Senior Manager, External Communications

At Lendmark Financial Services, we believe the success of our company is specifically attributable to the quality of our employees and their commitment to our customers. We value each customer and understand that people want to do business with people who care. That’s one way we differ from our competitors. We are proud of what we as a team have accomplished. We will always strive for improvement, our motto since day one has been “Success is the only option.”

Lendmark Financial Services offers a comprehensive benefits package for employees and dependents that includes medical, dental, vision benefits, paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k), life insurance, long-term disability, tuition assistance and an employee assistance program. We also offer optional benefits such as critical care, auto, home and pet insurance as well as other ancillary insurance options.

NOTE: This position is not a remote position and will require work in the Lawrenceville GA office.

SUMMARY

The Senior Manager of External Communications is a strategic and dynamic leader responsible for developing and executing initiatives that foster meaningful brand awareness, public relations and community engagement with external and internal audiences. This role manages the company’s public relations, brand, special events and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, ensuring alignment with organizational values and business goals.

This individual will drive innovation in external outreach, philanthropy, and brand management while cultivating relationships with key stakeholders, including news media and social media outlets, influencers, community partners, and other Lendmark stakeholders. The role requires a strong balance of strategic vision with firsthand day-to-day execution, and a focused emphasis on measurable impact and storytelling as well as cross-functional alignment and collaboration.

• Lead planning and execution of major corporate events, including Lendmark’s annual leadership and recognition conferences, and grand openings as appropriate with branch operations strategies.

• Provide strategic oversight for hybrid, virtual, and in-person events, in alignment with company goals and objectives.

• Ensure company events reflect the company’s mission and community values and deliver high-impact and high-satisfaction experiences for attendees.

• Support the management of special events budgets through accurate and consistent tracking and reporting, and a strong alignment with event management and associated event vendor companies.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive external communications strategy across owned and earned media, including content development (press releases, blog articles, key message, talking points, etc.) and analysis for the news media, social media outlets, and corporate credibility content on the company’s website.

• Serve as a company spokesperson and coordinate media outreach, interviews and rapid response to ensure brand consistency and editorial alignment, and to maintain the highest standards of accuracy, quality and consistency across all channels.

• Manage crisis communications and reputation management initiatives to support and protect Lendmark’s brand with key constituents and to align and reflect the company’s mission and LEND values across all audiences.

• Lead news media monitoring (Cision + Notified GlobeNewswire) and analytics, including AI techniques, to track the media landscape, identify and distribute news media articles to senior leadership and develop a consistent cadence of reporting that provides actionable insights.

• Lead a comprehensive CSR strategy that aligns with company values and enhances brand reputation.

• Establish and manage KPIs to measure the effectiveness of community engagement and CSR initiatives, including budgetary and employee engagement outcomes.

• Lead internal and external engagement for the Climb to Cure annual campaign through volunteerism, philanthropy / fundraising, and strong community impact.to ensure campaign goals are met by, tracked and reported on to senior leadership.

• Serve as the primary liaison for national and regional community partnerships, including Chambers of Commerce and nonprofit organization, when appropriate.

• Lead planning and execution of brand management initiatives, including oversight and development of the brand style guide, company credibility materials, and directing the brand agency to support company programs as they evolve.

• Oversee branding programming, including cross-functional communication and support, maintaining and tracking brand touchpoints throughout the business.

• Proven leadership experience in public relations, crisis communication, social media community engagement, CSR, or related fields.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, nonprofit management, or related discipline

• 7+ years of relevant experience, including strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration, preferably with a blend at public, private and non-profit organizations.

• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to travel up to 20% for events and community initiatives.

• Strong project management skills and diligence.

• Passion for generating content across owned and earned media outlets.

• Strong skillset in community impact and social responsibility.

• Advanced degree

• Certification in nonprofit leadership, corporate philanthropy, or CSR strategy.

• Accredited in Public Relations

• Strong artificial intelligence knowledge and awareness of how to apply AI strategies across owned and earned media channels.

• The salary range for this position is competitive based on the job duties as well as the specific Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Experience of the selected candidate.

• This position is eligible for Semi Annual Incentive compensation based on individual and company performance guidelines.

• May supervise junior staff or interns as team expands.

If you are interested in a fast paced, high growth, team oriented and great culture environment, you'll enjoy a career with us!