People Experience and Communications Partner

Ascend is the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee and one of the largest credit unions in the United States, with over $4 billion in assets. With an occupation-based field of membership, Ascend is focused on the expansion and diversification of the select employee groups it serves, which creates greater security for the credit union and its member-owners. Approximately 650 employees serve more than 260,000 members from 28 Middle Tennessee branch locations, Regional Operations Center, Teller Center and Corporate Headquarters. Ascend recognizes that its employees are critical to the credit union’s sustained success and future growth. Our employees are the face of the credit union and their personal successes fuel the success of the team. Through collaboration between employees, management, our membership and our Board, we fuel an engine that propels the credit union forward.

Thank you for your interest in a career with Ascend Federal Credit Union! Being employed by Ascend is vastly different than just holding a job. The credit union prides itself on providing employees rewarding career opportunities, competitive benefits and a unique work culture. The credit union’s commitment to its employees is fostered by its commitment to the member-owners, ensuring dedicated and engaged employees to serve the membership. Ascend’s vision to be the most loved credit union in our market by employees and members alike has earned the credit union distinctions including Federal Credit Union of the Year (NAFCU, 2015), Best Credit Union to Work For (2016-2024) and Training APEX Awards (2015-2024).

The People Experience & Communications Partner leads the strategy, development, and execution of programs that foster a connected, informed, and inspired workplace within the People and Culture team. This role is responsible for designing and managing credit union-wide engagement initiatives, coordinating recognition programs, and owning internal communications that reinforce culture and enhance employee experience. This individual will serve as a culture ambassador and communications strategist, playing a key role in making the organization a top workplace and employer of choice. #LI-Onsite

Engagement Strategy & Programming (35%)

• Design and implement engagement initiatives that drive employee connection, belonging, and cultural alignment across the organization.
• Lead annual engagement calendar including appreciation events, well-being programs, employee spotlight initiatives, and culture-building campaigns.
• Collaborate with the VP of Talent Development & Culture and Chief People Officer to evaluate engagement trends and recommend initiatives based on organizational goals and employee feedback. Suggest and design additional surveys to help analyze workplace culture, engagement, and productivity.
• Support Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) with communication and strategic planning for events and initiatives.
• Focus on the experience for the employee at all touch points that connect to attracting and retaining employees.

Internal Communications (25%)

• Create and manage compelling employee communications that build transparency, promote programs, support business objectives, key initiatives, employee engagement and enhance connection across departments enterprise-wide.
• Oversee and optimize internal communication channels including but not limited to digital, email, newsletters, intranet, town halls, and social platforms.
• Write, edit, and produce high-quality content (e.g., announcements, articles, videos, presentations) that inform, inspire, engage, and resonate with employees.
• Drive the development and execution of strategic communication plans for progrms and initiatives with Ascend's people practices. 
• Develop communication toolkits for people leaders that support employee messaging and change initiatives.
• Curate and manage content for the employee intranet (HUB), event promotion, and internal campaigns.

Recognition & Well-being Programs (20%)

• Collaborate with Total Rewards team on employee recognition programs, including peer-nominated awards, milestone acknowledgments, and digital recognition platforms.
• Partner with the People and Culture team to align recognition strategies with Total Rewards philosophy and support communication of new or revised reward programs.
• Collaborate with Benefits Partner on wellness program strategy and execution, including tracking participation, engagement, and wellness ROI.
• Plan and organize employee recognition programs and events including but not limited to service award luncheons, employee picnic, flu shots, awards/gifts, event tickets, volunteer program, etc. Maintain platforms, including identifying initiatives and analyzing utilization of the program.
• Respond to employee and vendor questions regarding employee logo wear orders. Update logo wear store information as necessary.

Partnership & Influence (15%)

• Serve as a connector across People functions to ensure engagement and communication initiatives are aligned with other People and Culture strategies (e.g., onboarding, benefits, talent acquisition, talent development).
• Coordinate with Marketing and People and Culture teams to ensure consistent branding and voice across all internal touchpoints.
• Lead the employee volunteer program and platform promoting Ascend and manage the system for program.
• Responsible for compiling information provided for annual Employee Dependent Scholarship program.
• Assist People and Culture leaders with various projects and asks as required.
• Read all internal publications, including HUB and Possibilities.
• Perform all other duties as required or assigned.

• Bachelor's Degree Communications, Human Resources, Organizational Development, or a related field required
• 5-8 years employee engagement, internal communications, human resources, or related field required
• 3-5 years experience building programs and initiatives from the ground up preferred
• Strong writing and storytelling abilities with an understanding of tone and brand voice.
• Highly collaborative and capable of influencing across teams.
• Project management experience and ability to lead multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of internal communication principles and best practices.
• Experience with intranet platforms, digital communications tools, and survey/engagement tools.
• Analytical thinker with a passion for creating meaningful employee experiences.
• Proficiency in various communication channels and tools. Must be able to speak to these elements directly.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Regular, reliable attendance required.

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Ascend Federal Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer.