Director - Communications

Position Title: Director of Communications

Reporting Manager Title: SVP - Marketing and Brand

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Date Created:

Date Revised: 03/2026

Created By: Laura Whitley

Position Summary:

The Director of Communications leads TDECU's enterprise communications strategy, including internal communications, external communications, public relations, reputation management, and executive communications. This role ensures clear, timely, and consistent messaging that supports organizational alignment, transparency, and trust. As the chief writer and editor, the Director produces executive-level content while overseeing the communications editorial calendar and guiding the development of highquality internal and external communications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Communications & Planning

* Develops, oversee and measure the execution of a comprehensive communications strategy supporting organizational goals and priorities.

* Partners with internal stakeholders to understand communication needs and translate them into effective communication plans.

* Maintains and manages communications editorial calendar to ensure a proactive, organized cadence of messaging.

Executive & Enterprise Writing

* Act as the primary executive and enterprise writer, developing and editing highimpact communications such as executive announcements, talking points, intranet content, and strategic presentations.

* Translates complex business, financial, or regulatory topics into clear, compelling communications for internal and external audiences.

Internal Communications & Digital Workplace

* Leads internal communication program to ensure employees receive clear, consistent, and actionable information.

* Manages intranet content strategy and improve information access and employee engagement.

External Communications & PR Leadership

* Leads external communications strategy to strengthen and protect TDECU's reputation.

* Directs public relations efforts, including media messaging, press materials, and external statements.

* Builds and maintains relationships with media as needed; serve as spokesperson when appropriate.

* Supports communications during issues or crises to ensure timely, accurate, and aligned internal and external messaging.

Issues, Crisis & Reputation Management

* Prepares and executes communication plans during sensitive or timecritical situations.

* Ensures alignment of internal and external messaging to maintain trust and clarity.

* Upholds brand integrity and authentic voice across all communications.

Communications Operations & Project Management

* Uses project planning software to manage communication workflows, timelines, and priorities.

* Coordinates with external partners, vendors, and agencies as needed.

* Evaluates communication performance and apply insights to improve effectiveness.

Technology & AI Integration

* Uses artificial intelligence tools to enhance content, streamline workflows, and increase communication efficiency.

* Stays current on emerging communication technologies and best practices.

Leadership & Communication Attributes

• Lead a team of communications professionals and play an active role as a contributing member of the Marketing leadership team.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to communicate professionally across all levels, including executive management.

• Demonstrates excellent change leadership, intellectual quickness, creativity, curiosity and resourcefulness.

Executive Voice & Message Translation

* Skilled at crafting executive-level messaging that is clear, credible, and aligned with organizational tone and intent.

Strategic Storytelling

* Ability to connect strategy, culture, and performance into compelling narratives for internal and external audiences.

Stakeholder Sensitivity & Political Savvy

* Navigates diverse stakeholder environments with strong judgment and awareness of message impact.

Speed, Discretion & Precision Under Pressure

* Produces accurate, high-quality communications quickly; maintains confidentiality and composure during urgent or evolving situations.

If applicable, please provide:

# of Direct Reports:

2-3

# of Indirect Reports:

1-2

Financial Responsibility: (Indicate type and amount of budget, sales volume, etc. for which this position is responsible)

$

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, Licensure, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, English or related field required.
• Advanced degree preferred.

Experience:

• 7 plus years in corporate communications, internal communications, external communications, or public relations.
• 5 plus years leading communication strategies or programs.
• Experience in financial services or regulated industries preferred.
• Proficiency with AI-enabled communication stools, project planning software such as Asana, and intranet platforms (preferably Unily).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong leadership ability, including the development and growth of a team of highly capable professionals
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively across functions/departments, while building trusted relationships and positively
• influencing others
• Demonstrated implementation, delivery, and impact measurement of strategic objectives.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to communicate professionally across all levels, including executive management.
• Demonstrate excellent change leadership , intellectual quickness, creativity, curiosity and resourcefulness.
• Strong resource, content management and adaptability skills to deliver messaging on-time in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to measure quantitative and qualitative data, and report on the impact to the business.
• Strong presentation skills including content development and public speaking required.
• Familiarity with SharePoint and Adobe Creative Suite preferred.
• Experience with budget management and financial forecasting.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

(The physical demands and work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this position and/or may be encountered while performing essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• While performing the essential duties of this position, an employee would frequently be required to stand, walk, and sit.
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Our company offers a dynamic hybrid work arrangement, which requires three days on-site, in the Post Oak, TX office. Our retail roles are required to be onsite at the branch locations.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Texas Dow Employees Credit Union is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, protected veteran status, sex, religion, disability, genetic information, national origin or other status protected by federal, state or local law. Consistent with the American Disabilities Act, applicants may request accommodations needed to participate in the application process.