Corporate Communications Specialist (PT - 30 hours/week)

Requirements:
The Opportunity
The Corporate Communications Specialist - Temp creates and maintains proactive, strategic, integrated communications, both internal and external, to build awareness, drive engagement and strengthen Velera's corporate brand. As part of Velera's Corporate Communications team within the company's Marketing department, this individual will be responsible for creating content and messaging for Velera client credit unions and other industry stakeholders. Collaboration with staff members at various levels in the organization is required to gather content/messaging about products, solutions, services, events and announcements. Content is primarily written communications designed to inform, explain, interest, promote, advise or persuade, depending on project or campaign objectives. This role also works with the Creative team in the development of any complementary graphical, digital and/or social campaign components.

Day in the Life
Digital newsletters (operational and informational) to financial institutions, client-facing Velera team members and employees.
Marketing collateral, e-mail messages, social media content, and engaging copy for digital and print ads.
Standalone communications as required to targeted audiences, including effective operational and informational messages to credit unions on product/system updates or special actions required related to regulatory compliance initiatives.
Content related to the company and its products for publication on the company's internal and external websites and distribution to credit union media.
Content related to the company's role as a community partner and credit union industry advocate; messages related to company events, initiatives, news and promotions.
Thought leadership content for company blogs, social media channels and trade publications; articles bylined by Velera executives and subject matter experts for placement in trade publications; case studies and white papers.
Communications and scripts for Velera executives.
Performs independent research and interviews internal Velera staff and external credit union stakeholders to acquire strong knowledge of the company's products, solutions, services and value proposition to create appropriate content and messaging.
Uses exceptional writing ability, professional editorial judgment, proficiency in both long-form and short-form content development, and strong working knowledge of AP style to create compelling content and copy.
Plans, writes, edits, and distributes external communications in support of Velera's Marketing and Communications initiatives, as well as Velera products and services, events and thought leadership.
Ensures communications meet quality standards while managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Assists leadership in the collection and presentation of performance metrics that reflect the Corporate Communications department's productivity and output.
Works with IT team members and Marketing web developers to ensure functionality and accuracy of online content, email templates and new applications.
Works closely and professionally with clients and subject matter experts, demonstrating interpersonal skills and commitment to completing projects according to mutually agreed-upon deadlines.
Maintains current knowledge of credit union industry news and trends; Velera products, solutions, and services; and the company's strategic initiatives.
Provides coverage for emergency communications if/as needed outside of normal business hours, including business disruption events and/or other crises.
Processes email distribution list requests, using data sourced from CRM database for message distribution as/when needed.
Ensures effective email delivery through email distribution list management and troubleshoots with credit unions and their account management teams.
Communicates effectively with clients, as well as team members, in verbal and written formats; delivers presentations as needed.
Exercises initiative, discretion, follow-through, and independent judgment. Provides editorial feedback on the work of other team members to ensure quality control.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related field required.
At least five (5) years of experience writing in a professional business-to-business environment required.
Experience working with CRM tools (Salesforce, Pardot, etc.) required. Experience in financial services and/or payments industry preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Excellent communication skills with the ability to build productive relationships with people of diverse styles and backgrounds and ability to convey relevant information clearly both written and verbally
Responds positively to changing business priorities, ability to be flexibility in a changing work environment and open to new ideas and approaches
Ability to distill complex topics into compelling, easily consumable content
Ability to self-manage time, work in fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines
Exceptional writing and editing skills; strong working knowledge of AP style
Capability to think creatively and originally to create compelling and engaging content for assignments
Demonstrated excellent analytical and quantitative skills
Ability to exercise discretion and good judgment in decision making
Ability to periodically support crisis communications outside of normal business hours
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel; Salesforce and/or Pardot experience a plus
Ability to travel as needed to successfully perform position responsibilities
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Ability to be flexible and work under high pressure in a complex environment
Minimal travel may be required