Sr. Director, Corporate Communications (External)

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an enterprise-wide external communications strategy and narrative, ensuring alignment with brand, business priorities, member needs, and organizational values.
• Develop executive visibility and executive communications strategies that position First Tech leaders as trusted voices in financial services, technology, innovation, member experience, workplace culture, and community impact.
• Oversee the crisis and issues‑management communications framework, ensuring readiness, coordinated rapid response, and clear escalation pathways to protect trust and minimize risk.
• Lead member communications strategies supporting significant organizational changes, strategic initiatives, and business transformations. Ensure communications support transparency, trust, understanding, and positive member experiences.
• Own development of First Tech’s Annual Report and communications strategy and execution for the Annual Membership Meeting.
• Lead public relations and media relations, including proactive storytelling, relationship‑building with key journalists, media briefings, interview preparation, and ongoing press management.
• Own messaging, content creation, and editorial governance for press releases, statements, talking points, FAQs, op‑eds, and executive bylines, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and brand consistency.
• Lead integrated communications campaigns and public-facing event communications supporting product announcements, partnerships, community engagement, advocacy, and enterprise initiatives.
• Manage agency, vendor, and media‑monitoring partnerships, ensuring quality execution, cost efficiency, and alignment with enterprise standards.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing external communications team, fostering collaboration, accountability, innovation, and strategic capability.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, and/or related fields
• 6+ years’ experience leading a diverse team including hiring, coaching, and performance management
• Expert writing, editing, and storytelling; ability to translate complex topics for broad audiences
• Experience managing collaboration platforms and content operations
• Strong stakeholder management and executive partnering skills
• Program and project management discipline; budgeting and vendor oversight
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in field relevant to role (or 4 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree), advanced degree preferred.

Benefits

• Traditional medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous 401(k) match
• Paid Time Off: You'll accrue up to 15 days in your first year. In addition, you'll receive 40 hours of sick time and 3 personal days, which refresh annually
• Paid federal holidays
• Special employee pricing on lending products such as mortgage, auto, and personal loans (eligibility subject to standard account requirements and underwriting criteria)