Public Relations Lead (Contractor)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Public Relations Lead (Contractor)

🔹 Company: Varo Bank

🔹 Location: Multiple locations (see below)

🔹 Job Type: Contractor

🔹 Category: Public Relations

🔹 Date Posted: April 26, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 7-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Driving Varo's corporate narrative in the media and championing its mission of financial inclusion
• Managing speaking engagements and preparing speakers for media appearances and conferences
• Optimizing content for visibility and engagement using relevant keywords and hashtags
• Developing thought leadership content for LinkedIn and other platforms
• Crafting various media materials such as press releases, media pitches, and positioning statements
• Identifying proactive media opportunities and executing communication plans
• Monitoring press coverage and engaging with media outlets and journalists
• Coordinating crisis communication

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of both consumer and corporate PR, as well as experience in the financial or technology sector. The ideal candidate will be a creative and strategic thinker with exceptional communication skills and a passion for storytelling.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Drive the corporate narrative in the media and champion Varo's dynamic brand mission of financial inclusion

✅ Manage speaking engagement opportunities for executives and company experts, and prepare speakers for media engagements and conferences

✅ Optimize content for visibility and engagement, using relevant keywords and hashtags

✅ Develop thought leadership content for LinkedIn, aligning with overall business objectives and leveraging industry trends and relevant topics

✅ Write and develop content and media materials such as: press releases, media pitches, fact sheets, backgrounders, sponsored content, op-eds, submitted columns, and positioning statements

✅ Identify proactive media opportunities and develop, execute, and evaluate communication plans

✅ Create and manage consumer product launch PR plans, coordinating with the marketing team

✅ Monitor press coverage for the company, industry, and select competitors

✅ Engage and manage media outlets, journalists, and publications to develop responses to inquiries

✅ Provide recommendations and messaging for appropriate response and next steps

✅ Coordinate crisis communication

ASSUMPTION: The role requires a proactive approach to media relations, strong writing skills, and the ability to work well under pressure, especially during crisis situations.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field

Experience: 7-10 years of PR experience, with a focus on consumer and corporate PR

Required Skills:

• Exceptional spoken and written communication skills
• Experience in the financial or technology sector (preferred)
• Creative, thoughtful, and passionate about storytelling, with a commitment to project management and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Confident self-starter and problem solver; able to run projects with minimal direction
• Passion for Varo's mission and the customers they serve

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with crisis communication
• Familiarity with the banking industry

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, it's assumed that candidates should have a strong understanding of the media landscape, both traditional and digital, and be able to build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and other media professionals.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45 - $55 per hour (40 hours per week)

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work with a mission-driven, innovative fintech company
• Flexible work arrangement (remote OK)
• Potential for contract extension

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for PR contractors with similar experience levels. Benefits are not explicitly stated but may include standard contract worker benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Banking and Financial Services

Company Size: 501-1,000 employees

Founded: 2015

Company Description:

• Varo is an entirely new kind of bank, all digital, mission-driven, FDIC insured, and designed for the way customers live their lives
• Varo is working towards its mission with a team that uniquely combines banking veterans with technology experts
• Varo has raised over $992.4 million to date from leading institutional investors and strategic partners

Company Specialties:

• Mobile Banking
• User Interface
• Financial Services
• Risk Management
• Design Research
• Customer Experience
• Digital Banking
• Financial Inclusion
• FDIC Insured
• Bank
• OCC Chartered Bank
• Secure

Company Website: varomoney.com

ASSUMPTION: Varo is a well-funded, innovative fintech company with a strong focus on financial inclusion and customer experience. They value a diverse and strategic team that combines banking expertise with technological innovation.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Experienced Professional

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Head of Communications

Work Arrangement: Remote OK, with the possibility of working from one of Varo's hub locations in San Francisco, Salt Lake City, or Charlotte

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential contract extension or full-time employment
• Opportunity to work on high-impact projects and make a significant impact on the company's growth and success
• Chance to develop skills in a fast-paced, innovative environment

ASSUMPTION: This role offers the opportunity to work with a dynamic and growing company in the fintech industry, with potential for long-term growth and development.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (remote OK with the possibility of working from one of Varo's hub locations)

