Media Relations Specialist

COUNTRY Financial; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Short-Term Incentive plan

401(k) with company match

Job summary

COUNTRY Financial seeks a seasoned communications leader to protect and enhance our reputation through external content and media relations. You will serve as a spokesperson, train leaders, and develop news media strategies aligned with our Vision and brand.

Your work will span podcasts, social media, and traditional outlets, in regulated financial services contexts. Applicants should bring 4+ years in external communications, strong writing and storytelling, and a track record in multi-channel

Qualifications

• 4+ years of external communications or public relations experience.
• Proven media relations and messaging expertise.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Experience producing content across podcasts, social media, traditional media, and digital channels.

Responsibilities

• Serve as spokesperson for COUNTRY Financial to newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, trade press and social media.
• Train leadership and other spokespeople to deliver messages across channels.
• Monitor reputational threats and recommend proactive/reactive responses.
• Develop and implement news media strategies aligned with vision and corporate strategies.

Skills

External communications

Media relations

Messaging

Executive collaboration

Writing & editing

Storytelling

Content production

Podcast editing

Job description

Experience more with a career at COUNTRY Financial!We’re excited you’re interested in a career at COUNTRY as we strive toward our vision - to enrich lives in the communities we serve. Our footprint spans coast to coast. But more important than where we operate, is the people who do the work. Apply today to help our organization grow and make a difference for our clients.About the roleProtect and enhance the reputation of COUNTRY Financial through the development of a content strategy and external communication efforts. Supports corporate vision, mission and objectives through content planning, message development and delivery to ensure the right messages get to the right audiences using the appropriate medium based on best practices and which meet legal, compliance, brand and other standards. Ensures consistency of messages and alignment with corporate objectives and values.This role will also work in different media formats such as podcasts and social media content - this could include content development, production and editing of the podcast and social media posts.How does this role make an impact?- Serves as spokesperson for the organization, handling contact with newspaper, magazine, radio, television, trade press and social media. - Trains leadership and other company spokespeople to deliver messages through various external communication mediums. - Actively monitors reputational threats and potential threats that could damage the reputation of COUNTRY and recommends strategies to manage them (i.e. reputation audits, proactive and reactive media responses, etc.). - Responsible for analyzing, recommending, developing and implementing news media strategies for the organization with a focus on our Vision and corporate strategies. Supports corporate project teams as a Public Affairs and Media Relations representative.Do you have what we're looking for?Typically requires 4+ years of relevant experience or a combination of related experience, education and training.Proven experience leading external communications or public relations strategies that build trust, enhance brand reputation, and support organizational objectives.Strong media relations and messaging expertise, with the ability to effectively tailor and deliver messages to the right audiences through the most appropriate channels.Demonstrated ability to partner with executive leaders and cross-functional teams to plan and execute aligned, high-impact communications.Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a focus on clarity, credibility, and brand consistency.Experience creating producing, and editing content across multiple media formats, including podcasts, social media, traditional media, and other digital channels.Experience in regulated, corporate, or service-driven environments; insurance or financial services experience preferred.Base Pay Range:$64,800-$89,100The base pay range represents the typical range of potential salary offers for candidates hired. Factors used to determine your actual salary include your specific skills, qualifications and experience.Incentive Pay:In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for a Short-Term Incentive plan.Why work with us?Our employees and representatives serve nearly one million households with our diverse range of personal and business insurance products as well as retirement and investment services. We build relationships and work together to create a stronger, more secure future for our clients and our communities. We’re a big company, yet small enough you can make an impact and won’t get lost in the shuffle. You’ll have the opportunity to learn and grow throughout your career, either within this role or by exploring other areas of our business.You’ll be able to take advantage of our benefits package, which includes insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, disability, and life), 401(k) with company match.COUNTRY Financial is committed to providing equal opportunity in all areas of employment, and in providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.Come join our team at COUNTRY today!