Senior Manager, Media Relations Strategist

Responsibilities

Strategy execution & planning

• Translate the company’s PR and communications strategy into clear annual, quarterly, and campaign-level plans that advance brand visibility, thought leadership, and business objectives.
• Own the day-to-day execution of corporate and product PR initiatives across earned, owned, and shared channels, ensuring consistent messaging and strong cross-functional coordination.
• Lead the development of thought leadership programs, including original research, surveys, and insight-driven narratives.
• Build and manage a leadership speaker strategy, including proactive speaker bureau initiatives, conference opportunities, award submissions, and executive platform development.
• Expand and operationalize a broader earned and influence channel strategy across media, podcasts, YouTube, newsletters, and other high-value platforms.
• Maintain an integrated communications calendar spanning launches, announcements, awards, executive speaking, research moments, and key industry tentpoles.

Media relations & brand visibility

• Increase brand awareness through targeted, corporate, and product-focused PR programs.
• Build and manage relationships with key media contacts in the financial services, fintech, and retirement industries.
• Proactively identify PR opportunities, develop compelling story angles, and pitch relevant narratives to media.
• Respond to inbound media inquiries, ensuring timely, accurate, and on-message responses.

Content development & storytelling

• Research, write, and edit high-quality communications materials including press releases, media pitches, talking points, bylines, blog posts, FAQs, and Q&As.
• Partner with senior leaders to craft clear, compelling messaging that reflects our brand, positioning, and differentiated value.
• Support the development of thought leadership content (e.g., articles, commentary, reports, speaking points).

Executive visibility & industry presence

• Manage award submissions from end-to-end, including sourcing opportunities, drafting submissions, and tracking results.
• Identify, evaluate, and coordinate executive speaking opportunities at industry conferences, webinars, and events.
• Prepare executives for external engagements through briefing docs, messaging frameworks, and rehearsal support.

Internal communications

• Support internal communications initiatives that keep employees informed, aligned, and connected to company priorities.
• Draft internal memos, announcements, and leadership communications that translate complex topics into clear, accessible updates.
• Partner closely with HR, Marketing, and the broader leadership team to reinforce company values, culture, and key business initiatives.

Measurement, insights & operations

• Define and track KPIs for PR and communications programs (e.g., share of voice, media coverage quality, message pull-through, engagement).
• Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and relevant policy or regulatory developments to inform communications plans.
• Synthesize results and insights into regular reporting for senior leadership, recommending adjustments to improve impact.
• Manage relationships with agencies and vendors as needed, ensuring alignment with strategy, brand standards, and timelines.

Requirements

The Necessities

• Experience: 3-5+ years in public relations, corporate communications, or related fields, with meaningful experience in financial services, fintech, retirement, or adjacent industries.
• Functional depth: Demonstrated success executing PR and communications programs—owning planning, content creation, media outreach, and reporting.
• Writing excellence: Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to distill complex financial or technical topics into clear, engaging narratives tailored to professional audiences.
• Media acumen: Proven ability to build and manage media relationships; experience securing coverage in trade and/or business outlets.
• Executive partnership: Experience partnering directly with senior leaders (VP/C‑suite) on messaging, thought leadership, and speaking engagements.
• Project management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, stakeholders, and deadlines in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
• Collaboration: Track record of working cross-functionally with Marketing, Product, Sales, Legal/Compliance, and HR to ensure aligned, compliant messaging.
• Tools: Proficiency with common communications and collaboration tools (e.g., media monitoring platforms, newsroom/PR distribution tools, project management and productivity suites).

Compensation

• Expected base salary range: $120K - $135K (NY and similar metro areas).
• Eligible for Company Bonus Pool and new hire equity.