PR & Communications Specialist

Brief Description

Lighthouse Credit Union believes all individuals, regardless of position level, are considered leaders. Our leadership competencies aim to foster a culture of continuous growth and agile leadership, aligned with our vision of fostering a resilient and forward-thinking organization.

Position Summary

The Public Relations & Communications Specialist supports the execution of strategic communications initiatives that strengthen and elevate the credit union's brand, reputation, and member experience. This role contributes to communication efforts across multiple channels, including public relations, community outreach, events, sponsorships, social media, and member-facing content, while helping ensure consistent messaging and a cohesive brand voice.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Understands the media landscape and has a pulse on cultural moments.
• Produces high-quality content in the form of press releases, pitches, speaking opportunity abstracts, award submissions, social media copy, blogs, etc.
• Aids in developing responses and communications related to online reviews, social media engagement, community initiatives, and reputation management efforts.
• Aids with media outreach and helps maintain relationships with media contacts.
• Coordinates media requests and supports interview preparation and logistics.
• Ensures all external messaging aligns with brand standards and organizational voice.
• Maintains media coverage and tracks earned media opportunities.
• Conducts reliable and accurate media research (editorial calendars, speaking opportunities, media/analyst list development) and provides teams with industry-relevant news and research.
• Supports organic social media strategy and initiatives as needed.
• Identifies community outreach opportunities and sponsorships.
• Aids in planning and executing external and internal events.
• Attends, organizes, or works at company or community events as required, including occasional nights or weekends.
• Actively participates in team meetings, offering creative ideas/solutions.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

• Write and edit content for newsletters, blogs, press releases, member communications, and marketing materials.
• Identify and develop stories that highlight community impact and organizational initiatives.
• Proven ability in written and visual storytelling to bring a brand to life and drive engagement.
• Strong understanding of audience segmentation and targeting to reach key demographics and drive results.
• Aid with community relations efforts, sponsorship activities, volunteer initiatives, and events.
• Coordinate review and approval process with internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively via both verbal and written communication.
• Action-oriented, energetic, and welcomes challenges.
• Deals with concepts and complexity comfortably; capable and agile.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in fast-paced environment.
• Self-starter who takes initiative to proactively own and drive efforts.
• Results-oriented, with the ability to deliver results that impact business performance.
• Superior organizational, problem-solving, project, and time management skills.
• Maintain communication assets, templates, and content libraries.
• Ability to effectively prioritize, manage change, and meet deadlines while delivering high quality work and communicate effectively.
• Ability to successfully navigate a highly complex, matrixed, and collaborative business environment.

Education, Training & Experience

• BS or BA in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or related field.
• 3 – 5 years of experience at an agency or in-house.

Back Office Benefits That Work for You

• Student Loan & Tuition Assistance
• Employee Loan Discounts
• Weekly Paychecks
• 401(k) with Employer Match & Profit Sharing
• Lighthouse Leave Program
• Paid Time Off for Major Life Moments
• Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
• PTO + Paid Federal Holidays
• Balanced Schedule
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Plans
• HSA/FSA Options
• Discounted Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Annual Bonus Program
• Engagement Groups
• Ongoing Training & Career Growth
• Annual Summit & Team Outings