AVP External Communications

CardWorks • Woodbury, MN

2d • $130,000 - $175,000

About The Position

We’re seeking an Assistant Vice President, External Communications to lead key initiatives that amplify CardWorks’ brand, company awareness and reputation. This role is ideal for a strategic yet hands-on communications leader who thrives in high-growth environments, is passionate about storytelling, and can creatively translate complex financial topics into compelling narratives. You’ll be a high-performing writer, strategist, and collaborator -- someone who rolls up their sleeves, loves building consensus, and brings fresh thinking to media relations, thought leadership, research, corporate reputation, and executive visibility. The ideal candidate is a fast thinker, influencer, communicator and a team player who can guide stakeholders, navigate complexity, and turn challenges into opportunities. This role will partner with Internal Communication colleagues and business leadership across the company, as well as business stakeholders sharing our stories more broadly across the fintech, banking and credit card industries.

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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Masters degree, a plus.

Responsibilities

• Media Relations & Thought Leadership 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.
• Content & Research 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.
• Executive Visibility 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.
• Reputation Management Support response strategies related to issues, risks, crises, or regulatory shifts.
• Help build the corporate narrative and messaging architecture.
• Collaboration & Strategy 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.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay , including a Bonus Target or Variable Pay Incentive Program
• Benefits Package -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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive