Strategic Communications Lead Financial Services (Hybrid)

Reports to Associate Director, Strategic Communications Overview Manhattan Strategies is seeking a Senior Associate, Strategic Communications with a focus in financial services to join our team. The best-fit candidate has a strong foundation in communications strategy and execution, including media relations, executive positioning, and content development, with demonstrated experience navigating the nuances of the financial services industry. You are a sharp writer, a careful editor, and an instinctive strategist with a genuine interest in markets, business, and the broader financial services landscape. Given the real-time nature of communications and news cycles, this role requires flexibility and responsiveness outside of standard hours when client needs arise. We are thoughtful about balance and committed to showing up for our clients when it matters most. Key Responsibilities Media Relations: Build and maintain relationships with financial, business, and trade media; pitch stories and coordinate interviews, briefings, and announcements. Account Management: Manage day-to-day execution across strategic communications engagements for financial services clients, including banks, asset managers, fintechs, and related firms. Communications Strategy: Support the development and execution of communications strategies aligned with client business objectives, market context, and regulatory considerations. Content Development: Draft and edit press releases, executive communications, talking points, bylines, social content, and other materials that translate complex topics for broad audiences. Industry Monitoring & Analysis: Track developments across financial services to identify timely opportunities, emerging narratives, and risks that affect client positioning. Mentorship: Support and guide Associates on the team, sharing experience and helping elevate the quality of shared work. Who Thrives in This Role This opportunity is ideal for you if you: Are genuinely interested in financial services and follow the markets, regulators, and industry players closely; relationships with relevant media stakeholders a plus Think strategically about audiences, you don't just create content, you think about who it's for, why it matters, and how it performs Take ownership of your accounts, you're proactive, responsive, and hold yourself to a high standard of quality and follow-through Thrive in a fast-paced, client-driven environment where your work is visible, timely, and directly tied to results Communicate clearly and collaborate well, you're comfortable working across teams, managing client feedback, and knowing when to escalate Are curious and experimental, you test, learn, and bring new ideas to the table without waiting to be asked Are comfortable managing multiple clients and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail and execution quality Are proactive in seeking collaboration and support across the team to ensure deliverables are completed on time. Bring rigor and judgment to communications in a regulated industry where words matter Qualifications 3-5 years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, financial communications, or related fields; agency experience preferred Demonstrated understanding of the financial services industry, including its players, regulators, and core narratives Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to adapt tone across audiences (media, executive, internal, regulatory) Experience supporting media relations and earned media programs Familiarity with communications and monitoring tools (e.g., Muck Rack, Cision, Meltwater, or equivalents) Collaborative, proactive, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment Genuine interest in business, markets, and the broader financial services landscape Bachelor's degree preferred, but not required with relevant experience Benefits & Compensation Total compensation: $87,000 per year Compensation includes base salary plus bonuses 401(k) with company match Paid family leave Healthcare and dental insurance Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit options Hybrid work environment Open, collaborative office space designed for both collaboration and focused work Leadership that is accessible and invested in your growth Ongoing learning opportunities and skills development An environment where diverse perspectives are not just welcomed, but valued Pantry stocked with an array of beverages and snacks Scheduled team lunches, celebrations, and recognition of milestone moments and wins About Manhattan Strategies By 2035, the majority of CEOs and senior decision makers will be digital natives: people whose expectations will reflect a digital and visual life experience. At Manhattan Strategies, our mission is rooted in a simple hypothesis: if you communicate visually, you maximize your power to compel action. To do it, we combine an attentive communications agency and a boldly ambitious design studio. Our work spans challenges of every size and stage, from pre-seed startups to Fortune 100 companies and from political campaigns to product launches. Manhattan Strategies has been recognized by ADWEEK among the fastest-growing agencies and by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing companies in America and the best B2B public relations provider in the United States. The firm has also won dozens of awards for its design, web development, branding and video production. #J-18808-Ljbffr Manhattan Strategies