Community Relations & Education Specialist

At Gesa, we believe in the power of our people. Coming from all walks of life, our team members’ individual stories and unique experiences are our most valuable asset. But it’s how we come together, igniting our collective compassion and commitment to empowering our communities, that makes us succeed. Because we know we go further when we go together.

Here you can join a team who is passionate about serving others, has a desire to do good, and shares a deep love of people. You can engage in meaningful work that impacts your community. You can challenge yourself and grow in your career. And, you can rest assured that your wellbeing and prosperity are our priority.

Get to know us:  About - Gesa Credit Union

The Community Relations & Education Specialist will project a favorable image of the credit union to its external and internal audience and encourage growth of the credit union through the development and cultivation of community partnerships. Assist in the growth of niche Community Impact projects and initiatives including the credit union’s community giving programs, sponsorships, high school credit unions, and financial education programs. Coordinate external public relations activities for the credit union.

1. Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders to effectively support and execute Community Relations and Marketing outreach initiatives and campaigns with the goal of providing business lead referrals for retail sales, investment services, mortgage lending, commercial services, and commercial lending
2. Responsible for overseeing a minimum of two markets, based on complexity and demand
3. Develop comprehensive Community Relations outreach plans and provide recommendations to the annual outreach calendar with the goal of increasing participation and awareness of outreach programs, charitable giving efforts, general credit union products and services, and lead referrals
4. Support operations of high school credit union branches within assigned markets. Including training and supervising student employees and high school branch staff. Ensure student workers are knowledgeable and capable of performing required duties and school partners’ expectations are being exceeded
5. Support the credit union’s financial education initiatives through the facilitation and development of new financial education offerings based on member-centered feedback
6. Represent the credit union at business development events including those held by Chambers of Commerce, trade organizations, economic development organizations, school districts, and other community partners as appropriate
7. With supervision, coordinate the creation, planning, implementation, and production of external events within established guidelines, including project timelines, tracking, vendor relationships, budgets, event logistics, and volunteer management
8. Oversee outreach events and campaigns to ensure they are within scope, schedule, and budget. Produce, maintain, and report statistics to reflect partnership effectiveness to leadership, internal stakeholders and/or external partners
9. Respond to community giving and sponsorship requests by evaluating for appropriateness and adherence to credit union giving requirements
10. Support, develop, implement, and manage various internal activities and communications to increase team member participation in community giving activities, business development, and networking opportunities
11. Promote the credit union difference as a not-for-profit financial cooperative through community-facing work and internal collaboration with credit union team members. Assist with the growth, planning, and development of actionable plans to expand the credit union’s outreach into identified markets
12. Track and measure the return on investment of events and campaigns, using data and research to analyze performance to determine if goals are achieved. Use data to drive demand, adoption, and make recommendations to leadership
13. Ensure credit union brand and messaging are within approved standards and consistent throughout all community events
14. Responsible for ideation and creation of compelling and engaging content including website copy, digital posts, social media content, and product/service descriptions as approved. Add value by actively engaging members and maintaining a cohesive brand voice
15. Display leadership values which include mutual respect, trust and dignity, acting in the best interest of the credit union. Lead by example by displaying solid ethics and integrity at all times. Perform duties in a safe and sound manner
16. Consistently display successful communication and listening skills with team members, community partners, members, supervisors, vendors, and leadership
17. Consistently display respect for all areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion
18. Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of credit union products and services
19. Attend credit union training sessions, conferences, or seminars as approved by supervisor
20. Maintain all sensitive data with the highest standard of confidentiality and professionalism
21. Control risk in all areas of assigned responsibility through awareness of policies and regulations while operating in a safe and sound manner
22. Adhere to all laws, regulations, and Credit Union policies and procedures

1. Ability to effectively and professionally communicate ideas and information, both orally and in writing. 
2. Excellent interpersonal, listening, and customer service skills
3. Initiate and manage workflows, establish strong relationships with a diverse group of partners, and negotiate with vendors and stakeholders on projects to be completed
4. Strong self-starter and organizational skills with the ability to build/set schedules, create and manage budgets, create and suggest marketing plans, and adhere to deadlines
5. Work cohesively and successfully in a team environment
6. Ability to work effectively both collaboratively and independently with moderate supervision
7. Ability to work in a fast-paced, continuously changing, and sometimes ambiguous work environment

1. A minimum of two (2) years of similar or related experience in a financial institution, community development, or community relations/events position
2. Four (4) year college degree with an emphasis in Communications, Business Administration, Marketing, Management, or related field preferred
3. Experience creating presentations, utilizing presentation equipment, and maintaining tact and diplomacy when communicating
4. Proficiency with standard office equipment and computer software programs such as Microsoft Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, and Project) utilized in required duties
5. Travel is required to complete credit union training, attend meetings and events, and to fulfill job duties and responsibilities
6. Ability to operate a motor vehicle and maintain an active driver’s license

In exchange for bringing your talent to Gesa, here are a just a few of the benefits and perks we offer:

• Competitive Pay
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 20 days/year of Paid Time Off – Plus 10 Paid Holidays!
• 401(k) Match
• Incentive Program
• Tuition Assistance and Student Loan Repayment
• Commuter Benefits
• Paid Time Off to Volunteer in the Community
• Product discounts
• Engaging Work Environment
• Rewards and Recognition Programs

$25.70-$42.83

*While our full pay range is listed, most new team members typically start between the minimum and midpoint based on their experience and qualifications.  This approach gives room to grow within the role as your career progresses with us!"

Get wise to what’s possible with a career at Gesa. Join us!

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact the HR Department at (509) 378-3100 or [email protected] to request an accommodation.

Gesa Credit Union reserves the right to revise or change the job description as the need arises. This job description is not all inclusive of total job responsibilities nor does it constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Selected candidate(s) must be able to pass a pre-employment credit/background check.

Gesa Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strong advocate of workforce diversity. Race/Color/Gender/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Equal Employment Opportunity (gesa.com)