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Sunward · 1 month ago

Public Relations Manager

Albuquerque,NM,US

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

6+ years exp

Sunward is a Federal Credit Union focused on enhancing its reputation and visibility within the community. The Public Relations Manager will lead public relations efforts, develop communication strategies, and build relationships with media and community partners to support the organization's mission and growth.

BankingFinancial ServicesNon Profit

Comp. & Benefits

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive PR & External Communications strategy that elevates Sunward’s brand and positions the credit union as a trusted, forward-moving financial partner, ensuring day-to-day operational execution meets organizational standards

Identify earned media opportunities and create storylines that align with business priorities and community impact, monitoring quality and adherence to messaging standards

Partner with Marketing, Community Engagement, and Executive Leadership to ensure alignment of brand voice and messaging

Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and industry media outlets

Develop media pitches, press releases, media kits, and talking points to secure positive coverage, ensuring operational consistency and adherence to communication protocols

Support executive visibility and thought leadership through contributed articles, speaking opportunities, and industry recognition

Lead the submission process for local, regional, and industry awards, highlighting Sunward’s impact, innovation, and leadership

Partner with internal stakeholders to identify storylines, collect data, and develop compelling award entries, ensuring execution is accurate and timely

Cultivate partnerships with local organizations, nonprofits, and influencers to expand community impact and brand awareness

Oversee planning and promotion of community initiatives, events, and sponsorships in collaboration with cross-functional teams, ensuring operational workflows and deadlines are met

Coordinate with leadership on credit union league activities, advocacy efforts, and relationship-building with policymakers and community leaders

Support external communications related to legislative or regulatory initiatives when needed, applying practical judgment to maintain accuracy and alignment with policies

Serve as a key partner in reputation management and crisis response, preparing materials and statements as needed

Integrate social media strategy with broader external communications goals to tell cohesive, community-focused stories, monitoring execution and providing feedback to ensure alignment

Qualification

Public RelationsMedia RelationsCrisis ManagementExternal CommunicationsProject ManagementStrategic ThinkingMicrosoft OfficeInterpersonal CommunicationStorytellingWriting SkillsPresentation SkillsCollaborationAttention to DetailFlexibility

Required

6+ years of professional experience in public relations or communications, including hands-on experience in media relations, crisis management, and external communications

Demonstrated ability to manage day-to-day operational execution of PR initiatives while maintaining strategic alignment with organizational goals

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field

Skilled in building and maintaining relationships with internal stakeholders, media, and community partners

Capable of influencing outcomes without formal authority, promoting collaboration and alignment across departments

Applies strategic thinking to operational and programmatic initiatives, balancing immediate execution needs with long-term objectives

Strong creative problem-solving skills to address workflow, communication, and engagement challenges

Strong understanding of operational workflows, compliance standards, and communication protocols in a team-based environment

Knowledgeable in processes for media engagement, crisis response, and reputation management

Deep understanding of how to cultivate relationships with media, community organizations, and internal stakeholders to amplify organizational messaging and drive impact

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) to manage communications plans, reporting, and presentations

Exceptional writing, storytelling, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to craft messages that resonate with diverse audiences

Strong presentation skills and executive-level poise for interactions with senior leaders, media, and external partners

Strong project management skills, including the ability to plan, prioritize, and execute multiple initiatives simultaneously while meeting deadlines

Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in all deliverables

Demonstrates flexibility and composure under pressure, adjusting priorities as needed to respond to urgent issues, crises, or changes in operational requirements

Skilled at working collaboratively within a team environment, ensuring consistent execution of communications strategies

Primarily office-based, involving sedentary work with occasional walking, standing, or bending for meetings, events, or community engagement activities

Regular use of computers, phones, and other standard office equipment

Requires clear verbal and written communication with media and community stakeholders

Occasional travel to offsite events or media interviews, including moderate lifting of materials or supplies (up to 25 lbs)

Fast-paced and collaborative work environment with standard business hours Monday through Friday

Occasional evenings or weekends may be required to support events, community initiatives, or crisis communications

Interaction with internal stakeholders, community partners, media representatives, and the public

May involve managing high-pressure situations related to public relations, crisis communications, or sensitive organizational matters

Preferred

Experience in financial services, technology, or mission-driven organizations is preferred, providing familiarity with regulatory considerations, member-focused communications, and community engagement priorities

Company

Sunward

Sunward, formerly known as Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union (SLFCU), is one of New Mexico’s largest credit unions, serving 170,000+ members and managing more than $4.1 billion in assets.

Founded in 1948

Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

501-1000 employees