Vice President, Press Secretary

Vice President, Press Secretary

The Consumer Bankers Association (CBA) seeks an experienced, proactive, and results-oriented communicator to join its public affairs team focused on financial services policy. Reporting to CBA’s Head of Public Affairs, this role will work closely with the policy team, the President & CEO, member banks, and external stakeholders to champion the benefits of retail banking, amplify the important work of CBA members, and advance the association’s policy priorities.

This role requires a strategic thinker who can translate complex policy issues into compelling narratives, anticipate and capitalize on opportunities in the news cycle, and build relationships with reporters, industry partners, and other third-party stakeholders. The successful candidate will bring a positive, can-do attitude, a collaborative mindset, and a willingness to take initiative and help move projects from strategy through execution in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead media relations and serve as an on-the-record spokesperson for CBA, responding to press inquiries, drafting statements and commentary, and cultivating strong, proactive relationships with reporters covering financial services, business, politics, and public policy.


• Proactively engage third-party stakeholders including industry partners, financial services trade associations, policy experts, think tanks, and other influential voices to build relationships, identify opportunities for collaboration, and amplify CBA’s messages.


• Help develop and manage integrated policy and advocacy campaigns, working across public affairs, policy, government relations, research, and other teams to coordinate messaging, align communications tactics, and advance strategic objectives.


• Plan and execute media opportunities for the President & CEO, including proactively pitching interviews and speaking opportunities, preparing talking points and briefing materials, and coordinating background information and insights from internal teams.


• Pitch specific CBA issues/topics to advance advocacy and CBA member priorities. This will include different team members serving as subject matter experts on different issues at different times. Training and media preparation for CBA team as needed.


• Draft and edit high-quality communications products, including op-eds, press releases, statements, media pitches, speeches, talking points, blog posts, and other materials tailored to different audiences and channels.


• Work across teams to translate research, policy analysis, and data into compelling communications that demonstrate the value of retail banking to consumers, small businesses, and communities.


• Contribute to a collaborative, solutions-oriented team culture by taking ownership of projects, adapting quickly to changing priorities, and helping colleagues deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in media relations, strategic communications, public affairs, political communications, or advocacy, preferably in a fast-paced organization.


• Demonstrated experience managing media relationships, securing earned media coverage, developing communications strategies, and serving as a spokesperson.


• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex policy and technical issues into clear, compelling messages for a broad audience.


• Experience supporting advocacy or public policy campaigns, including coordinating messaging, engaging external stakeholders, and executing communications strategies across multiple channels.


• Excellent judgment and executive presence with the ability to provide thoughtful communications counsel to senior leadership.


• Strong project management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate across teams, and deliver high-quality work on tight deadlines.


• Familiarity with financial services, banking, or economic policy issues preferred, but not required.


• A collaborative, team-first approach and commitment to an all-hands-on-deck culture in which flexibility, initiative, and shared accountability are essential.