Director of Corporate Communications

Upstart

6d•Remote

About The Position

Upstart's Communications team shapes how our story shows up in the market, with a focus on building trust, clarity, and relevance across external audiences. The team partners closely with leaders across the company to connect business performance, industry context, and innovation into a narrative that is timely, credible, and differentiated. As the Director, Corporate Communications at Upstart, you will lead and partner on key aspects of our corporate communications strategy, with a focus on executive visibility, corporate messaging, media relations, and thought leadership. In this role, you will help position Upstart and its leaders at the center of important conversations shaping lending, AI, consumer finance, and the broader economy. You will operate across strategy and execution, partnering with senior leaders while driving proactive storytelling that builds credibility over time.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Marketing, Business, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
10+ years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, executive communications, or a related field.
5+ years of experience developing corporate messaging and media relations strategies for a public company, high-growth technology company, fintech, or other regulated industry.
Experience building executive visibility programs and supporting senior leaders through media interviews, speaking engagements, and sensitive communications moments.
Experience partnering cross-functionally with functions such as Investor Relations, Legal, Marketing, and executive leadership to deliver coordinated external communications.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the media landscape across business, financial, technology, and consumer outlets.
Ability to translate complex business, financial, and policy topics into clear, audience-centered messaging and thought leadership.
Experience identifying proactive storytelling opportunities tied to industry trends, macroeconomic developments, and the news cycle.
Skills in developing contributed content, messaging frameworks, and executive communications materials for senior leaders.
Experience using AI platforms and tools to improve communications workflows, insight generation, or team effectiveness.

Responsibilities

Define and evolve Upstart’s corporate narrative, ensuring it is grounded in company performance, industry dynamics, and the broader economic landscape.
Develop and execute communications programs that increase Upstart’s visibility across business, financial, technology, and mainstream media.
Build and elevate the external profiles of Upstart executives through media strategy, thought leadership platforms, speaking opportunities, and contributed content.
Counsel senior leaders on messaging, positioning, media engagement, and high-stakes communications moments with sound judgment and consistency.
Partner with Investor Relations, Legal, Marketing, Growth, and Internal Communications to align messaging across external touchpoints and audience moments.
Translate complex topics, including lending, credit, AI, regulation, and macroeconomic trends, into clear and compelling stories for external audiences.

Benefits

Competitive compensation, including base pay, bonus opportunities, and annual equity grants that vest quarterly
Generous 401(k) plan with Upstart matching $2 for every $1 contributed, up to $15,000 per year
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with discounted stock purchase options for eligible employees
Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage, with multiple plan options - Upstart covers 90% to 100% of the cost depending on the plans you choose
Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart for eligible plans
Income protection benefits, including company-paid Basic Life, AD&D, and Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage, with options to purchase supplemental coverage
Paid time off, sick and safe time, and company holidays
Paid family and parental leave to support caregiving and major life moments
Family-centered benefits through Carrot and Cleo, supporting fertility, parenthood, and caregiving
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering mental health support and life-centered resources
Financial wellness resources, including access to financial planning tools and a financial concierge service
Annual wellness allowance to support your physical and emotional well-being and personal development, based on what matters most to you
Annual productivity allowance to invest in relevant tools and resources you need to do your best work, no matter where you work from
Connection and community through team events and onsites, all-company updates, and employee resource groups (ERGs)
Onsite perks, including catered lunches and fully stocked micro-kitchens when working from one of our four offices, located in the Bay Area, Austin, Columbus, and New York City (opening Summer 2026!).