Public Relation Strategist

Public Relations Strategist

Empowered to live. Inspired to work. Compeer Financial is a member-owned cooperative located in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. We bring together team members with a variety of backgrounds and experiences to help provide financial services to support agriculture and rural communities. Join us in a culture that not only promotes meaningful work and professional development, but provides a flexible, hybrid work environment and excellent benefits, which empower you to thrive both personally and professionally.

Hybrid model – up to 50% work from home

Flexible schedules including ample flexibility in the summer months

Up to 9% towards 401k (3% fixed Compeer contribution plus up to 6% match)

Benefits: medical, dental, vision, HSA/FSA, life & AD&D insurance, short-term and long-term disability, wellness program & EAP

Vacation, sick leave, holidays/floating holidays, parental leave, and volunteer paid time off

Learning and development programs

Mentorship programs

Cross-functional committee opportunities (i.e. Inclusion Council, emerging professional groups, etc.)

Professional membership/certification reimbursement and more!

Casual/seasonal & intern team members are not eligible for benefits except for state-mandated programs.

This position offers a hybrid work option up to 50% remote and is based out of the Bloomington, IL office location.

This position is responsible for shaping public perception and enhancing the visibility of our organization. Develops and implements a comprehensive public relations (PR) strategy, analyzes media coverage to gauge public sentiment, and leads impactful PR campaigns. Partners with social media and paid media teams to manage a content calendar and produces various content, including press releases and editorial pieces. Additionally, builds and maintains strong relationships with journalists, influencers, and media outlets to secure favorable coverage and positions the organization as a leader in its field.

Public Relations Strategy and Management

Develops and manages a comprehensive PR plan that includes strategic planning, budget management, timeline coordination, media relations, content creation, event management, crisis communication, performance measurement, collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, continuous improvement, and compliance with relevant laws and ethical standards, ensuring every campaign contributes positively to Compeer's brand image and aligns with the overall objectives of the organization.

Design and spearhead PR and media relations campaigns that align with organizational objectives, resonate with target audiences, and bolster market presence.

Develops and implements effective issues preparedness and crisis communication strategies to protect and maintain the corporate brand and company reputation.

Collaborates in planning and maintaining the monthly social editorial calendar to drive brand awareness and consideration, developing and implementing strategies to increase community participation, and in close coordination with the social media and paid media teams, creates and manages a robust content calendar that supports PR objectives, ensuring consistency and impact across all communication channels.

Partners with the events team to develop a strategic public relations plan for both internal events and Compeer participation in external events.

Agency and Contractor Management

Identifies, evaluates, and selects agencies and contractors that align with organizational needs and objectives, negotiating favorable contracts and terms.

Builds and maintains strong relationships with agencies and contractors, ensuring clear communication and collaboration to achieve shared goals.

Oversees and assesses the performance of agencies and contractors, providing feedback and ensuring deliverables meet quality standards and timelines.

Ensures agency and contractor strategies and campaigns align with the organization's PR objectives and brand messaging.

Manages budgets related to agency and contractor services, tracking expenditures and ensuring cost-effective resource use.

Collects and analyzes performance data, providing regular reports…