Senior Public Affairs Specialist

Position Reports To:
Director of
Communications & Media Relations  

Positions Supervised:
N/A 

POSITION PURPOSE
 

The Senior Public Affairs Specialist plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing Cornerstone’s public affairs strategy. This individual will work closely with the Director of Communications & Media Relations to elevate the visibility and influence of the association and its member credit unions across key stakeholder groups, including media, policymakers, and the general public. The ideal candidate is a strategic communicator, experienced in media relations, public policy messaging, and advocacy communications. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES 

Media Relations & Outreach 

With the Director of Communications, draft and distribute press releases, op-eds, media advisories, and statements on behalf of the association and its leadership. 

Collect member stories and assist in responding to media inquiries and proactively pitching advocacy-specific stories to advance the credit union movement’s policy and reputational objectives. 

Public Affairs & Advocacy Communications 

Create compelling messaging and content to support the association’s advocacy initiatives at the federal and state levels. 

Collaborate with advocacy and regulatory teams to translate complex policy issues into clear, impactful narratives. 

Develop toolkits, fact sheets, talking points, and other materials to support member engagement in grassroots advocacy. 

Strategic Communications Planning 

Responsible for enhancing, protecting, and promoting Cornerstone’s family of brands by conceptualizing, writing, and editing strategic, accurate, and concise content for external and internal audiences. 

Support the development and implementation of comprehensive public affairs campaigns. 

Create promotional copy/messaging and lead the promotion of select events, including the creation of materials for both members and lawmakers. 

Monitor and analyze media coverage and public sentiment;
work with Communications team to adjust messaging and strategy as needed. 

Partner with internal teams to ensure consistency and alignment across all communications platforms. 

Assist with other communications campaigns as assigned. 

Content Development & Thought Leadership 

Draft speeches/scripts/presentations, blogs, and other thought leadership content for executives and subject matter experts. 

Project management and creation of advocacy publications (including newsletters, legislative summaries, and event materials), and major initiatives. 

Support the Communications department in the development of Cornerstone’s publications.  

Other duties as assigned.  

Issues Management & Crisis Communication 

Assist in managing communication efforts during sensitive issues or crises affecting the credit union industry.  

Help develop proactive messaging and reactive strategies that protect and enhance the industry’s reputation.

NOTE: The list of essential functions is not exhaustive. It may be supplemented as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Education/Certification:
Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Communications, Public Relations, Marketing,
or equivalent experience at a credit union is preferred. Experience with project management systems such as Monday.com and/or CRM like SalesForce preferred.  

Required Knowledge:
Strong understanding of the legislative and regulatory process and the ability to craft persuasive messages on complex policy issues. Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. 

Knowledge of the credit union industry and/or financial policy landscape strongly preferred. 

Strong knowledge of writing styles and guidelines; ability to create, coordinate, and edit copy for communications channels. Knowledge of AP Style required. Intermediate MS Office application skills and Adobe Acrobat, as well as basic knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite is appreciated, but not required. Working knowledge of product and event marketing techniques. Familiarity with modern technologies and methodologies in communications, public relations, graphic
and web design, and production. Understanding of credit union operations, products, and services. 

Experience Required:

Minimum 5 years of experience in public affairs, media relations, or strategic communications, preferably within a trade association, advocacy organization, or financial services environment. 

Skills/Abilities:

Excellent grammar and communication skills, attention to detail, and accurate listening and reporting skills. Must maintain confidentiality and be service-oriented. 

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION 

finger dexterity:
Using primarily just the fingers to make small movements such as typing, picking up small objects, or pinching fingers together. 

Talking:

Especially where one must frequently convey detailed or important instructions or ideas accurately, loudly, or quickly.   

Average Hearing:
Able to hear average or normal conversations and receive ordinary 

information. 

FINE, ACUTE VISUAL ABILITIES:
Fine visual acuity with the ability to inspect closely or to assemble small parts; color vision; or depth perception and/or field of vision. 

Physical Strength:

Sedentary work; sitting most of the time.  Exerts up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally.   

WORKING CONDITIONS:

No hazardous or significantly unpleasant conditions.  (Such as in a 

typical
office.) Occasional travel will be requested of this position.  

MENTAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION 

Reasoning Ability:
Ability to apply logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions.   

Able to interpret a variety of technical instructions and can deal with multiple 

variables. 

Mathematics Ability:
Ability to perform basic math skills, use decimals to compute ratios and percent, and to draw and interpret graphs. 

Language Ability:
Ability to read periodicals, journals, manuals, dictionaries, thesauruses, and encyclopedias.   

Ability to prepare business letters, proposals, summaries, and reports using prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.   

Ability to conduct training, communicate at panel discussions, and make professional presentations.