Office Location(s): San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Charlotte, Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, New York City, Seattle, and San Francisco

Geographic Context:

• Varo's hub locations offer vibrant, diverse communities with a mix of urban and suburban living options
• Each location has a unique cultural scene, with various attractions, restaurants, and outdoor activities
• All locations offer easy access to public transportation and are within commuting distance to major cities

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible hours and the possibility of working remotely

ASSUMPTION: Varo's hybrid work environment offers a balance between remote work and the opportunity to collaborate with team members in person. The company's multiple locations provide candidates with the flexibility to choose a work environment that best suits their needs and preferences.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the HR team
• In-depth interview with the Head of Communications and/or other team members
• Background check and reference check (if applicable)
• Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and media relations experience
• Storytelling abilities and creative thinking
• Project management and organizational skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Varo's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant PR experience and skills
• Include specific examples of your media relations successes and challenges overcome
• Demonstrate your understanding of Varo's mission and how your skills and experience align with the company's goals

ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Communications, Media Relations, Storytelling, Consumer PR, Corporate PR, Financial Services, Technology, Banking, Crisis Communication, Thought Leadership, Content Development, Media Materials, Press Releases, Media Pitches, Positioning Statements, Proactive Media Opportunities, Communication Plans, Product Launch PR, Press Monitoring, Journalists, Media Outlets, Crisis Communication

ASSUMPTION: Varo's application process is designed to assess candidates' communication skills, media relations experience, and cultural fit. The company values proactive, creative, and strategic thinkers who are passionate about their mission and committed to driving their corporate narrative in the media.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets, Slides)
• Media monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24, Hootsuite)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com)
• Crisis communication platforms (e.g., Agility PR Solutions, Critical Mention)

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, it's assumed that candidates should be comfortable using common office productivity suites, project management tools, and media monitoring platforms. Familiarity with crisis communication platforms may also be beneficial.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customers First
• Take Ownership
• Respect
• Stay Curious
• Make it Better

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Mission-driven and passionate about financial inclusion
• Committed to continuous learning and improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with Varo's mission and values?
• How do you approach building and maintaining strong relationships with journalists and media outlets?
• How do you stay organized and manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment?
• How do you handle crisis situations and develop effective communication strategies?

ASSUMPTION: Varo values candidates who are passionate about their mission, collaborative, and committed to continuous learning and improvement. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate their alignment with the company's values and work style, as well as their ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Developing and executing effective communication strategies during crisis situations
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with journalists and media outlets in a competitive landscape
• Keeping up with industry trends and relevant topics for thought leadership content

ASSUMPTION: While Varo offers a dynamic and innovative work environment, the role may present challenges related to managing multiple projects, crisis communication, and staying current with industry trends. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate their ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to in-house PR roles, this contractor position offers more flexibility and the potential for varied project work
• Compared to agency PR roles, this position offers a deeper focus on a single client and the opportunity to drive the company's narrative more directly
• Compared to other fintech or banking PR roles, this position offers the chance to work with a mission-driven, innovative company focused on financial inclusion

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of flexibility, focus, and mission-driven work, making it an attractive opportunity for experienced PR professionals looking to make a significant impact in the fintech industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a communication plan for a major product launch, including media outreach, event planning, and thought leadership content
• Managing a crisis communication situation, including developing messaging, engaging with media outlets, and monitoring press coverage
• Creating and optimizing content for Varo's social media channels, including LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects highlight the range of responsibilities and skills required for this role, from strategic planning and execution to crisis communication and content creation.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the biggest challenges facing the company in the next 6-12 months, and how can this role help address them?
• How does this role fit into the overall communications strategy, and what are the key priorities for the first 30-60 days?
• What opportunities are there for growth and development within the communications team and the company as a whole?
• How does Varo support work-life balance for its employees, especially for remote workers?
• What are the most important qualities and skills you're looking for in a candidate for this role?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role's priorities, growth opportunities, and cultural fit, as well as the company's expectations for the ideal candidate.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant PR experience and skills, including specific examples of your media relations successes and challenges overcome
• Prepare a portfolio or examples of your work, if applicable
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.