Vice President, External Communications

Duties and Responsibilities

At First Republic, we care about our people. Founded in 1985, we offer extraordinary client service in private banking, private business banking and private wealth management. We believe that personal connections are everything and our success is driven by the relationships we form with our colleagues and clients. You’ll always feel empowered and valued here.

THE ROLE

Working closely with the Head of Communications, the Vice President of External Communications will develop and lead external communications strategies for First Republic that reinforce the company’s strategic objectives and drive understanding of the company’s values, strategy and progress with a wide range of stakeholders, including media, clients, and communities. This person will be responsible for communicating the company’s unique value proposition and minimizing reputational risk in its urban coastal markets. Key to achieving these objectives is recognizing the importance of timely response to crises, setbacks, and incoming media inquiries; overseeing and working closely with a team of colleagues in communications, investor relations, social impact, business units and outside agencies; and ensuring that all campaigns, content, and information released are consistent with the broader Bank strategy.

The successful candidate will possess superb judgment, a collaborative, can-do mindset, outstanding written and verbal communication skills, and a willingness to roll up their sleeves and execute. Reporting to the Head of Communications, the Vice President of External Communications will have the opportunity to:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead External Communications and, in partnership with the Head of Communications, establish external communications strategy and oversee execution to support business goals.
• Provide senior counsel to the Head of Communications, Chief Marketing/Communications Officer and other senior executives as needed and requested.
• Manage media relations for the company and serve as the company’s official media spokesperson. Focus on reactive media/PR inquiries and related reputational issues, campaigns and opportunities across the Bank as well as strategic outreach to journalists.
• Work with colleagues within and beyond the Communications team to develop, coordinate and implement external communications plans. Develop appropriate messages, strategies and tactics for various target audiences, including media, clients and prospects, and other opinion leaders.
• Seek out, identify and evaluate situations that could adversely impact the bank’s reputation and proactively develop and coordinate strategies and tactics to promote and protect the Bank.
• Provide leadership on communications strategies and tactics when issues, events, policies or decisions threaten to impact the Bank's reputation. Develop appropriate responses and communications materials, in close collaboration with internal and enterprise Communications colleagues
• Cultivate strong working relationships with leaders across the company and across functions to remain well-informed of key business priorities and positioned to swiftly connect the dots.
• Monitor and provide senior evaluation on all media coverage of the Bank. Evaluate the success of earned media placements and crisis mitigation efforts and utilize learnings from outcomes to inform future outreach.
• Together with the CMCO and Head of Communications, support executive positioning, speechwriting, and high visibility publications (Annual Report, etc.).
• Provide creative and top-quality writing to illuminate key messages.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 10 + years of corporate external communications experience in a strategic advisory capacity, with minimum 5 years of experience in financial services
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory/managerial experience
• A collaborative team player, skilled at working cross-functionally
• A consultative and confident decision-maker
• A high level of self-motivation; able to juggle multiple workstreams and deadlines with limited staff resources
• Intellectually curious: reads widely and explores new ideas and perspectives
• Exceptional interpersonal and communications skills
• Awareness of and proficiency with communications technologies
• Experience with community engagement
• Experience with crisis management and proven ability to stay calm and focused under pressure
• Comfort with rapid change and ready to pitch in as needed
• Clear and concise communication style
• Experience as a journalist is a plus; significant experience managing relationships with journalists is required.

Base salary range

$250,000 - $265,000 annually

Salary may vary depending on job-related factors including, but not limited to, skills and experience. Full-time employees may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes: medical, dental and vision coverage, 401(k), life insurance, paid time off and a Wellness Program.  Annual bonus, incentive pay and/or equity may also apply depending upon the role.