Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications • Lead development and execution of an integrated communications strategy that aligns with organizational priorities and member growth goals. • Identify and prioritize high-impact communications opportunities using member insights, market trends, and performance data. • Define and maintain messaging frameworks that ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment across all channels and audiences. • Partner with marketing, product, and leadership teams to translate business objectives into compelling, member-centered communications. • Measure and optimize content performance, using insights to refine strategy and increase engagement and reach.
• Public Relations & Media Strategy • Lead earned media strategy in partnership with agency and internal stakeholders to increase visibility and brand authority. • Build and maintain strong relationships with media, journalists, influencers, and community partners. • Oversee development of press materials, media pitches, and executive messaging. • Identify and secure proactive media opportunities that highlight organizational priorities and thought leadership. • Prepare and coach executives and subject matter experts for media engagement and public appearances. • Monitor media coverage and sentiment, providing insights and recommendations to leadership.
• Crisis Communications & Reputation Management • Own and continuously enhance crisis communications strategy, plans, and protocols. • Lead real-time communications response during crisis or reputational risk situations. • Advise leadership on messaging strategy, risks, and communication timing. • Develop and facilitate crisis training and simulations for executives and key stakeholders. • Monitor emerging risks, issues, and public sentiment to proactively protect and strengthen member trust. • Ensure transparent, timely, and member-centered communication during high-impact situations.
• Content & Storytelling • Lead development of authentic, differentiated storytelling that highlights member impact, financial wellness, and community engagement. • Oversee enterprise content planning, including campaign narratives, editorial calendars, and cross-channel integration. • Guide creation of thought leadership content that elevates Affinity Plus’s brand, voice, and industry credibility. • Champion clear, inclusive, and accessible communication—particularly around complex financial topics. • Ensure all content reflects the credit union’s mission, values, and member-first approach. • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in communications, PR, or integrated marketing.
• Proven ability to lead communications strategy and PR efforts.
• Experience with media relations and pitching.
• Deep cross-functional knowledge of department's role and how it connects to operations, functions and services.
• Decision Making/Problem Solving/Advising • Demonstrated ability to independently solve complex problems by analyzing data, identifying root causes, evaluating alternative options, and implementing effective solutions. • Proven ability to analyze complex situations, recommend tailored solutions, and influence decision-making. • Ability to anticipate operational risks and recommend and/or implement changes to mitigate impact
• Collaboration/Building Relationships • Strong track record of establishing trusted partnerships across functions. • Collaborates within team and cross-functionally to achieve shared goals.
• Accountability • Ability to take accountability of responsibilities, commitments, and outcomes.
• Communication • Proven ability to communicate clearly, effectively, professionally; adapting communication style based on audience.
• Learning • Ability to take ownership of personal and professional growth; sets development goals, seeks stretch assignments, and applies new skills to enhance impact.
• Adaptability • Demonstrated adaptability and willingness to take on new responsibilities. • Demonstrated ability to show resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges or changes.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, PR, Journalism, or related field.

Benefits

• Total Rewards Affinity Plus offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package that goes beyond base pay. In partnership with the State of MN Employer Group, Affinity Plus provides low-cost medical, dental and vision insurance coverage options. Additionally, Affinity Plus frontloads all sick time hours and a portion of vacation hours for all new employees, offers a variety of paid leave options, a monthly wellness benefit, and immediate 401K matching up to 5%. Our Total Rewards philosophy is designed to support your well-being and growth while fostering a fair and inclusive workplace.