ABOUT REDWOOD CREDIT UNION (RCU):

At Redwood Credit Union, our mission is to passionately serve the best interests of our Members and communities. Since 1950, we have been dedicated to supporting the financial well-being of our Members through better rates, low or no fees, and best-in-class customer service. Our purpose is to inspire hope and elevate the financial well-being of our communities one person at a time, through good times and bad.

As a not-for-profit financial institution, we are committed to a people-first approach, which is reflected not only in how we serve our Members, but also in how we treat our employees. Our leadership team is deeply focused on fostering a culture of heart and empathy, integrity, passion, inclusion, meaningful relationships, excellence, and ensuring financial well-being for all. 

Why work for Redwood Credit Union?

*         37th largest credit union in the U.S. and the largest financial institution based in the North Bay

*         Awarded a 5-Star Rating based on 6/30/24 financial data by Bauer Financial

*         Recognized by Newsweek as one of "America's Best Credit Unions 2024"

*         Recognized by Forbes as one of "America's Best Small Employers 2023"

*         Voted Best Places to Work in the North Bay 19 years in a row

*         World-class Employee Engagement scores

*         Rated Superior in Service by more than 90% of Members, surveyed by SF Gate

*         Industry leading Net Promoter Scores across the U.S.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Join us and discover why you'll love working at Redwood Credit Union! 

Redwood Credit Union is looking for a Senior Communications and PR Specialist who will be responsible for developing, researching, writing, proofreading, editing, and executing communications and public relations efforts to support the Redwood Group's strategic objectives and business needs. Serve as a lead writer for Member communications, public relations, key leadership and Officials' communications, and urgent/crisis communications. Support organization's social media initiatives, and provide communication support to the President & CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and volunteer Officials. Areas of responsibility may include a variety of communications activities, social media support, public and media relations tasks, or special projects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Communications & Writing

* Write Member communications, Senior Management and Officials' public communications, copywriting for Member letters and emails, web content, emails, videos, press releases, and other communications and materials. Develop, write, and edit a wide range of communication efforts including annual reports and speeches.

* Provide brand and quality control for department and organizational efforts by writing, proofreading and/or editing a wide variety of communication pieces.

* Recommend and implement improvements, innovation, and increased effectiveness to RCU's communications.

* Develop and assist with supporting organization's marketing promotions, materials, and efforts through effective communication.

* Stay current with Credit Union industry, financial and economic environments for emerging consumer and business trends to incorporate into communications and drive recommendations for key issues to be addressed/communicated to a variety of audiences.

* Assist with maintaining documentation of RCU's history.

* Participate in groups and committees to provide communication support as needed, including new product releases, new branches, or delivery channels, etc.

Public Relations

* Write press releases for The Redwood Group.

* Draft and gain approval of releases, and the timely distribution of news releases to the media.

* Maintain media database and contacts.

* Build relationships with local and trade media.

* Field requests from the media for interviews and make recommendations regarding best approach to response, coordinate interviews, research media questions and craft key messages/preparation documents.

* Coordinate and communicate media conferences working closely with Communications & PR Manager, Assistant Manager, and SVP/Product and Member Engagement.

* Provide back-up support to SVP, Communications & PR Manager, and Assistant Manager as spokesperson with media, as needed and authorized.

* Monitor, track, and report press coverage of The Redwood Group.

Social Media & Other Functions

* Review and approve scheduled social media content prepared by Social Media Specialist.

* Function as back-up to Social Media Specialist when necessary to create and schedule content.

* Take an active role in community events and contribute to local area non-profits via volunteerism, etc.

* Support Member and community events including the Annual Membership Meeting, Shred-A- Thon, Branch openings and other company events as needed.

* Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven knowledge and skills in writing and positioning of corporate communications and promotional efforts including CEO letters and speeches, complex corporate communications, annual reports, brochures, website, press releases, social media responses, crisis communications, etc.
• Proven skills in media relations, public relations strategies, techniques and practices, and media responsiveness.
• Knowledge of rules, regulations, principles, practices and writing techniques, including grammar and punctuation in the AP style.
• Demonstrated knowledge of using the applications within the Microsoft Office Suite, plus additional online tools, and resources.
• Video and photo editing skills a plus.
• Proven knowledge and experience in social media including techniques for content creation and management, creating engaging content, knowledge of techniques and strategies for building social media following and more.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize and successfully manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
• Demonstrated abilities in complex project management.
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to ensure brand and quality control.
• Ability to analyze situations and recommend solutions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse group of people.
• Ability to work under pressure and to communicate effectively in crisis situations while meeting urgent deadlines.
• Ability to work a schedule which includes Saturdays.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, bend, stoop, sit, walk, twist, and turn.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to use a computer keyboard and calculator.
• Work environment is indoors, majority of the time is spent sitting at a desk.

The ideal candidate has a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Public Relations, or closely related field with a minimum of five years of specific job-related experience including writing, proofreading, and editing.

Compensation: Base starting range: $41.00 to $54.00 per hour commensurate with experience.

Our base salary starting range is based on scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal peer equity. We offer a competitive total rewards package including a wide range of medical, dental, vision, financial, and other benefits.

Redwood Credit Union offers a robust benefits package to our eligible employees including:

*  Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance, mental health offerings

*  Employee performance incentive plan

* Salary Advancement- Merit increase based on performance

* 401(k) program with employer match

* Time Off- Competitive PTO accrual plus 11 paid company holidays and your birthday off!

 RCU Discounts and Perks:

*  RCU employees are eligible for a .75% discount off RCU standard collateral auto loans

*  RCU employees are eligible for a 1% discount on all recreational or boat loan products

* 2% discount off Visas and LOC Loans through RCU

* 0% interest loan to support employees with various immigration related expenses such as visa application fees and relocation costs. Loan amount up to $1,000.

* 0% interest loan to support employees with expenses associated with the naturalization process. Loan amount up to $15,000.

* 0% interest on garment, fitness, or home office equipment loan of up to $500

* 100% financing for employee purchased homes!

Internal Team Members

If you are a current Team Member, please apply through the internal careers page located in RCUNET.

                                         We are an Equal Opportunity Employer