Director of Client and Community Relations

Position Summary

The Director of Client & Community Relations is responsible for advancing Busey’s vision, mission, and values by supporting the strategic direction of sales and community engagement initiatives across all Busey regions. This role oversees the development and implementation of high-impact, scalable programs that foster sales growth and reinforce the organization’s charitable objectives. The Director will collaborate closely with executive leadership, sales leaders, the Brand Experience team, and key community partners to drive innovative solutions that enhance the sales process and strengthen community relationships. This position is central to cultivating a culture of community engagement that supports Busey’s strategic objectives and regional presence.

Duties & Responsibilities

Sales Leadership Support:

• Lead collaboration with sales leadership to design, refine, and oversee the implementation
• of advanced sales training programs that drive high performance and align with corporate
• objectives.
• Through strategic oversight, the Director will ensure alignment with corporate goals, guide
• regional managers in optimizing community impact and philanthropic partnerships, communicate training and resources to support sales teams effectively.
• Strategically partner with onboarding teams to implement comprehensive training programs for sales representatives, ensuring alignment with business goals and providing them with the resources necessary for success.
• Consult with senior line of business leaders to develop and recommend high-level sales and prospecting strategies that enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experience, and increase client loyalty.
• Oversee the collection and analysis of feedback to continually evolve and strengthen the sales strategy.

Charitable Strategy & Community Engagement:

• Direct Busey’s philanthropic strategy within multiple regions, managing sponsorships,
• budgeting, charitable outreach, and event wrap-up efforts to maximize community impact.
• Oversee, evaluate and manage charitable vendor partnerships and platforms
• Lead the organization and execution of community and charitable events, promoting
• employee volunteerism and enhancing the organization’s community engagement through targeted campaigns and strategic communications.
• Cultivate relationships with community leaders to boost Busey's visibility and foster strong partnerships that advance corporate and community objectives.
• Oversee communications for client appreciation functions, business development events, and external press releases to amplify Busey's community presence.
• Evaluate emerging social impact initiatives and advise on community engagement strategies that enhance the organization’s philanthropic footprint.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Act as a strategic connector between sales, brand experience, and product teams to
• advance cross-functional goals, optimize customer experience, and reinforce client loyalty
• across regions.
• Collaborate with the Event Experience team to ensure alignment between sales goals and charitable event strategies and oversee internal recognition initiatives that celebrate employee achievements.
• Keep the Market/Regional President informed on regional developments, community events, and emerging trends to support informed decision-making and strategic alignment.

Strategic Alignment and Branding:

• Lead efforts to uphold and enhance the corporate brand and culture across all
• communications and initiatives, serving as a “Busey Brand Ambassador” in all
• interactions.
• Ensure a consistent corporate voice and unified strategic direction throughout all First Busey Corporation entities, conducting Brand

Education & Experience

Knowledge Of:

• Comprehensive understanding of the organization’s strategic goals, including advanced concepts, practices, and procedures for managing initiatives, resources, and tools that support community partnerships and corporate volunteerism. This includes leading charitable efforts, sponsorships, event management, volunteer programs, campaigns, and communications, as well as guiding overall marketing strategy and support.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex information effectively to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, Smartsheet, and related project management tools.

Ability to:

• Lead team efforts as a positive, strategic representative of Pillar Relations, managing community relations initiatives and guiding Market Presidents in ad