BECU
Join to apply for the Director External Communications role at BECU.
Is it surprising to hear that a financial institution of 1.5 million members and over $30 billion in managed assets says that success comes from focusing on people, not profits? Our "people helping people" philosophy has guided us since 1935, driving a deep commitment to serve our members, communities, and each other. When you join our team, you become part of a purpose‑driven organization where your work makes a real difference.
We’re proud of our history and more excited about our future. With business and technology transformation on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to be part of BECU.
Pay Range:
The target range for this position is $169,200 to $206,700 annually. The full pay range is $131,800 to $244,400 annually.
Benefits:
Employees and eligible family members have access to a wide array of employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision and life insurance; disability and AD&D insurance; health‑care and dependent‑care flexible spending accounts; health savings accounts; and a 401(k) plan. New hires accrue 6.16 hours of paid time off per pay period, with up to 160 PTO hours per year and receive ten paid holidays.
Impact You’ll Make As Director of External Communications, you will shape and enhance BECU’s reputation and storytelling externally. Your strategic vision will drive comprehensive external communication efforts, positioning BECU positively with members, communities, and key stakeholders. You will oversee public relations, organic social media, blog content, message development, leadership communications, media training, crisis communications, and reputation management, while fostering strong agency and vendor relationships and cross‑functional internal collaboration.
What You’ll Do
Strategic Oversight: Oversee the strategy, management, and execution of external communications and messaging to elevate BECU’s brand and community initiatives.
Public Relations: Lead BECU’s public and media relations program, including sponsored content partnerships, thought leadership, and annual plans.
Executive Collaboration: Build relationships with executives to counsel on communications needs, issue and reputation management, executive positioning, and external speaking events.
Marketing Partnership: Partner with Marketing to influence external content opportunities that reinforce the BECU brand and member value initiatives.
Social Media Management: Oversee organic social media and social response strategies to grow following, improve digital experience, and expand brand awareness.
Blog Strategy: Oversee BECU.org’s blog strategy focused on personal finance content that drives traffic, builds authority, and supports business goals.
Metrics and Research: Develop, research, track, and target key metrics for external communications.
Agency Management: Direct relationships with external communications agencies and freelancers.
Media Spokesperson: Serve as BECU’s lead media spokesperson and develop internal spokespersons.
Media Relations: Maintain relationships with journalists and lead internal media training.
Crisis Communication: Lead crisis communication efforts and represent BECU in business continuity matters.
Industry Representation: Represent BECU at events, trade shows, and community forums.
Staff Development: Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance evaluations for the communications team.
Budget Management: Assist in annual budget development and ensure expenditures meet targets.
Policy Knowledge: Understand credit union policies and applicable regulations.
Procedure Documentation: Maintain written procedures for all functions.
Additional Duties: Perform other duties as assigned; full‑time hours required with occasional travel.
What You’ll Gain
Growth Opportunities: Professional development in a dynamic environment.
Impact: Significant influence on BECU’s reputation with key constituencies.
Collaboration: Close work with executives, leaders, and a talented team.
Innovation: Participation in projects that elevate brand and member value.
Culture: A supportive culture that values contributions and fosters growth.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications
B.A. or B.S. in public relations, journalism, marketing, communications, or equivalent experience.
At least eight years of communications experience with strategy development and execution.
At least five years of management experience.
Desired Qualifications
Advanced degree preferred.
Exceptional creativity and clear communication skills.
Strong leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Proven track record of leading successful public relations programs and building media relationships.
Join The Journey Ready to make an indelible impact? Eager to contribute to a collaborative, innovative team where your ideas fuel BECU’s growth? Apply now and bring your expertise to our mission of service‑oriented excellence. Your journey of influence, innovation, and impact starts today.
EEO Statement BECU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.
Seattle, WA $145,000.00-$175,000.00
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at BECU by 2x
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Is it surprising to hear that a financial institution of 1.5 million members and over $30 billion in managed assets says that success comes from focusing on people, not profits? Our "people helping people" philosophy has guided us since 1935, driving a deep commitment to serve our members, communities, and each other. When you join our team, you become part of a purpose‑driven organization where your work makes a real difference.
We’re proud of our history and more excited about our future. With business and technology transformation on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to be part of BECU.
Pay Range:
The target range for this position is $169,200 to $206,700 annually. The full pay range is $131,800 to $244,400 annually.
Benefits:
Employees and eligible family members have access to a wide array of employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision and life insurance; disability and AD&D insurance; health‑care and dependent‑care flexible spending accounts; health savings accounts; and a 401(k) plan. New hires accrue 6.16 hours of paid time off per pay period, with up to 160 PTO hours per year and receive ten paid holidays.
Impact You’ll Make As Director of External Communications, you will shape and enhance BECU’s reputation and storytelling externally. Your strategic vision will drive comprehensive external communication efforts, positioning BECU positively with members, communities, and key stakeholders. You will oversee public relations, organic social media, blog content, message development, leadership communications, media training, crisis communications, and reputation management, while fostering strong agency and vendor relationships and cross‑functional internal collaboration.
What You’ll Do
Strategic Oversight: Oversee the strategy, management, and execution of external communications and messaging to elevate BECU’s brand and community initiatives.
Public Relations: Lead BECU’s public and media relations program, including sponsored content partnerships, thought leadership, and annual plans.
Executive Collaboration: Build relationships with executives to counsel on communications needs, issue and reputation management, executive positioning, and external speaking events.
Marketing Partnership: Partner with Marketing to influence external content opportunities that reinforce the BECU brand and member value initiatives.
Social Media Management: Oversee organic social media and social response strategies to grow following, improve digital experience, and expand brand awareness.
Blog Strategy: Oversee BECU.org’s blog strategy focused on personal finance content that drives traffic, builds authority, and supports business goals.
Metrics and Research: Develop, research, track, and target key metrics for external communications.
Agency Management: Direct relationships with external communications agencies and freelancers.
Media Spokesperson: Serve as BECU’s lead media spokesperson and develop internal spokespersons.
Media Relations: Maintain relationships with journalists and lead internal media training.
Crisis Communication: Lead crisis communication efforts and represent BECU in business continuity matters.
Industry Representation: Represent BECU at events, trade shows, and community forums.
Staff Development: Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance evaluations for the communications team.
Budget Management: Assist in annual budget development and ensure expenditures meet targets.
Policy Knowledge: Understand credit union policies and applicable regulations.
Procedure Documentation: Maintain written procedures for all functions.
Additional Duties: Perform other duties as assigned; full‑time hours required with occasional travel.
What You’ll Gain
Growth Opportunities: Professional development in a dynamic environment.
Impact: Significant influence on BECU’s reputation with key constituencies.
Collaboration: Close work with executives, leaders, and a talented team.
Innovation: Participation in projects that elevate brand and member value.
Culture: A supportive culture that values contributions and fosters growth.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications
B.A. or B.S. in public relations, journalism, marketing, communications, or equivalent experience.
At least eight years of communications experience with strategy development and execution.
At least five years of management experience.
Desired Qualifications
Advanced degree preferred.
Exceptional creativity and clear communication skills.
Strong leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Proven track record of leading successful public relations programs and building media relationships.
Join The Journey Ready to make an indelible impact? Eager to contribute to a collaborative, innovative team where your ideas fuel BECU’s growth? Apply now and bring your expertise to our mission of service‑oriented excellence. Your journey of influence, innovation, and impact starts today.
EEO Statement BECU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.
Seattle, WA $145,000.00-$175,000.00
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at BECU by 2x
#J-18808-Ljbffr