PR & Communications Specialist

OUR LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY
At Lighthouse Credit Union, we believe all individuals, regardless of position level, are considered leaders. By providing a framework that balances clarity with adaptability, our Leadership Competencies aim to foster a culture of continuous growth and agile leadership. Lighthouse Credit Union is committed to embracing change, nurturing leadership talent, and ensuring our performance management practices are aligned with our vision of fostering a resilient and forward-thinking organization. As such, we all hold ourselves accountable to the following:

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

Demonstrates Interpersonal Awareness & Skills
A cornerstone of our collaborative work environment, this competency emphasizes effective communication, relationship building and teamwork. It also supports creating a positive work environment that values individual contributions and fosters teamwork. As an individual leader, you will guide your team in effective communication strategies, foster strong interdepartmental relationships and model collaboration.

Embraces Change & Learning
This competency focuses on adaptability, personal development and the advocacy and embracing of progressive change. You will be challenged to explore continuous learning opportunities to achieve excellence and foster a culture of growth and innovation. As an individual leader, you will build buy-in for change among team members, support their development and effectively manage team dynamics to achieve business results. You will also champion the benefits of change and encourage innovation and the generation of new ideas.

Utilizes Critical & Creative Thinking
Underlining the importance of innovative problem solving, challenging the status quo and strategic thinking, this competency is vital for driving excellence and leadership. This competency challenges to take initiative beyond one's immediate responsibilities. As an individual leader, you will effectively problem-solve through creative methods, lead changes with optimism and motivate the team by setting clear expectations and recognizing performance.

Takes Personal Ownership
This competency focuses on taking responsibility for performance goals, proactive collaboration and accountability. It highlights the significance of each team member taking ownership of their role and contributions while demonstrating leadership qualities regardless of their position. As an individual leader, you will build and maintain collaborative relationships across the organization, seek constructive feedback and ideas for improvement and hold the team accountable for business impact while supporting their development.

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. Serving as a key contributor to organizational storytelling, the Specialist builds meaningful connections with members, community partners, and media audiences through clear, engaging, and audience-focused communications. The position also supports and staffs internal and external events, including trade shows, community fundraisers, and chamber initiatives, while managing multiple projects, adapting messaging for diverse audiences, and contributing creative ideas that align with business objectives and strengthen community relationships.

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.
* Assists in developing responses and communications related to online reviews, social media engagement, community initiatives and reputation management efforts.
* Assists with media outreach and help maintain relationships with media contacts.
* Coordinates media requests and support interview preparation and logistics.
* Ensures all external messaging aligns with brand standards and organizational voice.
* Monitors 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.
* Assists with 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.
* Assist with community relations efforts, sponsorship activities, volunteer initiatives and events.
* Coordinate review and approval process with internal and external stakeholders.
* Ability to communicate effectively via both verbal and written communication.
* Action-oriented, energetic and welcomes challenges. Able to be a self-starter in an entrepreneurial-like environment.
* 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.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Excellent interpersonal skills. Someone who is comfortable being out in the community, picking up the phone, and being in a public networking setting.
* Enthusiastic, open-minded, adaptable, creative, and passionate about community involvement and relationship nurturing. A significant level of trust and diplomacy is required, in addition to normal courtesy and tact.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.
* Familiarity with financial services marketing is a plus but not required.
* Demonstrates curiosity and adaptability in leveraging emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to enhance communication effectiveness, streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and support content development while maintaining sound judgment, accuracy, and brand standards.

WORK ARRANGEMENT:
The working arrangement for this position is hybrid, with 3 days in the office. Hybrid work is an opportunity to find the right balance between working in the office and remotely, especially if it supports individual success and the needs of our organization. This position also supports events which may occur on nights and weekends and/or require travel throughout the New England footprint as needed.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Travel will be required for events (nights/weekends as needed), ongoing training, meetings and/or other business needs. Many events will take place in NH, ME and MA so this position will require the ability to be able to drive to these locations.

We know life doesn't pause when you're at work - and your benefits shouldn't either. At Lighthouse Credit Union, we offer real support for real life, with perks that help you stay healthy, grow your future, and take care of what matters most.

* Student Loan & Tuition Assistance - Whether you're paying off debt or going back to school, we help lighten the load.

* Employee Loan Discounts - Get access to lower rates on personal loans, just for being part of the team.

* Weekly Paychecks - Because waiting two weeks shouldn't be the norm.

* 401(k) with Employer Match & Profit Sharing - We invest in your future with generous contributions and immediate vesting.

* Lighthouse Leave Program - Paid time off for major life moments, from welcoming a child to caring for a loved one.

* Volunteer Time Off (VTO) - Give back to your community with paid time to serve.

* PTO + Paid Federal Holidays - Rest, recharge, and celebrate without worry.

* Balanced Schedule - All branches close by 5pm and on Sundays - no late nights or unpredictable shifts.

* Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Plans - Coverage that starts quickly and fits your needs.

* HSA/FSA Options - Save pre-tax dollars for everyday health expenses.

* Discounted Pet Insurance - Because furry family members deserve care too.

* Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free, confidential support for life's challenges - available 24/7.

* Annual Bonus Program - Celebrate your wins, your teammates' successes, and the Credit Union's growth - together.

* Engagement Groups - Join communities like Pride at Work, Women in Leadership, Book Club, and more.

* Ongoing Training & Career Growth - We invest in your development from day one.

* Annual Summit & Team Outings - Celebrate wins and connect with coworkers across the organization.

LIGHTHOUSE CREDIT UNION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER