Director, Corporate Communications

We do the right things right now. We do them in a way that is relevant to our clients. Become a part of our history as it continues to be written!

If you are interested and qualified for this role we invite you to apply.

The Director of Communications Brand & Public Relations leads the Banks enterprise communications public relations executive messaging and key associate engagement communication strategies. This role serves as a strategic advisor to executive leadership and partners closely with Human Resources Marketing Legal Compliance Retail Operations IT Facilities and business line leaders to ensure communications are clear consistent timely compliant and aligned with the Banks brand culture and strategic priorities. The position is responsible for setting strategy standards governance messaging direction and quality expectations. The role will matrix manage cross-functional teams and partners responsible for execution across communications events internal platforms multimedia content and associate engagement programs.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an enterprise communications strategy that supports the Banks strategic objectives reputation culture associate engagement client experience and brand awareness.
• Serve as a strategic communications advisor to executive leadership Human Resources Marketing Retail Legal Compliance Operations and other business partners.
• Lead executive communications strategy including messaging presentations talking points speeches scripts video messages leadership updates town halls and enterprise announcements.
• Oversee internal communications strategy including communication planning editorial standards message consistency governance and associate engagement communications.
• Support communication strategy content standards publishing cadence and governance for The Path the Banks internal communications platform.
• Support enterprise brand governance to ensure consistent application of the Banks brand voice visual identity templates signage branch materials client letters recruiting materials presentations event materials and other key touchpoints.
• Partner with Marketing to align communications and brand governance with campaigns advertising product marketing digital content social media and growth initiatives.
• Lead public relations and reputation management strategy including media relations press releases public statements external announcements media protocols and executive media preparation.
• Support the Banks crisis communications plan in partnership with executive leadership Legal Compliance Risk HR Operations IT Retail and Marketing.
• Provide communications strategy and brand oversight for major corporate events leadership forums client events community events internal meetings and recognition programs.
• Lead messaging branding presentation strategy scripts executive remarks and communication planning for Leaders Circle quarterly and annual events recognizing top performers.
• Partner with Human Resources and Marketing to strengthen the Banks recruiting brand and employer value proposition through job posting language career materials social content associate stories hiring event messaging and onboarding communications.
• Establish standards for client letters institutional notices branch communications signage presentations and other recurring communications to ensure materials are clear accurate compliant client-friendly and brand-aligned.
• Advance the Banks use of multimedia digital social media and AI-enabled communication capabilities including video graphics digital storytelling presentations content planning workflow efficiency and communication measurement.
• Establish expectations for responsible and compliant use of AI in communications including accuracy confidentiality data protection approval workflows and brand voice.
• Lead through influence and matrix management across Communications Marketing HR Legal Compliance Retail Operations IT Facilities executive leadership business lines agencies vendors and external partners.
• Clarify communication roles responsibilities approval paths and governance processes to improve consistency speed quality and accountability.
• Monitor communications PR brand social media AI and financial services trends to ensure the Banks approach remains current and effective.

Minimum Knowledge Skills and Abilities Needed to Perform Essential Functions of the Job

• 710 years of experience in corporate communications public relations marketing communications internal communications brand management or a related field.
• Bachelors degree in Communications Public Relations Journalism Marketing Business English or related field required.
• Demonstrated experience advising senior executives and developing enterprise communication strategies.
• Excellent writing editing storytelling presentation and message development skills.
• Strong understanding of executive communications internal communications public relations media relations crisis communications brand governance and change communications.
• Experience supporting associate engagement recognition programs culture communications recruiting brand or employer brand initiatives.
• Demonstrated understanding of multimedia communications including video digital content visual storytelling presentations social media and content planning.
• Working knowledge of social media strategy reputation management content governance and digital engagement.
• Ability to use AI-enabled tools responsibly to support communications planning drafting editing content development analysis and workflow efficiency.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives deadlines stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Proven ability to lead through influence and matrix manage cross-functional teams.
• Sound judgment discretion professionalism executive presence and ability to handle sensitive or confidential information.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively with executives HR Marketing Compliance Legal Retail Operations and business line leaders.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• Financial services banking regulated industry or public company experience are strongly preferred.

Level of Complexity and Scope

• Manages high visibility and sensitive communications including executive announcements crisis communications media relations major corporate events leadership forums and enterprise change initiatives requiring sound judgment and discretion.
• Works through influence in a matrixed environment establishing communication standards governance approval processes and best practices across multiple departments vendors platforms and stakeholder groups.

Degree of Independence and Decision-Making

• Operate with a high degree of independence in developing communications strategies messaging frameworks governance standards and execution plans that support enterprise priorities and leadership objectives.

Required Supervisory Responsibilities

• May have the responsibility to lead a team if established.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of deskwork.
• Frequent use of computer keyboard phone and office equipment.
• Occasionally lifting and carrying light objects typically up to 10-15 pounds.
• Occasionally reaching for items on shelves or in drawers.
• Clear and effective communication in person and over the phone.
• Ability to move within an office environment and travel to different locations as necessary.

Compliance Statement

The associate is responsible for meeting all compliance requirements imposed on First Financial Bank by State and Federal law and regulation as well as all related First Financial Bank policies and procedures. This includes all Bank Secrecy Act Anti-Money Laundering OFAC and Suspicious Activity reporting requirements as well as all other lending and deposit compliance requirements.

Development and Training

Pay Range

$107000- $142760/annually

Benefits

We have relevant thoughtful benefits and programs that support every aspect of our associates holistic wellbeing. Please review our Benefits Guide.

Incentive Eligibility

All roles are incentive eligible with the exception of Co-Op Intern or Student positions.

It is our policy to not discriminate against any individual in violation of federal state and local laws as it relates to age race color religion national origin sex marital status pregnancy gender identity disability sexual orientation genetic information veteran/military service or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are an E-Verify Employer.