Corporate Communications Manager

Come Grow with Us and Join an Award-Winning Organization! Stearns Bank is looking for a Corporate Communications Manager. This is a remote-eligible position headquartered out of St. Cloud, Minnesota. JOB SUMMARY As the Corporate Communications Manager at Stearns Bank, you will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic communication initiatives to enhance the company's reputation, engage stakeholders, and promote a consistent brand image. You will play a vital role in shaping internal and external communication strategies that align with the company's values and objectives. Starting annual salary of $132,000.00. Employment offers will be dependent upon the selected candidate’s relevant qualifications and experience. RESPONSIBILITIES Internal Communications: Develop and execute internal communication strategies to foster employee engagement, alignment, and morale. Create compelling content for various internal channels, including newsletters, intranet, emails, and meetings, to keep employees informed about company updates, initiatives, and achievements. External Communications: Lead the development and implementation of external communication strategies to enhance Stearns Bank's reputation and visibility. Manage media relations, press releases, and spokesperson opportunities to effectively communicate key messages and milestones to external stakeholders, including customers, investors, partners, and the public. Public Relations: Cultivate relationships with media outlets, journalists, bloggers, and industry influencers to secure media coverage and thought leadership opportunities for Stearns Bank. Proactively identify and respond to media inquiries, manage press releases, and coordinate media interviews and events. Crisis Communication : Develop and maintain crisis communication protocols and procedures to effectively manage and mitigate potential reputational risks or issues. Serve as a spokesperson and liaison with internal and external stakeholders during crisis situations, ensuring transparent and timely communication. Content Creation: Create compelling and relevant content for various communication channels, including website, social media, blog posts, articles, whitepapers, case studies, and presentations. Ensure content aligns with brand messaging, tone, and style guidelines, while effectively engaging target audiences and driving desired outcomes. Brand Management and Awards submission: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between corporate communications and brand strategy. Uphold brand consistency and integrity across all communication touchpoints, both internally and externally, to reinforce Stearns Bank's positioning and values. Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with key stakeholders, including customers, investors, regulators, community organizations, and industry associations, to build and maintain positive relationships. Identify opportunities for collaboration, sponsorship, and participation in relevant events and initiatives to enhance brand visibility and reputation. Measurement and Analysis: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of corporate communication initiatives. Monitor and analyze data, feedback, and trends to assess performance, identify areas for improvement, and inform future strategies and tactics. 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 Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field; Master's degree preferred. Proven experience in corporate communications, public relations, or related roles within the financial services or fintech industry. Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to craft clear, concise, and persuasive messaging for diverse audiences. Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and negotiation skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence stakeholders at all levels. Strategic thinker with a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset, capable of driving initiatives from conception to execution. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities and deadlines with attention to detail and accuracy. Proficiency in communication tools, media monitoring platforms, and analytics software. ABOUT STEARNS BANK Stearns Bank is a leading financial institution specializing in providing innovative banking solutions in the fintech sector. Committed to excellence and customer satisfaction, Stearns Bank offers a dynamic and forward-thinking environment for professionals seeking to make a difference in the finance industry. WHY JOIN STEARNS BANK? Opportunity to play a key role in shaping the corporate communication strategy of a leading fintech institution. Collaborative and inclusive work culture that values creativity, innovation, and continuous learning. Competitive compensation package with comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional development and advancement. Make a meaningful impact by contributing to the reputation, growth, and success of Stearns Bank in the financial services industry. 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.