Director, Public Relations

Northwest Bank - Director, Public Relations

Columbus, OhioThe Director of Public Relations at Northwest Bank is a pivotal leadership position that is essential in shaping public perception, managing corporate reputation, and driving stakeholder engagement in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving banking landscape. This role will architect Northwest Bank's external communications strategy, responsible for crafting narratives that resonate with a diverse audience base - from individual account holders to large commercial clients, from local communities to regional and national media outlets.Additionally, the role will be crucial in translating our financial solutions, services, expertise, and performance into compelling stories that highlight our value proposition and reinforce our position as a trusted financial partner. The Director of Public Relations will work closely with the executive team, including the CEO, CFO, and other C-suite leaders, to ensure that public messaging aligns seamlessly with business objectives, risk management strategies, and regulatory compliance requirements.You'll be tasked with navigating the delicate balance between transparency and discretion, particularly when communicating sensitive financial information or addressing industry challenges. As Northwest continues to expand their digital banking offerings and adapt to changing customer preferences, this role will lead the charge in evolving communication strategies. This includes leveraging new media platforms, managing online reputation, and developing innovative ways to engage with younger, tech-savvy customers while maintaining the connection with the established client base.Furthermore, as Northwest Bank continues to grow through potential mergers, acquisitions, or market expansions, the role will be instrumental in managing the public relations aspects of these corporate developments through crafting narratives that build excitement among stakeholders, address concerns, and smooth the transition process. The Director of Public Relations role will not only be the voice of Northwest Bank but also a key strategist in shaping its future.Essential Functions

Develop and implement comprehensive external communications plans that align with Northwest Bank's business objectives, regulatory requirements, and community engagement initiatives.Create and deploy tactical media and public relations strategies to support new product launches, market expansions, and corporate social responsibility programs.Design and execute thought leadership programs that position Northwest Bank's executives as industry experts in areas such as financial technology, sustainable banking, and community development; collaborate with Marketing Department colleagues to develop and leverage a broad-based content marketing strategy and plan.Cultivate and maintain relationships with key media contacts in news outlets, local press, and industry publications.Proactively identify opportunities for positive media coverage of Northwest Bank's initiatives, financial performance, and community impact.Manage media inquiries related to banking regulations, market trends, and Northwest Bank's financial solutions and services.Prepare executives for media interviews, including developing talking points and conducting mock interviews.Oversee Northwest Bank's reputation management strategy, particularly in relation to customer satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance.Along with Northwest's Business Continuity team, develop and maintain a robust crisis communication plan, addressing potential scenarios such as data breaches, regulatory issues, or economic downturns.Coordinate with legal, compliance, and risk management teams to ensure all external communications adhere to banking regulations and industry standards.Collaborate with the internal Communications department to ensure consistent messaging across all stakeholders.

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