Organizational Change Management & Client Communications Specialist

WHO ARE WE: Alerus is a commercial wealth bank and national retirement provider with one core purpose: helping clients achieve their financial goals. We are driven by a shared commitment to always do the right thing; leading with integrity and providing valued advice and guidance to our clients. We value the expertise and skillsets each team member provides and encourage collaboration, innovation, adaptability, and an entrepreneurial spirit at all levels of our company. By consistently seeking improvements and growth, we foster long-term relationships with clients and team members. We are proud to be recognized as a Top Workplace by numerous industry and regional outlets.

CORE VALUES: Passion for Excellence :: Success is Never Final :: Do the Right Thing :: One Alerus

ABOUT THE ROLE:
The Organizational Change Management & Client Communications Specialist supports transformation efforts across Alerus Retirement and Benefits (ARB) by helping teams and clients successfully navigate change. This role serves as a connector, bridging project teams, operational stakeholders, and clients through strong communication, structured change planning, and practical enablement. You will help translate new processes, system updates, and service model changes into clear messaging and easy-to-follow tools that reduce confusion, increase adoption, and protect the client experience.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

• Support change initiatives from intake through reinforcement by helping create:
  • Change summaries and impact statements (what/why/when/how)
  • Communication plans and calendars
  • Training/enablement artifacts (job aids, talking points, internal FAQs)
• Draft, edit, and package client communications that are accurate, compliant, and easy to understand, including:
  • Client announcements and targeted outreach templates
  • FAQs, one-pagers, guides, and website/support content
  • Own internal updates and communication hub for single source of truth
  • Release notes and “what’s changing” summaries for plan sponsors and partners
• Coordinate reviews and approvals across stakeholders (e.g., compliance, legal, operations, marketing) and track progress to deadlines.
• Collaborate with frontline teams to ensure they have the right messaging and materials to confidently support clients.
• Monitor early-launch feedback and inquiries to identify trends; propose improvements to communications, training, or process reinforcement.
• Maintain organized libraries of templates, artifacts, and standard language to improve speed, consistency, and quality across future initiatives.
• Track basic measures of effectiveness (e.g., volume/type of inquiries, adoption milestones, survey feedback, training completion) and provide summaries to leadership.

WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, business, organizational development, human resources, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in organizational change management, internal/external communications, client communications, project coordination, or related role.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex topics into clear, client-friendly messages with strong attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience supporting change initiatives (e.g., process changes, system implementations, policy updates, service model changes) and creating related artifacts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 tools (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams); experience with SharePoint or similar content management systems preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence without authority and collaborate effectively across teams.
• Continuous improvement mindset and comfort working in ambiguity while maintaining structure and follow-through.
• Preferred experience in retirement services/defined contribution plans.
• Preferred familiarity with change frameworks (e.g., ADKAR, Prosci) and/or project management practices
• Preferred experience working with CRM and communication tools (e.g., Salesforce) and client segmentation/distribution

WHAT WE BRING TO THE TABLE:

• Competitive compensation including base salary, bonus and/or incentive opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package providing a wide range of health and well-being benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance; and 401(k) and ESOP for retirement savings.
• Generous paid time off programs such as flexible time off, company-paid holidays, parental and bereavement leave.
• Learning and development resources for personal and professional career development, and advancement opportunities.
• Access to financial experts for guidance, financial wellness tools, and discounts on Alerus products and services.
• Support for the communities we live in through paid volunteer time and a company donation match opportunity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is typically performed in an office setting. The employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to move about the office utilizing proper ergonomic safeguards when doing so. Additionally, the employee must occasionally lift or move supplies and materials up to 20 pounds.

BASE PAY: $62,000 - $73,000, candidates with particularly strong qualifications or experience will be considered for a higher total compensation.

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Alerus is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.