Public Affairs Manager Rhode Island and Connecticut

Citizens Bank•Providence, RI

About The Position

The Vice President - Public Affairs Market Manager reports to the New England Director of Public Affairs to establish and execute the philanthropic and community partnership strategies for the bank's Rhode Island and Connecticut markets based on a data-driven, portfolio management approach in alignment primarily between market needs and the bank's philanthropic focus areas of workforce development and financial empowerment. The primary function is to manage relationships with partners to execute bank charitable and community partnerships and to position the bank positively in the market. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated grant portfolio management experience, strong critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze data to best inform the market strategy. The manager performs detail-oriented work for a variety of department operations and initiatives. The position requires an experienced, creative, and energetic professional with experience in sponsorships, charitable giving and/or grant making and partnership management. The individual must be able to collaborate, manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment and represent the bank externally at community events. This role performs significant portfolio and relationship management, grant database administration, impact report analysis, budget administration and event execution and special projects as assigned to support overarching Corporate Affairs Department goals.

Requirements

Minimum 5-7 years of diverse charitable giving, grant making and/or corporate communications/marketing experience
Experience developing strategic partnerships that drive brand favorability and consideration for the business using metrics and measurement to assess impact
Exemplary writing, verbal, and problem-solving skills; must be able to effectively anticipate issues and problem solve when issues arise
Strategic understanding of the nature of various initiatives and their impact on overall corporate objectives
Ability to execute against strategy and drive results; demonstrated creative/critical thinking.
Budget management experience
Effective time management and organizational skills; solid work ethic
Ability to effectively manage multiple, changing priorities.
Ability to plan, implement and manage all aspects of complex projects to successful completion.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Computer Skills: Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency
Bachelor's Degree in related field

Nice To Haves

Experience in banking/financial services is preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage portfolio of charitable and community partners.
Strategize and execute on-going, and develop new, market-based philanthropic partnerships and activities.
Conduct market research to identify and understand community and business line needs.
Use data-driven approach to make strategic, need-based philanthropic recommendations for the market.
Perform site visits with partners to learn programming needs and make connections for deepening the partnership.
Educate key stakeholders internally and externally on philanthropic strategy and focus areas.
Steward prospective partners through application process, ensuring data integrity and complete thorough examination of applications.
Work with portfolio of partners to ensure impact is achieved and collaborate to develop new ways to achieve impact.
Utilize grant management system to ensure impact metrics and results are reported on in timely manner and accurate.
In partnership with Community Development Market Manager, execute key economic development initiatives with local charitable contributions for CRA credit.
Oversee budget administration and market-based memberships, including forecast analysis, financial reviews, and integration of relevant business lines.
Strict adherence to corporate risk and compliance guidelines and policies to ensure favorable audit results.
Strict adherence to CFG giving guidelines and SOPs and compliance with all policies and procedures of Citizens' charitable giving committees.
Represent the bank in the community attending various external events and volunteer activities.
Consult with Community Engagement Team to position senior leaders strategically in local business, civic and non-profit communities including board placement.
Partner with communications team and partners to develop opportunities to share impact, story tell about Citizens' community partnerships, create and execute communication plans for internal and external purposes.
Prepare event briefs for senior leaders participating in partner events.
Collaborate with communications team to develop press release, quotes, and approvals.
Develop social media content to be shared by colleagues about Citizens' community partnerships.
Support civic affairs engagement including staying up to date on current market issues and trends.
Identify local colleague volunteer opportunities including skills-based opportunities.
Manage and execute colleague volunteer programs including setting up activities, sourcing volunteers, and volunteer communications.
Develop and execute events, such as roundtables and press events to support signature initiatives including Champions in Action, Workforce Development month and Financial Empowerment month.
Support partner community events including managing invitations and RSVPs for colleague participation.
Work with department Coordinator to ensure event deliverables such as logos, ads, videos, and logistics including Citizens' branding and giveaway items are executed on time and successfully.
Partner with Sponsorships Team to activate corporate sponsorships to ensure the greatest public relations value including collaboration in identifying community partner participation in event activations.