Public Affairs Manager Rhode and Connecticut

Public Affairs Manager Rhode Island and Connecticut

Public Affairs Manager for Rhode Island and Connecticut, reporting to the New England Director of Public Affairs. This role establishes and executes philanthropic and community partnership strategies for the bank’s Rhode Island and Connecticut markets, using a data‑driven, portfolio management approach focused on workforce development and financial empowerment.

• Manage portfolio of charitable and community partners.
• Strategize and execute ongoing and new market‑based philanthropic partnerships and activities.
• Conduct market research to identify and understand community and business needs.
• Use data to make strategic, need‑based philanthropic recommendations.
• Perform site visits with partners to learn programming needs and deepen the partnership.
• Educate key stakeholders internally and externally on philanthropic strategy and focus areas.
• Steward prospective partners through the application process, ensuring data integrity and thorough examination of applications.
• Work with partners to ensure impact is achieved and develop new ways to achieve impact.
• Utilize grant management system to report on impact metrics and results in a timely manner.
• In partnership with Community Development Market Manager, execute key economic development initiatives with local charitable contributions for CRA credit.
• Oversee budget administration and market‑based memberships, including forecast analysis and financial reviews.
• Ensure adherence to corporate risk and compliance guidelines for favorable audit results.
• Ensure compliance with CFG giving guidelines and SOPs and all Citizens’ charitable giving committee policies.

• Represent the bank in the community, attending external events and volunteer activities.
• Consult with Community Engagement Team to position senior leaders strategically in local business, civic, and non‑profit communities including board placement.
• Partner with communications team to develop opportunities to share impact and tell the story of Citizens’ community partnerships through internal and external communication plans.
• Prepare event briefs for senior leaders participating in partner events.
• Collaborate with communications team to develop press releases, quotes, and approvals.
• Develop social media content to be shared by colleagues about Citizens’ community partnerships.
• Support civic affairs engagement, staying up to date on current market issues and trends.

• Identify local colleague volunteer opportunities, including skills‑based opportunities.
• Manage and execute colleague volunteer programs, including setting up activities, sourcing volunteers, and volunteer communications.

• Develop and execute events such as round tables and press events to support signature initiatives.
• Support partner community events, managing invitations and RSVPs for colleague participation.
• Work with the department coordinator to ensure event deliverables such as logos, ads, videos, and logistics are executed on time and successfully.
• Partner with Sponsor ships Team to activate corporate sponsor ships and identify community partner participation in event activations.

• Minimum 5–7 years of diverse charitable giving, grant making, and/or corporate communications/marketing experience.
• Experience developing strategic partnerships that drive brand favorability and consideration using metrics and measurement to assess impact.
• Exemplary writing, verbal, and problem‑solving skills; must anticipate issues and problem‑solve when issues arise.
• Strategic understanding of various initiatives and their impact on overall corporate objectives.
• Ability to execute against strategy and drive results; demonstrated creative/critical thinking.
• Budget management experience.
• Effective time management and organizational skills; solid work ethic.
• Ability to manage multiple, changing priorities.
• Ability to plan, implement, and manage all aspects of complex projects to successful completion.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience in banking/financial services is preferred.
• Computer skills:
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