Communications Specialist

Communications Specialist

Chicago, IL

PLS®: People. Location. Service

Why PLS? Because You Deserve Better!® PLS — which stands for People – Location – Service — is a leading retail provider of financial services. The “P” comes first, because our customers are at the center of everything we do, and we recognize that it’s our exceptional team members who go above and beyond every day. The PLS Group, headquartered in Chicago, is comprised of over 200 financial service centers in 12 states. Through our check cashing stores, we provide consumers with convenient financial products and services to help them manage their day-to-day financial needs. Although many of our customers have banking relationships, we believe that our customers use our financial services because they are convenient, transparent, and frequently more affordable than available traditional alternatives. PLS was founded in 1997 by Bob and Dan Wolfberg, who serve as Co-Presidents.

Position Overview:

The Communications Specialist is essential to developing and delivering employee communication plans, programs, and activities that inform, excite, and inspire our employees by building connections across our strategic priorities, Human Resources initiatives, and employees’ workplace experiences. The Communications Specialist applies a data-driven and informed approach to their work to create, edit, and coordinate compelling messaging that supports ongoing awareness, understanding, and engagement for all levels of employees in various roles across PLS. This position will report to the Senior Manager of Training, Communications and Talent.

Job Description:

Develop and lead initiatives to improve the internal communications program leveraging PLS’s tone of voice to increase employee engagement and promote company culture and shared values.

Create compelling, engaging, and creative internal announcements and manage the process from request through distribution.

Manage the media mailbox, ensuring that inquiries are handled in a timely manner and recorded for reporting purposes.

Develop press releases and announcements.

Support PLS’s efforts to increase engagement on social media channels for talent attraction purposes.

Create and disseminate communications plans for projects and provide insight and feedback into communications strategy as relevant.

Consult on communications content, delivery, risk, and possible and likely consequences for stakeholders.

Support the development and implementation of weekly, monthly, and annual communications plans/schedules.

Build and maintain solid partnerships with internal clients to better develop, coordinate, direct, and facilitate strategic communications to meet business goals.

Provide communication support for strategic initiatives to employees at all levels, including executive-level leaders.

Drive awareness and information components of change management initiatives through internal communications.

Create and distribute the quarterly internal company newsletter.

Create, edit, and distribute operations communications through the “Operations Bulletin” and other “News” email broadcasts.

Coordinate communication activities, including project timelines and vendor management.

Manage and distribute company directories and organization charts.

Manage iConnect, PLS’s document repository.

Create, update, and maintain communications resources on the SharePoint site.

Assist the Training Department with webinars, training programs (Get Connected), and other necessary training materials.

Other initiatives as needed.

Skills/Requirements:

Exceptional oral and written communication skills.

Bachelor’s degree required in Communications, English, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.

Experience in drafting communications for a variety of channels, including print, multimedia, web, and e-mail.

Five or more years of experience in corporate communications, including planning, writing, editing, and production of various internal and external communications.

Five or more years of experience with layout and graphics, including Canva, InDesign and Photoshop or equivalent.

Experience with Adobe Creative Suite primarily InDesign and Adobe editor.

Experience delivering communications across a diverse, nationwide workforce.

Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to integrate complex concepts.

Outstanding project management skills and ability to juggle multiple high-priority projects.

Demonstrated ability to work calmly and maintain good judgment in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to quickly learn and diligently uphold the PLS identity and brand standards.

High personal ethical standards and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Strong technical skills, including Microsoft (Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, SharePoint, and Windows) software preferred.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time

Ability to lift 15 lbs.

Benefits:

Benefits for eligible team members include medical/dental/vision, 401(k), vacation, opportunities for advancement, and ongoing training.

We strive to demonstrate our Core Values in all positions at PLS:

Communication ● Customer Focus ● Integrity and Trust ● Teamwork ● Results

PLS Financial Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. PLS Financial Services is a drug-free workplace. PLS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify your Recruiter or a member of our Human Resources team talent@PLS247.com to make arrangements. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

For jobs located in the City of Los Angeles, consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment