Crisis Public Relations Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Hours:
40
Schedule:
This position is hybrid and remote eligible for up to 40% of the time. The office location for this position is at ESL Headquarters in Rochester NY. Hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Must be flexible to meet current and future business needs.
Comprehensive Benefits:
ESL offers a competitive benefits package which focuses on providing a work life balance for all employees. Our benefits include robust options such as our wellness program, family assistance plan, 401k with match, paid volunteer time and Learning & Development training among many others.
Pay and Incentive Plan:
Starting Salary: $102,000 Salary Range: $90,108 - $113,596
In addition to competitive pay and benefits, we offer an annual performance-based incentive that rewards eligible employees for their contributions to our success.
Purpose of Position:
The Public Relations & Social Media Manager leads the strategic direction of ESL's social media presence and content initiatives, ensuring alignment with corporate messaging and business priorities. This role partners with stakeholders across the company to translate organizational objectives into platform-specific strategies that drive engagement, strengthen brand visibility, and support measurable outcomes. The Public Relations & Social Media Manager serves as ESL's internal subject-matter expert on social media strategy, analytics, and emerging trends. This role is a great fit for someone who combines strategic thinking with digital marketing expertise and strong business acumen, confidently guiding partners and stakeholders while turning insights into impactful digital engagement.
Accountabilities:
Social Media Strategy & Campaign Leadership

• Collaborate with Line of Business (LOB) leaders to identify priorities and define social media objectives
• Develop strategic social media plans, including messaging frameworks, audience targeting, and channel strategy
• Lead the social activation of corporate communications campaigns, including content and media relations initiatives amplified through social channels
• Manage and evolve ESL's customer-centric social media roadmap, balancing business goals, corporate messaging, customer needs, technical and compliance requirements
• Integrate the social media content calendar into broader corporate communications planning
• Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison to external agencies for social media support Communicate campaign priorities, messaging direction, brand standards, and business objectives to agency partners
• Coordinate and oversee organic and paid social advertising across platforms, ensuring agencies have clear direction and necessary assets
• Monitor campaign performance and budget utilization in partnership with agencies to ensure alignment with performance expectations

Content Development & Media Relations

• Plan, write, edit, and distribute relevant, audience-appropriate content across corporate communication channels
• Draft and disseminate corporate press releases and support proactive story pitching
• Build and maintain relationships with media, community, and stakeholder partners
• Respond to media inquiries in a timely and professional manner
• Develop and manage processes for sharing approved content with external partners

Support ESL's Corporate Communication Efforts

• Participate in and support ESL's Crisis Communications plan
• Monitor external issues affecting the financial services industry and local communities and provide guidance to leadership as needed
• Advise senior leaders and managers on high-priority or sensitive communications
• Maintain strong cross-company relationships to ensure coordinated messaging during critical situations
• Represent ESL at community events through developing event and media materials and fostering positive stakeholder relationships

Metrics & Reporting

• Develop and deliver monthly, quarterly, and annual corporate communications performance reports
• Contribute social media metrics and insights to reporting dashboards
• Analyze campaign performance to demonstrate social media's impact on business, engagement, and community outcomes
• Translate data into actionable recommendations

Continuously Develop Skills and Advance Expertise

• Stay current on industry trends and best practices
• Participate in training and self-development opportunities
• Perform other related duties as assigned or appropriate to support business needs

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Business or related field or 4 years of equivalent directly related experience required
• Minimum 7 years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, media relations, or similar field required
• Minimum 4 years of experience managing organizational social media profiles and campaigns required
• Demonstrated knowledge of organic and paid social media strategies required
• Demonstrated proficiency with written and verbal communication, ability to tailor messages to various audiences required
• Experience managing paid social media budgets

Preferred Qualifications:

• Content creation experience (video, photography, graphic design)
• Experience working in regulated industries (such as financial services, healthcare)
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills=
• High attention to detail with a process-oriented mindset
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; Adobe Creative Suite or Canva experience a plus
• Ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams and with stakeholders at varying
  levels of the organization
• High attention to detail with a process-oriented mindset; skillfully prioritizes multiple
  responsibilities simultaneously

We're committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe we are a stronger, more successful organization because of this commitment. We strive to ensure a robust talent pool of qualified candidates with a variety of skillsets and capabilities for all our openings. We hire great people and welcome all new hires to our award-winning work environment, which has been recognized by the Great Place to Work Institute since 2010.
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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.