Job Description
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Reports To: President & Chief Executive Officer
Why FirstBank?
FirstBank is a Nashville-based financial institution founded in 1906, with approximately $16.5 billion in assets and a growing presence across the Southeast. Through more than 90 full-service financial centers, FirstBank provides a full range of personal and business banking, lending, mortgage, and investment services.
At its core, FirstBank is a people-first organization. The bank is built on relationship-based banking, empowering local teams to make decisions and serve their communities well. Its success isn’t measured by size alone, but by the impact its associates make every day - supporting customers, strengthening communities, and working with a shared sense of purpose, collaboration, and innovation.
About the Opportunity
FirstBank is seeking a dynamic and strategic Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO) to lead and elevate the organization's marketing, brand, communications, and public relations functions at the enterprise level. Reporting directly to the President and CEO, this executive will serve as the chief steward of FirstBank's brand, reputation, and market presence as well as a trusted strategic advisor to the leadership team.
This is a high-visibility role for a proven leader who thrives at the intersection of brand strategy, storytelling, and business growth within a regulated financial services environment.
What You'll Do
Enterprise Marketing & Brand Strategy:
- Develop and lead a comprehensive, enterprise-wide marketing and brand strategy aligned with business objectives, growth priorities, and organizational values.
- Serve as the chief architect and guardian of FirstBank's brand, ensuring consistency and integrity across all channels, platforms, and markets.
- Partner with the CEO and executive leadership team to position FirstBank as a trusted, innovative, and community-focused institution.
Communications & Public Relations:
- Establish and execute an integrated internal and external communications strategy that advances strategic initiatives, strengthens organizational culture, and fosters employee engagement and transparency.
- Serve as the executive point of contact for media relations, public relations, crisis communications, and reputation management.
- Provide senior-level counsel to the CEO, executive leadership team, and Board of Directors on messaging and reputational risk.
- Oversee corporate messaging related to enterprise initiatives, executive communications, community engagement, and major announcements.
Digital, Media & External Presence:
- Provide executive oversight of digital marketing, content strategy, and social media to ensure a strong, compliant, and impactful online presence.
- Direct the development of compelling content, multimedia, and storytelling that reinforces the brand and drives stakeholder engagement.
- Ensure all marketing and communications efforts comply with applicable banking regulations, legal standards, and internal governance requirements.
Organizational Leadership & People Management:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing marketing and communications team.
- Establish performance expectations, succession plans, and talent development strategies to build a best-in-class organization.
Strategic Planning, Budget & Governance:
- Serve as an executive sponsor for enterprise strategic initiatives within scope of responsibility.
- Develop and manage multi-million-dollar budgets, ensuring resources are aligned with priorities and deliver measurable impact.
- Present marketing, branding, and communications strategies and results to executive leadership and Board-level audiences.
- Collaborate closely with compliance, legal, risk, and business leaders to ensure responsible and effective execution.
What You Bring
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field required; advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred.
Experience:
- 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or brand management — preferably within financial services or a regulated industry.
- Demonstrated success leading enterprise-level marketing and communications strategies with measurable business outcomes.
- Experience advising senior executives and Boards on brand, communications, and reputational matters.
- Proven track record managing large, integrated teams and external agency partners.
Skills & Core Competencies:
- Executive-level strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into actionable strategies.
- Exceptional written, verbal, and executive communication skills.
- Deep understanding of brand management, media relations, digital marketing, and stakeholder engagement.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to align marketing and communications initiatives to financial and operational goals.
- High degree of integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to ethical leadership.
- Ability to navigate complex, highly regulated environments with confidence and discretion.
