📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Vice President, External Communications
🔹 Company: Ascensus
🔹 Location: Remote, Pennsylvania; Boston, MA; Washington, DC; Chicago, IL; Atlanta, GA
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Financial Services
🔹 Date Posted: May 5, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading external communications for Ascensus and its four lines of business
- Accelerating commercial growth through strategic media relations, social media, and reputation management
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with key media outlets and influencers
- Developing and executing CEO and President executive platforms
- Collaborating across the organization and other centers of excellence
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and proven experience in external communications within the financial services industry.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Set vision for media relations, social media, and reputation management that amplify Ascensus' voice and influence with key stakeholders
✅ Build effective relationships and partner closely with executive leadership, lines of business, and other teams to source media-worthy content
✅ Develop media-worthy platforms and content, resulting in frequent, high-quality earned media opportunities, active social media presence, and executive speaking engagements
✅ Monitor Ascensus and competitor media positioning and news impact, staying current on industry trends and regulatory issues
✅ Collaborate effectively across the organization and other centers of excellence
✅ Work closely with the Insights & Analytics team to leverage Ascensus data and expertise to pursue media relations objectives
✅ Prepare regular reports covering recent media opportunities and press releases for the executive team
✅ Supervise the Director of Media Content and Director of Enterprise Social Media, as well as contractor and agency resources as needed
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and execution skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field
Experience: 10-15 years of financial services industry experience in media relations, reputation management, crisis communications, executive communications, and social media
Required Skills:
- Strong writing skills—succinct and compelling, including executive writing
- Established and active financial services industry media contacts
- Proven success and high confidence in written and oral communication, influencing skills, issues management, and cross-enterprise initiative leadership
- Strong proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Ability to work effectively in a remote environment
Preferred Skills:
- Proven success in the retirement industry
- Established technology media contacts
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong bias toward progressing Ascensus' reputation and growing its impact.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $180,000 - $220,000 (based on industry standards for a VP-level role in financial services with 10-15 years of experience)
Benefits:
- Professional Development
- Generous Reward Programs
- Paid Time Off
- Medical Benefits
- Dental Benefits
- Vision Benefits
- Health Savings Account
- 401(k) Match
- 529 College Savings Match
- Volunteer Programs
- Charitable-Giving Programs
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET, with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Ascensus is a market-leading enabler of tax-advantaged savings, providing technology, services, and expertise that helps millions save for a better today and tomorrow. It operates in the financial services industry, focusing on retirement plan services, education savings, and ABLE accounts.
Company Size: Ascensus has 5,001-10,000 employees, providing a large, established organization with ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: Ascensus was founded in 1980 and has since grown to become a premier savings program service provider, third-party administrator, and government savings facilitator.
Company Description:
- Ascensus offers a range of services, including recordkeeping, administrative, and consulting services for retirement plans, education savings, and ABLE accounts
- The company's brands include Ascensus, Newport, an Ascensus company, and FuturePlan by Ascensus
- Ascensus is committed to providing exceptional service, innovative technology, and comprehensive resources to help its partners, clients, and savers achieve their savings goals
Company Specialties:
- Retirement plan services
- Education savings
- ABLE accounts
Company Website: http://www.ascensus.com/
ASSUMPTION: Ascensus' focus on tax-advantaged savings and its extensive experience in the financial services industry make it an attractive employer for candidates seeking to grow their careers in this field.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, reporting directly to the Chief Marketing Officer and overseeing the Director of Media Content and Director of Enterprise Social Media.
Reporting Structure: The Vice President, External Communications will report to the Chief Marketing Officer and have supervisory responsibilities for the Director of Media Content and Director of Enterprise Social Media, as well as contractor and agency resources as needed.
Work Arrangement: This role is remote-friendly, with the option to work from one of Ascensus' offices in Dresher, PA; Newton, MA; Fargo, ND; or Brainerd, MN.
