Job Description

Job Location: Fort Smith, AR 72916
Position Type: Full TimePosition Purpose:
The Community Relations Manager plays a vital role in helping Firstar grow, maintain, and strengthen both internal and external relationships. This role serves as a liaison between the Bank, employees and the communities served, enhancing visibility, reputation, and engagement.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Support and execute Firstar Bank’s community relations strategy to strengthen brand awareness, enhance community engagement, and increase understanding of the bank’s products and services across its footprint.
- Lead the planning and coordination of community events and sponsorship initiatives across all markets within the Firstar footprint. Exercise independent judgement in managing event logistics, sponsorship fulfillment, vendor coordination, accounts payable related to events, collaboration for brand representation, identification of necessary resources, and communication with community partners and employee volunteers to ensure professional and consistent representation of the Bank.
- Oversee the School Spirit Debit Card program, including coordination with internal stakeholders, management of payment processes, and delivery of presentations to area schools to promote program awareness and engagement.
- Coordinate and curate event photography and content for use across social media, website, and marketing collateral to ensure brand alignment.
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with community leaders, nonprofit organizations, schools, and key stakeholders to advance Firstar’s community presence and reputation.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for community partners, neighboring businesses, and institutions, providing timely and professional communication on behalf of the Bank.
- Complete any required annual training and maintain knowledge relevant to the role.
- Participate in bank and community initiatives to strengthen visibility and reinforce Firstar’s commitment to the communities it serves.
- Perform additional responsibilities as assigned in support of the Bank’s priorities and objectives.

QualificationsSkills and Abilities Required:
- Demonstrated ability to think creatively and strategically to enhance brand visibility and community engagement.
- Ability and willingness to travel within the Bank’s footprint to attend and represent Firstar Bank at community events, sponsorships, and partnership activities.
- Proven relationship-building skills with the ability to cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with community leaders, nonprofit organizations, schools, businesses, and internal stakeholders.
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with the ability to influence and coordinate efforts across the Bank.
- Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences and represent the Bank in professional settings.
- Strong organizational and project management abilities, including the capacity to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously, prioritize competing demands, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with marketing or design platforms preferred.
- Professional presence, sound judgment, and the ability to exercise discretion when representing the Bank internally and externally.
Experience and Education Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience in community relations, marketing, public relations, nonprofit engagement, banking or a related field required.
- Experience coordinating events, managing sponsorships, or building community partnerships required.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, with occasional standing and walking throughout the office.
- Occasional bending, reaching or stooping as needed to retrieve files, office supplies, or materials.
- May occasionally lift and/or move items up to 45 pounds (e.g., files, office supplies, packages.)
- Requires the ability to communicate effectively, including the use of visual acuity for reviewing documents and screens and auditory ability for conversations in person and by phone.
Core Values in Action:
- Integrity: Leads by example with ethical decision-making, honesty, and accountability.
- Trust: Builds confidence through transparent communication and consistent follow-through.
- Respect: Treats others with kindness, professionalism, and appreciation for diverse perspectives.
- Better Together: Fosters collaboration and teamwork to achieve shared goals through strong, trust-based relationships.
- Client & Community Focused: Puts clients and community first through responsive service and meaningful engagement.
Firstar Bank is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer: EEO/M/F/Disabled/Vets