Communications Director

Ameris Bank is a purpose-driven company, dedicated to bringing financial peace of mind to communities, one person at a time. Whether a customer wants to grow their business, buy a home, or feel confident in their retirement plan, they have a partner in Ameris Bank. We serve customers in our locations across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and nationwide through our extensive digital offerings and mobile app.

Delivering financial peace of mind starts with a team that values integrity and rewards ingenuity. At Ameris, you'll find teammates who are inclusive, collaborative problem-solvers who go the extra mile to support one another and to meet every customer's needs. When teammates are empowered and bring their diverse perspectives to the table, we create the best possible outcomes for our customers. At Ameris, we know that a growth mindset is key for high performance and fosters an environment that prioritizes continuous improvement. Teammates have access to Employee Resource Groups that serve as advocates and allies as well as professional development opportunities to drive ongoing education. Learn more about our purpose and how you can bring it to life as an Ameris Bank teammate.

The Communications Director is responsible for the development and execution of a comprehensive and dynamic communications strategy. This position oversees all internal and external communication, corporate sponsorships, publicity, experience management and crisis management. The Communications Director is responsible for creating a strong and positive internal and external image and voice of Ameris Bank. Other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities:

• Cultivate a communication-first approach for delivering corporate culture and strategic business messages

• Develop and implement an integrated, bank-wide strategic communications plan to tell the Ameris Bank story through all communication channels (includes content calendaring)

• Serve as lead point person on media interactions and actively encourage and manage press relationships to ensure coverage of employees, bank programs, special events, public announcements, and other projects

• Develop a public relations strategy that will allow bank executives to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high level external audiences, including the media, public officials and key influencers

• Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the industry and organization, and work with colleagues to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them

• Manage and oversee external content used for external print and electronic communications, such as (but not limited to) Ameris Bank blog, monthly e-news blast, social media content, email marketing content and web content that aligns with the strategy set by the Creative Director.

• Manage and oversee internal content used for internal communications, such as (but not limited to) internal blog, colleague e-blasts, and the Inside Story

• Enhance the internal experience by expanding the employee onboarding experience, ambassador program, internal content delivery channels (i.e. email and AmerisConnect), and employee feedback

• Enhance the external experience by overseeing an online review strategy, the channels to obtain customer feedback, and the analysis and dissemination of the feedback collected

• Manage the experience delivery and public relations pertaining to large corporate sponsorships

• Execute as needed a developed crisis communication plan

• Execute as needed an investor relations strategy (including annual report)

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies:

• Experience and ability to create and execute comprehensive strategic plans

• Strong business vision and ability to connect communication strategy and results to business and financial goals

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills

• Demonstrated analytical, problem solving and decision-making abilities

• Strong leadership skills, values, collaboration and an inclusive work environment

• Extensive knowledge of all communication channels, leadership/management, sales, and finance

• Extremely resourceful, highly creative

• Highly proficient with Microsoft Office applications, social media, and various communication related technologies.

Industry and Work Experience:

• 10+ years of managing communications, marketing, and/or public relations initiatives, and team management experience.

Academic:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations or related field

Benefits Available to Employees:

Ameris Bank provides a comprehensive employee benefit package to all eligible employees.

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Ameris Bank absorbs a major portion of the cost of healthcare. You become eligible for coverage on the first of the month following 30 days of employment
• Life Insurance provided at no additional cost to employees
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage
• Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave
• 11 Holidays
• Volunteer/Service Day
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Ameris Bank matches 50% of your first 8% of contributions to the plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement
• Supplemental Life & Other Insurance Plans
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Advocacy Program
• Tickets at Work (Entertainment discounts for Ameris Bank Employees)
• Wellness Discounts for Medical Premiums and Other Rewards
• Employee Referral Incentive
• Education Assistance
• Employee Resource Groups

Banking Advantages for Employees:

In addition to a wide array of benefits, Ameris Bank employees are also eligible for special bank services.

• Free Interest Checking
• Free Safe Deposit Box
• Free Money Orders, Travelers' Checks and Cashier Checks
• Discount on Mortgage Origination Fee
• Free Online Banking and Free Unlimited Online Bill Payment
• Employee Banking Perks

Disclaimer:

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)