VP, Public Relations - Albany, NY


This enterprise wide role will establish and implement Public Relations (PR) strategies for Members United industry wide, nationally, and regionally in support of the corporate brand. Develop relationships with trade press and external organizations to promote the corporate PR strategy, complete projects of a sensitive or confidential nature, e.g., mergers, corporate network public relations projects. Direct the activities of the PR staff in support of these objectives.

Excellent performance will lead to positive relationships external to the Corporate. Information will be posted at the right time in order to create unambiguous and clear communication to our members. This role is responsible for seizing opportunities to advance the brand.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Establish and manage PR strategies
• Develop and enhance relationships with trade press and other external sources
• Create PR opportunities through sourcing stories, discussion with industry contacts, discussion with internal contacts and creating events
• Routine fielding of press inquiries
• Develop and edit the corporate annual report
• Interview experts and write articles incorporating the lexicon of credit unions and financial institutions
• Write speeches for key executives as needed
• Conduct special projects of a confidential or sensitive nature, i.e., mergers as needed
• Develop new and manage current corporate publications and magazines
• Manage and develop staff
• Develop corporate PR plans in support of the Corporate’s strategic and product plans
• Assist in development of regional marketing plans

Supervisor Responsibilities
Two direct reports; one currently on board, one to be hired in 2008

Travel
20%

Qualifications
• Financial institution background
• Experience working in a senior leader level position
• Ability to write using both technical and colloquial language
• Experience with all types of media and trade press
• Ability to deal comfortably with and relate to all people, up, down, and sideways, inside and outside the organization
• Experience working with confidential information and knowing when to release information
• Experience managing people both on site and in a satellite office; ability to construct compelling development opportunities for staff
• Ability to market the Corporate through non-paid means
• Ability to track and measure and report on PR results
• Credit Union experience a plus
• Experience with a small corporate credit union a plus

Education and Experience
Masters Degree or equivalent; or seven to ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience

Language and Mathematical Skills
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents; ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints; ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style; ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors

Reasoning Ability
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions

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