VP, Senior Communications Manager

Division:             Marketing & Communications

Department:       Communications

Reports to:         Director of Communications

Status:                Exempt / Officer

Officer:                VP

Grade:                 11

Salary Range:    $66,699 - $141,734

Actual compensation within the pay range will be decided based on factors including, but not limited to, skills, prior relevant experience, and specific work location.

Location:            Hybrid - Springfield, MA or Hartford, CT

Purpose/Objective:  

The Senior Communications Manager is responsible for supporting public relations (PR), organic social media, crisis and employee communications with a special emphasis on PR and media relations to drive growth, advance the bank’s strategic priorities, strengthen the bank’s reputation, build the bank’s brand and enhance the client experience and bank’s workplace culture. The role collaborates cross-functionally to develop and deliver measurable results through comprehensive, data-driven, high-impact communications programs that support business areas, regions and the overall company.

Key Accountabilities:

• Lead and execute PR strategies and tactics across target markets to drive growth, advance corporate and regional strategic priorities, strengthen the bank’s reputation, build the bank’s brand awareness.
• Create persuasive content to support ongoing storytelling efforts through the production of consistent messaging and brand voice, including, but not limited to: news releases, talking points, FAQs, media pitches, reputation award submissions, memos, bylined articles, social media content and other content.
• Support management of both short- and long-term strategic planning for external communications channels, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Proactively develop and maintain strong working relationships with relevant media outlets (traditional media, trade media, etc.) including reporters, producers, assignment editors, editors, etc. to support editorial storytelling across channels.
• Serve as trusted communications partner to Regional Presidents, as well as other leaders and internal stakeholders, on messaging, PR and media relations and issues management, ensuring PR efforts align with business objectives.
• Execute a comprehensive reputation awards strategy to secure third-party validation and recognition for the leadership of the bank and its leaders.
• Leverage relationships and partnerships with external stakeholders (i.e. sponsorships, chambers, select clients and third-party vendors) to maximize positive reputational outcomes.
• Manage team workflows/project management, collaboration, timelines, and deliverables to ensure all projects are delivered on-time and within scope.
• Responsible for regular cadence of reporting and analysis on metrics associated with external communications efforts and strategic recommendations resulting from the data.
• Mentor and support junior team members, fostering professional development and enhancing team capability across PR, media engagement, and campaign execution.
• Coordinate special projects, meetings and assist with other duties as assigned.
• Ensures compliance with all banking laws, rules, regulations, and prescribed policies/practices/procedures necessary to reduce risk and uphold ethical standards related to and required by one’s duties.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism or communications or related field.
• Master’s degree in public relations, business administration, communications or related field is a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum 6-8 years of experience in public relations (in-house preferred), corporate communications or journalism.
• Experience in the financial services industry and/or as a member of a media outlet is a plus.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Exceptional capabilities in PR, reputation management and crisis communications with a special emphasis on media relations and proficiency in social media.
• Exceptional writing, editing, verbal communications skills with strong attention to detail and ability to find/draft stories to amplify a brand that are persuasive, engaging, and newsworthy. Demonstrated reportorial and news-first mindset is a plus.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with a proven ability to effectively engage external and internal stakeholders — as confident counseling senior leaders and partners as managing top-tier reporters.
• Resourceful, highly organized, proactive self-starter with solid judgment and an entrepreneurial spirit who thrives working independently and as part of a team.
• Capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously with ability to reprioritize and quickly change gears in a fast-paced environment to meet tight deadlines, while being comfortable with occasional ambiguity.
• Strategic thinker who is hands-on and willing to roll up their sleeves and do the work to support the broader Communications team as needed.
• Desire and flexibility to travel as needed across the bank’s markets.

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Berkshire Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer - all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website, need assistance completing the application process, or would like to request alternative methods of applying, please contact us at [email protected].