Manager, Public Relations and Communications

PSECU; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

PSECU, a long‑standing financial services organization in Harrisburg, seeks a Manager of Public Relations & Communications to shape, protect, and amplify its public and internal narrative across earned and owned channels.

You will lead media relations, executive communications, internal communications, and crisis communications within a regulated environment. Schedule is Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm with a hybrid model and minimum 40% onsite.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, PR or related field.
• 6–8 years in public relations, corporate communications, media relations, or related role.
• Experience creating integrated communication strategies across internal, external, owned, and earned channels.
• Proven ability to develop strategic messaging and executional plans.

Responsibilities

• External Communications & Narrative Strategy: develop and execute an integrated external comms strategy aligned to brand priorities.
• Media Relations & Earned Media: lead earned media strategy; be the primary media contact; craft press materials; seek visibility opportunities.
• Owned Media & Content Development: oversee owned content; partner with SMEs to translate expertise for broad audiences.
• Internal Communications: coordinate internal comms with HR and business units; craft employee and leadership messaging.
• Executive Communications & Coaching: prepare executives for media and public appearances; develop speeches and talking points.
• Crisis Communications & Reputation Management: lead internal comms during crises; coordinate with agencies; maintain crisis plans.

Skills

Media relations

Executive communications

Crisis communications

Internal communications

Content development

Stakeholder collaboration

Strategic storytelling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Marketing, or Public Relations

Tools

Cision

Sprout Social

Newswire platforms

Meltwater/Brandwatch

Job description

Members Achieve More isn't just a tagline for us, it's part of everything we do! We're looking for passionate individuals to join our team to help us maintain that focus every day. Want to work somewhere that's remained strong for 90 years, that encourages you to learn, grow, and pursue your dreams? If yes, then read on...

The Manager, Public Relations & Communications is responsible for shaping, protecting, and amplifying PSECU’s public and internal narrative across earned and owned channels. This role leads media relations, executive communications, internal communications, and crisis communications to strengthen brand trust, reputation, and visibility.

Serving as the primary point of coordination across Marketing, Human Resources, Business Units, Compliance, and Executive Leadership, this role ensures messaging is consistent, timely, and aligned with organizational priorities.

The position balances strategic storytelling with operational execution, including media engagement, content development, communication planning, and real‑time issue response within a regulated environment.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm. This position will be a hybrid model both in person and remote with a minimum onsite expectation of 40% or as needed.

External Communications & Narrative Strategy

• Develop and execute an integrated external communications strategy aligned to brand and business priorities
• Shape and maintain a clear, consistent narrative across earned, owned, and shared channels
• Translate business initiatives and campaigns into compelling external messaging

Media Relations & Earned Media

• Lead earned media strategy across local, regional, and industry outlets
• Serve as the primary media contact, managing inquiries and relationships
• Develop press materials including releases, pitches, statements, and briefing documents
• Identify and secure opportunities to enhance visibility and brand credibility

Owned Media & Content Development

• Oversee development of owned communications content, including:
  • Blog and thought leadership articles
  • Press center updates and announcements
• Partner with internal subject matter experts to translate expertise into accessible content
• Ensure consistency and alignment across owned and earned messaging

Internal Communications

• Serve as the central point of coordination for internal communications in partnership with HR and Business Units
• Develop and execute communication strategies for:
  • Employee communications
  • Organizational updates
  • Leadership messaging
• Ensure alignment between internal and external messaging

Executive Communications & Coaching

• Prepare executive and senior leaders for media interviews, speaking engagements, and public appearances
• Provide media coaching, messaging guidance, and talking points
• Develop executive communications including speeches, presentations, and thought leadership content

Crisis Communications & Reputation Management

• Serve as the primary internal communications lead and organizational point of contact during crisis or reputational events
• Manage the relationship with external public relations agencies and coordinate crisis communication activities as needed
• Maintain and periodically update crisis communication plans, playbooks, messaging frameworks, and contact protocols
• Partner with Legal, Compliance, Risk, Human Resources, and Executive Leadership to support timely and effective communications responses
• Monitor media and social channels for emerging reputational risks and escalating issues

Tools, Monitoring & Reporting

• Utilize media and social monitoring tools such as:
  • Cision
  • Sprout Social
  • Newswire platforms
  • Social listening tools (e.g., Meltwater, Brandwatch)
• Track media coverage, sentiment, and share of voice
• Provide insights to inform messaging and communications strategy

Agency & Vendor Management

• Manage relationships with external PR and communications agencies
• Coordinate agency support for media outreach and campaigns
• Ensure alignment with internal priorities and brand messaging

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Marketing, Strategy, Digital, HR, Compliance, and Business Units
• Ensure integration of communications across campaigns and initiatives
• Advise stakeholders on messaging and reputational considerations

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure all communications meet regulatory, legal, and brand standards
• Maintain approval processes and documentation for public communications
• Support risk mitigation and brand integrity in a regulated environment
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Marketing, or Public Relations (required)
• 6–8 years of experience in public relations, corporate communications, media relations, or a related function
• Equivalent combination of experience and education, as applicable
• Experience developing and executing integrated communication strategies across internal, external, owned, and earned channels
• Experience developing both strategic messaging and executional communications plans
• Experience managing media relationships, executive communications, and high‑visibility communications scenarios