Communications Specialist

Division: Marketing and Communications

Department: Communications

Reports to: Director of Communications

Status: Non - Exempt

Grade: 8

Salary Range: $21.55 - $36.63

Actual compensation within the pay range will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to, skills, prior relevant experience, and specific work location.

Location: Glastonbury, CT

Purpose/Objective:

The Communications Specialist provides content development, project coordination and operational support for the Communications Team across its areas of responsibility, which include public relations, social media and employee communications. The role researches, interviews, writes and produces content while coordinating reporting, calendars, departmental processes, documentation and logistics. Through this combination of communications and administrative responsibilities, the Specialist helps the team operate effectively and deliver timely, accurate communications aligned with organizational priorities.

Key Accountabilities:

• Plan, create and distribute written and visual content for a variety of communications mediums and audiences that are clear, consistent and strategically aligned:

• Through effective, probing questioning and active listening, identify the most relevant information audiences need to understand the impact of an issue, event or development, including placing information in the appropriate context and understanding different audience perspectives and needs.

• Draft and execute clear, high-quality PR, social media and employee communications content to increase brand awareness/affinity, improve reputation and inform/engage employees.

• Support select internal clients for communications needs as directed (i.e. Community Relations, regional leadership, Lines of Business, HR, IT, etc.).

• Support development and administration of Communications Team Editorial Calendars.

• Capture and produce high-quality visuals (photo and video).

• Proofreads copy for accuracy and style.

• Additional social media support:

• Create branded graphics, edit and re-size photos.

• Monitor the bank's social media platforms with timely elevation and logging of negative issues/complaints and other interactions with stakeholders.

• Complete social media risk assessments and ensure a superior level of customer service. Stay up to date on social media trends/competitor strategies, respond to changes relevant to the bank's communications strategies.

• Departmental administrative and logistical support:

• Coordinate tracking of all communications department metrics and key performance indicators to help prioritize resources, evaluate performance, inform strategies and mitigate risks. Produce and maintain communications reports and dashboards.

• Manage departmental operational processes, including content libraries, risk/compliance controls, testing, vendor management, invoice and third-party management to maximize effectiveness and efficiencies as well as ensure alignment with corporate strategic objectives.

• Maintain database of media contacts.

• Maintain department procedures.

• Coordinate special projects, meetings and assist with other duties as assigned.

Occasional travel throughout footprint is required.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications with concentration in Public Relations preferred, or Digital Media with concentration in multimedia journalism preferred

Experience:

• 1-3 years of professional communications experience; emphasis on public relations or journalism preferred
• Internship/s; emphasis on public relations or journalism preferred

Skills & Knowledge:

• Highly organized, professional, proactive self-starter and fast learner who strives for continuous improvement
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment, adept at adapting to daily changes in priorities and deliverables, as well as project and deadline management
• Strong written communication skills, including researching, interviewing, writing, editing and proofreading content with accuracy, attention to detail and adherence to brand voice and Associated Press Style standards
• Adept at basic planning and execution of written and visual communications related to public relations, employee communications and social media
• Understands earned media and what makes a story newsworthy internally or externally
• Keen attention to detail in collecting information, writing, editing, proofreading and project management
• Ability to lead meetings and provide recommendations to internal clients
• Understands or can quickly learn the basics of banking while striving for higher level of understanding
• Ability to leverage research and analysis to inform planning and analyze outcomes
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Strong interpersonal skills and confidence engaging with employees and leaders across the organization
• General knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint and Clip Champ, as well as photography, graphics production, video & sound production
• Knowledge of social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X), Adobe Creative Suite (PhotoShop, InDesign), CisionOne, Spout Social or social media management platform/s, and email newsletter production preferred

Beacon Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer - all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website, need assistance completing the application process, or would like to request alternative methods of applying, please contact us at hr@berkshirebank.com.