Vice President, External Communications

Ascensus; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Vice President of External Communications to lead media relations, social media, and reputation management efforts. This pivotal role aims to enhance brand awareness and amplify the company's voice across diverse audiences, including financial institutions and investors. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the financial services sector, exceptional writing skills, and the ability to build strong executive relationships. If you are passionate about communication and eager to make a significant impact, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of experience in media relations and crisis communications.
• Exceptional writing and executive communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategies for media relations and reputation management.
• Create media-ready content to secure coverage and engagements.

Skills

Media Relations

Crisis Communications

Social Media Strategy

Executive Communication

Strategic Thinking

Writing Skills

Leadership Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Communications or related field

Master's Degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Digital Media Collaboration Tools

Job description

Join to apply for the Vice President, External Communications role at Ascensus.

The Vice President, External Communications is responsible for media relations, social media, reputation management, crisis communications, and public-facing executive communications for Ascensus and its four lines of business. This role aims to accelerate growth, enhance brand awareness, and amplify the company's voice across various audiences, including financial institutions, governments, and investors.

Key qualifications include strong media relationships, the ability to generate newsworthy content, and experience in social media strategy and executive communication. The candidate should demonstrate recent success in building executive relationships and managing communication platforms for senior leaders.

Job Functions, Essential Duties, and Responsibilities

1. Develop and implement strategies for media relations, social media, and reputation management aligned with business goals, including planning, execution, and metrics tracking.
2. Build and maintain effective relationships with executive leadership and key internal departments to support communication initiatives.
3. Create media-ready content such as press releases, thought leadership articles, executive talking points, and social media content to secure media coverage and speaking engagements.
4. Monitor media positioning and industry trends, including regulatory developments affecting the business.
5. Collaborate across departments and with external vendors to support communication efforts.
6. Leverage data and insights to inform media strategies and prepare regular reports for leadership.
7. Ensure confidentiality and proper handling of sensitive information.
8. Support the company's core values through daily actions and modeling organizational culture.
9. Perform other tasks and projects as assigned.

Supervision

The Vice President will oversee the Director of Media Content, Director of Enterprise Social Media, and external resources, coordinating with vendors and leading cross-functional initiatives to enhance reputation and media engagement.

Experience, Skills, and Knowledge Requirements

• 10-15 years of experience in media relations, reputation management, crisis communications, and social media within the financial services industry; retirement sector experience preferred.
• Exceptional writing skills, including executive communication.
• Established media contacts within financial services and technology sectors.
• Strong communication, influence, and leadership skills, with strategic thinking ability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with digital media collaboration.
• Commitment to enhancing Ascensus’s reputation and impact.

Note: For remote roles, a distraction-free workspace, family care arrangements, and sufficient internet speed (25 Mbps or higher) are required. Call center roles require a wired connection or proximity to the router.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Beware of employment fraud; all legitimate communications originate from @ascensus.com or @futureplan.com. We will never ask for payment or equipment purchases. Apply directly through our website if suspicious.