Growth Opportunities:
- Ascensus' large size and diverse range of services provide ample opportunities for career growth and development
- The company's commitment to professional development and generous reward programs further enhance its potential for employee growth
- This role's strategic nature and impact on Ascensus' reputation and commercial growth present opportunities for the successful candidate to make a significant mark on the organization
ASSUMPTION: The Vice President, External Communications role offers a unique opportunity for a strategic, experienced communications professional to make a significant impact on Ascensus' reputation and commercial growth.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Ascensus has multiple office locations, with the option for remote work
Office Location(s): Dresher, PA; Newton, MA; Fargo, ND; Brainerd, MN
Geographic Context:
- Ascensus' headquarters is located in Dresher, PA, with additional offices in Newton, MA; Fargo, ND; and Brainerd, MN
- The company's remote-friendly work arrangement allows employees to work from various locations across the United States
- Ascensus' offices are located in urban and suburban areas, providing employees with access to a range of amenities and cultural attractions
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET, with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: Ascensus' remote-friendly work arrangement and multiple office locations provide employees with the flexibility to balance their professional and personal lives.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition team
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager (Chief Marketing Officer)
- Final interview with key stakeholders
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Media relations experience and contacts
- Leadership and team management skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Ascensus' core values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of Ascensus' business and the financial services industry
- Prepare examples of your past media relations successes and challenges
- Showcase your ability to think strategically and develop effective communication plans
ATS Keywords: Media relations, social media, reputation management, crisis communications, executive communications, financial services industry, strategic planning, leadership, team management, communication skills
ASSUMPTION: Ascensus' interview process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on their ability to contribute to the company's commercial growth and reputation management.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Media monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24, Hootsuite)
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social, Buffer)
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, Adobe Experience Manager)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the candidate's background and the team's needs.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- People Matter: Ascensus prioritizes its employees' well-being and growth
- Quality First: The company is committed to delivering exceptional service and innovative technology
- Integrity Always: Ascensus upholds the highest ethical standards in all its operations
Work Style:
- Collaborative: Ascensus encourages cross-functional collaboration and teamwork
- Adaptable: The company values employees who can adapt to change and embrace new challenges
- Results-driven: Ascensus focuses on delivering tangible results and driving commercial growth
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you align with Ascensus' core values of People Matter, Quality First, and Integrity Always?
- Are you comfortable working in a remote or hybrid work environment?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, results-driven work environment?
ASSUMPTION: Ascensus' culture is characterized by its commitment to its employees, exceptional service, and ethical standards, making it an attractive employer for candidates seeking a supportive, values-driven work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with key media outlets and influencers
- Adapting to changes in the media landscape and industry trends
- Balancing the needs and priorities of various stakeholders, including executive leadership, lines of business, and other teams
ASSUMPTION: The Vice President, External Communications role presents unique challenges and opportunities for a strategic, experienced communications professional to make a significant impact on Ascensus' reputation and commercial growth.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other communications roles, this position focuses on external communications and reputation management, rather than internal communications or public relations
- This role requires a strong understanding of the financial services industry and its key stakeholders
- Career progression in this role may lead to senior leadership positions within Ascensus or other organizations in the financial services industry
ASSUMPTION: The Vice President, External Communications role offers a unique blend of strategic communications, industry expertise, and leadership opportunities for the right candidate.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive media relations plan to amplify Ascensus' voice and influence with key stakeholders
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with key media outlets and influencers to secure high-quality earned media opportunities
- Creating and distributing press releases, position papers, thought leadership content, and executive talking points to support Ascensus' commercial growth and reputation management objectives
ASSUMPTION: The Vice President, External Communications role offers a wide range of projects and initiatives, allowing the successful candidate to make a significant impact on Ascensus' reputation and commercial growth.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current media landscape and trends in the financial services industry, and how this role contributes to Ascensus' commercial growth and reputation management objectives?
- How does this role collaborate with other teams and departments within Ascensus, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this position?
- What are the most significant challenges facing Ascensus' reputation and commercial growth, and how can this role address them?
- How does Ascensus support the professional development and growth of its employees, and what opportunities exist for growth and advancement in this role?
- What is Ascensus' approach to work-life balance, and how does this role accommodate remote work and flexibility?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, strategic questions during the interview process demonstrates the candidate's interest in and understanding of the role and Ascensus' business.
📌 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 experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your past media relations successes and challenges
- Demonstrate your understanding of Ascensus' business and the financial services industry
- Follow up with Ascensus' Talent Acquisition team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
