaders to boost Busey's visibility and foster strong partnerships that advance corporate and community objectives.
• Oversee communications for client appreciation functions, business development events, and external press releases to amplify Busey's community presence.
• Evaluate emerging social impact initiatives and advise on community engagement strategies that enhance the organization’s philanthropic footprint.
• Act as a strategic connector between sales, brand experience, and product teams to advance cross-functional goals, optimize customer experience, and reinforce client loyalty across regions.
• Collaborate with the Event Experience team to ensure alignment between sales goals and charitable event strategies and oversee internal recognition initiatives that celebrate employee achievements.
• Keep the Market/Regional President informed on regional developments, community events, and emerging trends to support informed decision-making and strategic alignment.
• Lead efforts to uphold and enhance the corporate brand and culture across all communications and initiatives, serving as a 'Busey Brand Ambassador' in all interactions.
• Ensure a consistent corporate voice and unified strategic direction throughout all First Busey Corporation entities.

Benefits

• Competitive Total Rewards package including 401(k) match, profit sharing, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, company-paid life insurance and long-term disability.
• Supplemental voluntary life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, wellness incentives, and an employee assistance program.
• Eligible associates may take advantage of pre-tax health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees