CardWorks

AVP, External Communications

CardWorks

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Office

Location: Woodbury • New York • United States

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Salary

💰 $130,000 - $175,000 per year

Job Level

Lead

About the role

  • Develop and execute media relations strategies that deepen awareness of CardWorks, Merrick Bank, and our branded credit cards (Merrick Bank & Ollo) across key national, financial, trade, and consumer press.
  • Execute comprehensive awards submission program to elevate brand awareness and industry credibility.
  • Identify conferences for company’s participation.
  • Create compelling pitches, press releases, bylines, op-eds, and other media materials.
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with key journalists, podcasters, and influencers.
  • Drive proactive storytelling tied to business priorities, credit access, financial inclusion, and regulatory trends.
  • Partner with internal teams and external research firms to develop branded research (surveys, whitepapers, studies) that position the company as a leader in consumer finance and near-prime credit.
  • Transform insights into content that fuels media coverage, investor interest, and B2B awareness.
  • Support external platforms for senior leadership including CEO interviews, LinkedIn content, speaker opportunities, and awards programs.
  • Develop messaging and briefing documents to ensure executives shine across media and public appearances.
  • Support response strategies related to issues, risks, crises, or regulatory shifts.
  • Help build the corporate narrative and messaging architecture.
  • Work cross-functionally with internal partners across Legal, Investor Relations, HR, Marketing, Risk, and Product to ensure alignment on external communications.
  • Bring fresh perspective and "outside the box" thinking to continuously evolve our approach.

Requirements

  • Ten (10) + years of experience in media relations, public relations, corporate communications, journalism, or related fields, preferably in financial services, fintech, payments, or regulated industries.
  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or Business, required.
  • Masters degree, a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver earned media results at the national and trade level.
  • Experience creating strategic communications plans and executing hands-on deliverables.
  • Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, with an ear for brand voice and accuracy.
  • Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills; proven ability to build consensus in matrixed environments.
  • Self-starter who brings both creative and critical thinking to the table.
  • Ability to thrive in ambiguity and handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced organization.
Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision (plus much more)
  • 401(k) Plan with Company Match
  • Short- & Long-Term Disability
  • Wellness Programs
  • Group Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Paid Vacation, Sick Days and bank Holidays
  • Employee Engagement Activities including Employee Appreciation Day, DEI Employee Resource Groups, Corporate Social Responsibility, Service Recognition
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
media relationspublic relationscorporate communicationsjournalismstrategic communicationsearned mediacontent creationmessaging developmentstakeholder engagementproject management
Soft Skills
writingstorytellingcreative thinkingcritical thinkingconsensus buildingadaptabilityrelationship managementcross-functional collaborationproblem-solvingorganizational skills
Certifications
Bachelor's degree in CommunicationsBachelor's degree in Public RelationsBachelor's degree in JournalismBachelor's degree in BusinessMaster's degree