Director of Marketing

Stearns Bank NA.•St. Cloud, MN

13h•$117,000 - $165,000

About The Position

At Stearns Bank, we’re helping people, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and local communities nationwide reach their full financial potential. Sound like something you want to be a part of? If so, we’re currently looking for a Director of Marketing. This is a Connected Mobile Work Environment. Come see how we’re doing business unusual and charting our own path to reimagine a more inclusive financial services and banking ecosystem for all. The Director of Marketing is responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies, campaigns, and programs that support each business unit and production team. This role ensures alignment with Stearns Bank’s strategic objectives and approved budgets while driving profitability growth, brand awareness and customer acquisition through measurable KPIs and outcomes. This includes shaping and stewarding Stearns Bank’s brand, reputation, and voice across internal and external audiences by delivering the impactful, empowering messaging through the most effective, efficient and diversified channels. This role drives successful implementation and delivery across all areas of responsibility and partners closely with the Chief Brand Officer to operate marketing as a strategic, results-driven operating unit. The Director of Marketing serves as a strategic partner to each business unit, advancing and amplifying Stearns Bank’s overall business strategy and achieving business unit key performance indicators. The Director of Marketing partners closely with executive leadership, human resources, business unit leaders, and external partners to shape and deliver a clear, credible, and compelling narrative for Stearns Bank. This role ensures Stearns Bank’s purpose, values, and offerings are authentically conveyed, driving understanding, trust, and engagement, and inspiring audiences to become loyal customers and advocates for the brand.

Requirements

High energy. Strong collaboration skills. Highly effective in execution of multi-track activities and responsibilities.
Authentic and servant leader who is amiable and intelligent. The ability to discern activity from accomplishment is key.
Demonstrated marketing leadership and team building skills; someone who understands the need for collaborative efforts and who consistently achieves goals with and through others.
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
7–10+ years of progressive experience across brand marketing, corporate communications, public relations, or related disciplines.
Proven ability to lead integrated brand and communications initiatives in complex or regulated environments.
Exceptional storytelling, writing, and executive-level communication skills.
Strategic thinker with strong judgment and the ability to operate at both enterprise and execution levels.
Comfortable operating in fast-paced, high-visibility environments requiring discretion and sound decision-making.

Nice To Haves

Experience partnering with HR or leadership teams on employer brand, talent storytelling, or culture-driven communications preferred.

Responsibilities

Division and Business Unit Aligned Marketing Execution
Marketing operates as a “amplification” partner for each business unit (including deposits).
Build and deliver division specific marketing plans in full partnership with business unit owners.
In full team collaboration, have an ownership mindset with each specific business units profit & loss statement as if it is really yours to own and amplify profitability.
Oversee brand marketing initiatives including campaigns, integrated communications, content strategy, and local market support.
Collaborate with internal creative teams and agency partners to deliver thoughtful, high-quality work across paid, owned, and earned channels.
Ensure all content reflects brand standards, strategic priorities, and audience insight.
By business unit, establish and track KPIs across brand, communications, media, engagement, and employer brand efforts.
Revenue Generating Demand
This responsibility reflects the Director of Marketing’s accountability for driving demand that converts into customers and revenue – contributing directly to the company’s earnings, not just awareness or activity.
Create demand for core deposits, treasury products and services, equipment finance, and lending of varying specialties.
Tie key marketing targets to account openings, funded balances, pipeline creation or the like (not “impressions” or “likes”)
Brand Leadership
Own and evolve Stearns Bank’s brand narrative, positioning, and messaging across all internal and external touchpoints.
External & Internal Communications and Culture
Lead external communications strategy, including media relations, press releases, executive visibility, thought leadership, and key announcements.
Cultivate relationships with media, industry influencers, partners, and community organizations to enhance brand visibility and credibility.
Serve as a senior communications advisor to executive leadership, supporting high-stakes moments and enterprise-level initiatives.
Shape and steward the employer brand narrative, captivating Stearns Bank’s culture, values, leadership philosophy, and growth opportunities.
Partner with HR and executive leadership to support talent attraction, leadership hiring, and organizational growth through heartfelt storytelling and messaging.
Set and execute internal communications strategy that drives clarity, alignment, and engagement across the organization.
Oversee internal channels including enterprise communications, leadership messaging, organizational updates, and changing communications.
Drive and amplify Stearns Bank Gold initiatives by ensuring employees experience the brand internally as is promised externally.
Measurement, Performance & Budget Oversight
Establish and track KPIs across brand, communications, media, engagement, and employer brand efforts.
Provide performance insights and recommendations to the Chief Brand Officer and senior leadership.
Partner with the CBO on budget planning, management, and optimization across brand and communications initiatives.
Leadership & Collaboration
Provide mentorship, guidance, and leadership to team members and cross-functional partners.
Act as a strategic connector across marketing, HR, operations, sales, and executive leadership.
Set high standards for collaboration, accountability, and creative excellence.

Benefits

Employee Stock Ownership Plan & 401k Plan
Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision, Telehealth, Life insurance)
12-week Paid Medical Leave
Paid Parental Leave: 21-weeks Primary Care Parent, 14-weeks Secondary Care Parent
$5,000 Family Care Reimbursement: Childcare, Elder Care, Student Loan Debt, Pet expenses, down payment assistance
PTO from 13 to 23 days depending on tenure. Cashout and Carryover options.
10 Days Sick Time
11 Paid Holidays
4 Days Volunteer Time
2 Days Self Allowance Time
Tuition Assistance