Affordable Housing Brand Manager

Come Grow with Us and Join an Award-Winning Organization! Stearns Bank is looking for an Affordable Housing Brand Manager. This is a remote-eligible position headquartered out of St. Cloud, Minnesota. JOB SUMMARY Stearns Bank is seeking a dynamic and strategic Brand Manager to join our Affordable Housing Division. As the Brand Manager, you will be responsible for developing and executing brand strategies that effectively position Stearns Bank as a leader in the affordable housing finance sector. You will collaborate closely with internal teams to ensure alignment with business objectives and drive brand awareness, loyalty, and advocacy among target audiences. Starting annual salary of $117,000.00. Employment offers will be dependent upon the selected candidate’s relevant qualifications and experience. RESPONSIBILITIES Brand Strategy Development: Develop comprehensive brand strategies that support the business objectives of the Affordable Housing Division, aligning with the overall brand positioning of Stearns Bank. Brand Identity Management: Maintain and evolve the visual and verbal identity of the Affordable Housing Division, ensuring consistency across all communication channels and touchpoints. Campaign Management : Conceptualize, plan, and execute integrated marketing campaigns to promote Stearns Bank's affordable housing finance solutions, leveraging various channels including digital, social media, events, and traditional media. Content Creation: Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to create compelling content, including blog posts, articles, case studies, and multimedia assets, to engage target audiences and reinforce brand messaging. Market Research and Analysis: Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and challenges within the affordable housing finance sector, leveraging insights to inform brand strategies and tactics. Relationship Building: Cultivate strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, partners, industry associations, and media outlets, to enhance brand visibility and credibility within the affordable housing finance community. Performance Tracking: Monitor and analyze the performance of brand initiatives and campaigns, leveraging data-driven insights to optimize strategies and drive continuous improvement. Budget Management: Manage the brand budget effectively, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to maximize ROI and achieve business objectives. Cross-Functional Collaboration : Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Product Development, and Customer Experience, to ensure alignment of brand strategies with business goals and priorities. Brand Compliance: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and brand guidelines in all brand-related activities and communications. REQUIREMENTS Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. Ability to understand and follow instructions in English. Ability to sit for extended periods of time, twist, bend, sit, walk use hands to twist, handle or feel objects, tools or controls, such as computer mouse, computer keyboard, calculator, stapler, telephone, staple puller, etc., reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, kneel, talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or related field (Master's degree preferred). Proven experience (5+ years) in brand management, marketing, or related roles, preferably within the financial services or real estate industry. Strong understanding of brand strategy development, brand positioning, and brand identity management principles and best practices. Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, and analyze integrated marketing campaigns across multiple channels. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to create compelling content for diverse audiences. Strategic thinker with a data-driven mindset and strong analytical skills. Creative problem solver with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and manage multiple priorities effectively. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with marketing automation platforms and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, HubSpot) preferred. ABOUT STEARNS BANK Stearns Bank is a leading financial institution committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) within its workforce and the communities it serves. As a progressive and forward-thinking organization in the fintech sector, Stearns Bank values the contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds and is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel empowered to thrive and succeed. WHY JOIN STEARNS BANK? Opportunity to make a meaningful impact by contributing to the growth and success of Stearns Bank's Affordable Housing Division. Collaborative and supportive work environment that values diversity, inclusion, and teamwork. Competitive compensation package, including base salary, performance-based incentives, and comprehensive benefits. Professional development opportunities, including training programs and career advancement paths within Stearns Bank. Note: The above job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary to meet business needs. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER /AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PLAN We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, or creed, religion, sex, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, status with regard to public assistance, or any other class protected by Federal, State, local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.