Responsibilities

• The Senior Public Relations Manager is a key contributor in building a world-class communications function for one of the largest banks headquartered in the West. This highly visible role leads public relations and thought leadership for priority initiatives—shaping narratives, elevating leaders, and enhancing the bank’s visibility across regional and enterprise platforms.
• This role owns PR strategy, execution, and measurement for key initiatives while providing critical support across the full spectrum of Corporate Communications work, including proactive and reactive media engagement, spokesperson training, issues management, and crisis communications.
• As a trusted advisor, the Senior Public Relations Manager partners closely with market leaders, lines of business, and cross-functional teams to deliver integrated communications programs that advance business objectives and strengthen brand reputation.
• Leads regionally focused PR and thought leadership initiatives as part of a cross-functional team in support of the bank’s overall business objectives: Develops and executes strategic PR plans and advises business and market leaders on priority initiatives.
• Builds strong working relationships with leaders across the bank to drive market and line of business focused PR strategies that showcase the expertise and impact of our people, raise bank visibility, and help strengthen our reputation in key markets.
• Develops thought leadership platforms for regional market and line of business leaders inclusive of earned media, authored content, panels and events, awards, etc.
• Plays a critical support role to the Director of Corporate Communications on enterprise-level initiatives, both proactive, positive PR for the bank and reactive external strategies and responses to emerging issues and crisis situations.
• Acts as a pro-active, creative member of the larger MarCom team; leads and/or supports important MarCom projects and initiatives that arise from new campaigns, sponsorships, in-market initiatives.
• Oversees the efficient and successful daily operation of the Corporate Communications Office: Serves as the gatekeeper of partner requests for information, news releases, articles, blogs and other content needs for lines of businesses, community partners and business vendors; develops and manage all related processes and protocols; conducts internal research and recommends media response strategy for information or comment requests to the Director of Corporate Communications; leads the reporting function for the office and provides expert recommendations for planning and strategy, etc.
• Researches, monitors, and advises on emerging external/industry reputational risks; reports findings, recommends approach, initiates messaging, elevates to internal stakeholders as appropriate.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in the field of Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, English or related field, or equivalent work experience required.
• 8-10+ years of progressive experience leading public relations and strategic communications across media relations, thought leadership, and issues/crisis response, preferably within the financial services industry required.
• Proven media relations expertise, including cultivating priority media relationships, securing earned media, preparing senior leaders for interviews, and crafting publication-ready content.
• Strong command of financial topics, with the ability to quickly develop and articulate clear points of view for internal and external audiences.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with demonstrated experience shaping thought leadership strategy and developing high-impact content.
• Strong ability to identify “through lines” in corporate storytelling and translate them into compelling narratives, pitches, and communications strategies.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office and media monitoring/reporting tools (e.g., Cision, PRN, Muck Rack, Meltwater, Hootsuite).
• Proven crisis communications and issues management capability, including rapid assessment, message development, stakeholder alignment, and coordination of timely internal/external responses.
• Strong knowledge of emerging communications trends and best practices, including the responsible use of AI tools in content development and workflow.
• Demonstrated leadership ability at all levels of the organization, with the ability to bring people together and drive collaboration on both short- and long-term projects.

Benefits

• We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits. We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, access to an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays. Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.