Columbia Bank New Jersey is hiring: VP, Head of Public Relations & Brand Engagem

VP, Head of Public Relations & Brand Engagement

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Summary

Vice President, Head Public Relations & Brand Engagement serves as a senior leader within the Marketing and Client Experience team, responsible for shaping Columbia Bank’s brand strategy, executing a comprehensive communication strategy, and leading signature events that enhance visibility and strengthen relationships with clients, partners, and the community. With deep expertise in public relations and a strong leadership presence, this role plays a critical part in guiding how Columbia Bank is positioned with media, stakeholders, and the marketplace.

Working closely with the Senior Vice President, the Director of Marketing and Client Experience, the Assistant Marketing Director, and Executive Management, this position develops forward‑looking strategies that support major corporate initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions, investor relations, and market expansion. The ideal candidate is a proven leader, seasoned communicator, and strategic thinker with the experience and presence to influence senior leadership and inspire teams.

Strategic Brand and Media Leadership

• Define and lead comprehensive PR and communication strategies that elevate Columbia Bank’s brand and reputation.
• Interact with Senior Management to translate business strategy and image to shape and articulate the Bank’s narrative.
• Build frameworks and messaging for high‑impact corporate initiatives, including market expansions, acquisitions, and investor relations.
• Serve as a senior media liaison, fostering strong relationships with press, industry leaders, and community influencers.
• Provide counsel to executives on public perception, industry trends, and reputational opportunities and risks.
• Partner with crisis communications to safeguard and enhance Columbia Bank’s reputation in all circumstances.

Event Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement

• Architect Columbia Bank’s enterprise‑wide events strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and client engagement priorities.
• Lead the design of high‑profile client and stakeholder experiences that strengthen relationships and reinforce brand leadership.
• Oversee vendor partnerships, logistics frameworks, run‑of‑show planning, and post‑event analysis to ensure exceptional execution.
• Guide the strategic use of digital platforms to enhance invitations, registrations, and event communications.
• Ensure the Bank’s events calendar and client entertainment activities reflect consistent standards of excellence and impact.

Community Engagement and Brand Activation

• Direct Columbia Bank’s sponsorships and donations program, overseeing evaluation, negotiation, and activation.
• Ensure initiatives align with brand values and advance community and client engagement objectives.
• Track and measure sponsorship outcomes, ensuring obligations are fulfilled and investments drive measurable impact.
• Collaborate with Marketing leadership to ensure brand consistency across all community and client‑facing initiatives.

Leadership and Team Development

• Supervise at least one direct report, providing mentorship, coaching, and clear direction.
• Inspire and develop team members to achieve professional growth and contribute to organizational goals.
• Foster collaboration across the Marketing and Client Experience team to strengthen capabilities and advance long‑term priorities.
• Model strong leadership, strategic thinking, and executive‑level presence, contributing to a culture of creativity, accountability, and high performance.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in public relations, strategic communications, and event leadership, preferably within financial services or a highly regulated industry.
• Demonstrated success leading high‑profile communications and events that drive brand visibility and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong executive presence and proven ability to serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders.
• Expertise in media relations, reputation management, and executive communications.
• Track record of managing sponsorships, budgets, and community partnerships with measurable outcomes.
• Strong writing, storytelling, and presentation skills, with the ability to simplify complex information for diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and customer relationship management (CRM) tools.

Preferred

• Knowledge of banking or financial services compliance standards preferred.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Rx which are contributory.
• Employee Stock Option Program (ESOP).
• Life Insurance, Long Term Disability and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (LTD & AD&D).
• Paid Time Off (PTO) which includes Personal and Vacation Time.
• Paid Sick Time.
• Bank Holidays.
• Employees may participate in the 401k program.

Schedule

This role is eligible for a hybrid schedule; 3 days in the office and 2 days’ work from home based on business need.

Columbia Bank and its affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.