Media Relations & Communications Specialist

Candescent; Illinois; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Candescent is a forward-thinking technology company transforming how financial institutions deliver Intelligent Banking experiences. We unite digital banking, account opening, and branch solutions to power seamless engagement across digital, remote, and in-person channels.

The Communications Manager will lead hands-on media relations, public relations programs, and employee communications, drafting and publishing content while partnering with the Director, Content & PR to align narratives across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communications, marketing, or related field.
• 3–5 years of PR or communications experience, including U.S. media relations in B2B, fintech, SaaS, or agency environments.
• Proven experience securing coverage in business, technology, fintech, cybersecurity, or related media.
• Experience briefing PR agencies.
• Strong news judgment with ability to identify, develop, and pitch compelling stories.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with a strong understanding of AP style.
• Experience preparing executives, spokespeople, or subject matter experts for media engagements.
• Ability to develop messaging, briefing documents, Q&A materials, bylines, commentary, and communications content.
• Experience supporting executive thought leadership programs, including media commentary, podcasts, speaking opportunities, and contributed content.
• Comfort supporting reputation management, issues response, or incident communications.
• Familiarity with PR measurement, reporting, share-of-voice tools, and the ability to turn data into actionable insights.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders.
• Comfortable operating independently in a lean, fast-paced environment with a high level of ownership and follow-through.

Responsibilities

• Support U.S. media relations efforts with story development, pitch coordination, and earned media opportunities.
• Build relationships with business, technology, fintech, and cybersecurity media for high-quality coverage.
• Prepare spokespeople with messaging, briefing materials, Q&A documents, and supporting content for media engagements.
• Translate PR strategy into U.S. execution, measuring outcomes like brand awareness and share of voice.
• Develop and maintain a U.S. PR calendar aligned to product launches and events.
• Liaise with PR agency for briefing, planning, pitching, deliverables, and timelines.
• Partner with social media manager to amplify earned media and cross-channel visibility.
• Support executive thought leadership including bylines, commentary, podcasts, speaking opportunities.
• Translate insights into compelling narratives and campaigns with cross-functional teams.
• Provide PR and internal communications content for client and consultant newsletters.
• Support recurring internal communications and employee-facing storytelling to keep employees informed.
• Assist with executive town halls and internal presentations with messaging and talking points.
• Track, analyze, and report on U.S. PR performance to refine execution and reputation management.
• Assist with reputation management, issues response, and incident-related communications.

Skills

Media relations

Writing & editing

AP style

Brief PR agencies

Executive communications

Project management

Stakeholder management

B2B/fintech knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in PR/communications/marketing

Job description

Candescent is a forward-thinking technology company transforming how financial institutions deliver Intelligent Banking experiences. We unite digital banking, account opening, and branch solutions to power seamless engagement across digital, remote, and in-person channels.

The Communications Manager will lead hands-on media relations, public relations programs, and employee communications, drafting and publishing content while partnering with the Director, Content & PR to align narratives across