Communications Manager

Bremer Bank is seeking a Communications Manager who is responsible for planning and executing external communication and public relations strategies to support business objectives and enhance the company’s profile and reputation.

Duties will include:

• Implement the organization's public and media relations strategy to protect and enhance the organization's reputation with the public, the media, employees and other key stakeholders. 
• Serve as a primary writer, editor and publisher of external communications. 
• Develops proactive media relations strategies and responds to media inquiries; Pitch story ideas and prepare staff for media interviews and speaking engagements, providing research, key messages and media training as needed. 
• Research, write and submit press releases to promote company news and announcements. 
• Consult with subject matter experts and interpret and position company strategies and business decisions to ensure audience understanding and engagement. 
• Draft clear and compelling key message, talking points and Q & As to support company changes and announcements, in partnership with the internal communications team. 
• Evaluate message content and target audience and suggest appropriate delivery channels. 
• Follow evolving industry trends and issues and proactively prepare communication plans to ensure communication readiness in the event of critical incidents. 
• Monitor ongoing reputation risk factors and maintain the company’s crisis communication plan; Develop new crisis communications strategies to address unacceptable risk levels. 
• Review and approve speeches, articles, public statements and other external communications to ensure they are accurate and consistent with the organization's public relations and business strategy. 
• Respond to complex or escalated inquiries from the public or media to ensure all communicates are accurate and appropriate 
• Provide communications counsel and support to senior leaders, including the development of briefs, talking points, presentations, memos, financial updates and speeches, in collaboration with the executive team and the internal communications team.
• Liaise with managers to develop and implement public relations programs appropriate for their business needs and consistent with the organization's overall strategy. 
• Coach leaders to improve their interactions with the public and media. 
• Coordinate and complete external award submissions and recognition surveys on behalf of the organization and company leaders. 
• Measure effectiveness of external communications activities and recommend improvements where appropriate.

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing or related field; Masters preferred.
• 10 years of professional communications and public relations experience required. 
• Superior written and verbal communication skills. 
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills required. 
• Proven expertise in strategic communications and public and media relations. 
• Strong attention to detail is required to ensure all communications are accurate, well-written and audience-appropriate.