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Role Description

The Public Relations & Communications Director will develop and execute external communications strategies and programs to support C&F’s business objectives and coordinate efforts to raise awareness of C&F and its employees’ subject matter expertise. This role will proactively cultivate the role PR serves throughout the company and communicate a uniform view of the corporate culture, customers and employees to lead the development of strategic messaging and communications that resonate with targeted external audiences.

• Proactively develop and execute thoughtful PR strategies to raise the profile and enhance the image of C&F, its leadership and subject matter experts through traditional, non-traditional, and digital external channels.
• Execute the public relations/media relations strategy for C&F and its divisions.
• Stay current with corporate strategies and initiatives, and optimize messaging and content development.
• Serve as a trusted strategic communications advisor to business leadership by tracking key issues, analyzing potential media implications and developing key messages in coordination with business communicators and other relevant stakeholders.
• Monitor and analyze industry and competitive trends that impact the businesses.
• Recommend and implement action plans in conjunction with senior leadership during crises.
• Collaborate with other Marketing Communications team members to ensure cross-functional alignment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the AVP, Public Relations & Communications, and collaborate with the other Public Relations & Communications Director to design impactful communications programs that inform and raise awareness of C&F’s business lines, capabilities, and subject matter experts.
• Support media relations, including direct interface with reporters, arranging staff and member interviews, writing and distributing press releases, developing a contact database for trade and national media, identifying and pitching stories, and maintaining strong relationships with trade, business, non-traditional and top-tier media.
• Train appropriate spokespeople to ensure consistency of message for presentations and media engagement.
• Collaborate on content for the company’s website, intranet and social media channels, crafting consistent messaging and positioning, meeting C&F communications strategic goals.
• Collaborate with marketing counterparts to align communications strategy, and create and articulate clear, compelling narratives around visions, priorities, and business themes.
• Copy edit collateral to maintain consistent voice and brand representation.
• Develop subject matter expertise in the A&H and P&C industries, as well as the issues that impact our business, our customers and the competitive landscape.
• Analyze media and develop monthly, quarterly, and annual media activity reports, as needed.
• Develop and proactively maintain award opportunities – soliciting potential entrants and facilitating submissions, whenever appropriate, as well as coordinating honorees’ needs.
• Identify, track and report key metrics to help move the needle.
• Support and manage other organizational initiatives, as needed.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in communications, storytelling and corporate message development.
• Strong writing and copyediting skills and familiarity with AP style.
• Ability to synthesize and articulate complex concepts quickly to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to think strategically, plan and execute on multiple projects simultaneously, and problem solve.
• Demonstrable writing ability across multiple channels and for both internal and external audiences.
• Knowledge of social media and digital media platforms.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Experience working with individuals across organizational levels and disciplines.
• Confidentiality and business ethics; demonstrating outstanding judgment and discretion.
• Capable of working across complex, decentralized organizations.
• Strategic & analytical thinker.
• Team-oriented, detail-oriented and deadline driven.
• Ability to adopt new tools and technologies to improve processes and productivity.

Requirements

• 10+ years’ experience in PR and communications; roles in financial services and/or insurance a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in PR, Journalism, Marketing, Communications or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), experience with social media platforms and other digital media platforms.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package.
• Generous 401K employer match.
• Employee Stock Purchase plan with employer matching.
• Generous Paid Time Off.
• Excellent benefits that go beyond health, dental & vision, focused on your whole family’s wellness.
• Tuition reimbursement, industry-related certifications and professional training.
• A dynamic, ambitious, fun and exciting work environment.
• Encouragement of social and community responsibility through matching donation program and volunteer opportunities.