Community Relations Specialist I

Responsible for executing community relations events and sponsorship in support of the bank's business goals. Establishes and maintains positive relationships between the bank and the communities within our footprint by creating connections and building brand awareness. This role requires excellent communication skills, a strong understanding of community dynamics, and the ability to develop strategies to engage and build trust with various stakeholders.

Location: 601 W 1st Spokane, WA 99201

Essential Functions

• Implement strategic community outreach programs and initiatives to enhance the bank's reputation and community engagement.
• Manages community relations projects in Workfront including sponsorships, donations, and events.
• Identify key stakeholders, such as community leaders, organizations, and influencers, and build relationships with them to foster positive partnerships.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to create and execute community-related content and campaigns.
• Organize and participate in community events, fundraisers, and volunteer activities to build brand awareness.
• Serve as a point of contact for community members, addressing inquiries, concerns, and feedback promptly and professionally.
• Conduct research and stay updated on local community trends, needs, and issues that may impact the organization's reputation or operations.
• Maintain a database of community contacts, partnerships, and collaborations.
• Coordinate and oversee the organization's participation in community sponsorships, donations, and partnerships.
• Prepare reports documenting community relations activities and their impact on the bank.
• Assist with the bank's client entertainment activities including filling tables and distributing tickets.
• Assists as needed, with material distribution for events or activities.
• Assists in tracking expenses against budgets.
• Assists in tracking volunteer commitments and event attendance.

Legal and compliance

• Assists with vendor management to ensure all community support and sponsorship vendor profiles are complete and accurate.
• Works with internal legal partners to ensure sponsorship and legal documentation is properly in place.
• Ensures all marketing assets are provided and compliant for sponsorships and events.
• Keeps current on compliance regulations as they apply to advertising, marketing, and communications.

General

• Maintains records and generates reports utilizing various programs and software.
• Multi-tasks, sets priorities, and maintains composure and professionalism while shifting responsibilities and making sound independent decisions.
• Handles urgent and confidential matters, exercising maturity, discretion, and trust to ensure resolution of problems in a timely, efficient manner.
• Ensures all communications are influential, accurate, useful, and reader friendly.
• Performs compliance and risk management duties as required or assigned.
• Regular, reliable attendance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communication, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience in events management and/or public relations.
• Professional, strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively communicate with project team, multiple areas, departments, and outside vendors. Incorporates effective listening and collaboration skills.
• Ability to identify, prioritize, monitor, communicate, and resolve elements that can impact a project.
• Understanding of creative people, projects, and deliverables.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to multitask, and detail oriented.
• Knowledge of best practices in grammar, messaging, writing, and style with proven editorial skills and an outstanding command of the English language.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat products.
• Ability to work in deadline-driven environment and handle multiple priorities at the same time.
• Strong project management skills.

Compensation: $21.64 - $32.46 per hour

The compensation range represents the low and high end of the base compensation range for this position located in Spokane, Washington. Actual compensation will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance.

What Our Culture Can Offer You:

Our benefit philosophy is to provide you with a comprehensive package to secure your overall wellness and help you become and remain a fulfilled and productive employee. Our benefits include Health, Financial, Retirement and Work/Life Benefits. We are proud to share an overview of our benefits HERE as part of your total compensation.

Washington Trust Bank celebrates diversity in the workplace and actively recruits talent to help reflect the unique communities where we live and work. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information and any other protected characteristics outline by state, federal and local laws. We believe strength comes from the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our team, and we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.