Corporate Communications Lead in Bethesda, Maryland at United Bank

The Corporate Communications Lead is responsible for leading earned media efforts and supporting corporate communications initiatives that strengthen United Bank's brand, reputation, and market presence across its footprint. This role develops and executes media strategies, cultivates relationships with journalists, identifies compelling stories, and creates content that advances the Bank's business objectives and community-focused mission. Working closely with the Director of Communications, the successful candidate will support enterprise communications priorities, contribute to reputation management efforts, and help execute strategic communications programs that engage key stakeholders. The ideal candidate is a strong writer, proactive storyteller, relationship builder, and media relations professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and can independently manage multiple priorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Corporate Communications & Content Development
• Develop and execute communications plans that support enterprise initiatives, business priorities, community engagement efforts, and organizational milestones.
• Build strong relationships with market leaders, business line partners, and key stakeholders to proactively identify and elevate stories that highlight United Bank's expertise, community impact, and business priorities across its footprint.
• Create and manage content across internal and external channels, ensuring consistency in messaging, tone, and brand voice.
• Support thought leadership, award submissions, speaking opportunities, and other strategic communications initiatives that elevate United Bank's brand and expertise.

Media Relations & Earned Media
• Build and maintain relationships with local, regional, business, and trade media to generate meaningful earned media opportunities.
• Identify, develop, and pitch compelling stories that showcase United Bank's business priorities, community impact, and market expertise.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media statements, and other media materials supporting key corporate, business, and community initiatives.
• Manage media inquiries, interview opportunities, and spokesperson preparation, ensuring clear, consistent, and timely communications.
• Monitor media coverage, industry trends, and emerging issues, providing recommendations to support proactive communications and reputation management.

Planning, Project Management & Reporting
• Coordinate communication activities related to key announcements, events, community initiatives, media opportunities, and enterprise projects.
• Partner with business leaders and subject matter experts to develop messaging and communications strategies that support organizational objectives.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Communications on enterprise communications priorities, strategic initiatives, and special projects.
• Manage multiple communications projects simultaneously while ensuring high-quality execution and timely delivery.
• Track and report on media relations and communications outcomes to measure effectiveness and optimize future strategies.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in related area
• Minimum of five (5) years communications/public relations experience required
• Previous experience in a banking or financial industry preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills in Spanish or additional language a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required
• Experience with Adobe suite and SharePoint preferred

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Understanding of company and compliance
• High degree of flexibility
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines at once
• Professionalism
• Innovation