📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: VP, Communications
🔹 Company: Upstart
🔹 Location: San Mateo, CA, USA (Remote/Hybrid)
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Financial Services
🔹 Date Posted: May 9, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 12+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote with monthly onsites)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive external communications plan
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with media outlets and influencers
- Serving as a trusted advisor and lead spokesperson during sensitive communications moments
- Partnering with the CEO and executive leadership to craft compelling narratives
- Leading through sensitive or high-profile communications situations
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic and hands-on leader with a proven track record in communications to drive Upstart's brand narrative and position the company as a category-defining player in AI, financial inclusion, and lending innovation.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and implement a comprehensive external communications plan aligned with company goals and mission
✅ Build and maintain strong relationships with top-tier media outlets, journalists, and industry influencers to secure meaningful coverage
✅ Serve as a trusted advisor and lead spokesperson during sensitive communications moments
✅ Partner with the CEO and executive leadership to craft compelling narratives for media, speaking engagements, social media, and internal broadcasts
✅ Own all product communications and corporate announcements
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience in corporate communications, public relations, or a related field, preferably in the consumer technology space, with a successful history of building and growing a function.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 12+ years in communications, with significant experience leading PR, corporate comms, and executive comms for innovative, high-growth companies
Required Skills:
- Strong understanding of the fintech landscape or other highly regulated environments
- Strategic and creative thinker with excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills
- Experience leading through sensitive or high-profile communications situations
- Ability to advise executives on strategic communications, providing media training and presentation support
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in corporate communications, public relations, or a related field, preferably in the consumer technology space
- Proven track record of managing product communications and media relations with a successful history of building and growing a function
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to work closely with executives and manage multiple stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: While a Master's degree may be beneficial, it is not always required for candidates with extensive relevant experience.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $295,000 - $330,000 USD (Anticipated, based on experience and location)
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401k
- Target Bonuses and Equity Compensation
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and Upstart's compensation regions. Individual pay may vary based on skills, experience, and location.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Upstart operates in the Financial Services industry, focusing on AI-driven lending marketplaces and consumer credit products.
Company Size: Upstart is a mid-sized company with 1,001-5,000 employees, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment.
Founded: Upstart was founded in 2012 and went public in 2020, with a mission to enable effortless credit based on true risk.
Company Description:
- Upstart is the leading AI lending marketplace, connecting consumers to banks and credit unions through its AI models and cloud applications
- The company offers personal loans, automotive retail and refinance loans, home equity lines of credit, and small-dollar “relief” loans
- Upstart is committed to expanding access to affordable credit while delivering an exceptional digital-first lending experience
Company Specialties:
- Personal Loans
- FinTech
- Marketplace Lending
- Finance
- Tech
- SaaS
- Data Science
- Consumer Credit
- Auto Lending
- Lending
- Consumer Lending
- Credit
- Machine Learning
- Auto
- Auto Software
- Artificial Intelligence
Company Website: http://www.upstart.com/about
ASSUMPTION: Upstart's focus on AI and data-driven decision-making sets it apart in the financial services industry, offering applicants a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of finance and technology.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior leadership level, reporting directly to the CEO or another C-level executive.
Reporting Structure: The VP of Communications will oversee a team of communications professionals, including PR specialists, corporate communicators, and executive communicators.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, requiring employees to work remotely with monthly onsites in San Mateo, CA.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow into a C-level role as the company expands its communications function
- Opportunities to work cross-functionally with various teams, gaining exposure to different aspects of the business
- Chance to develop and mentor junior team members, fostering a culture of growth and learning
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong desire to grow within the company and contribute to its long-term success.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Upstart has offices in San Mateo, CA; Columbus, OH; and Austin, TX, with a digital-first approach that allows employees to work remotely.
Office Location(s): San Mateo, CA (monthly onsites required)
Geographic Context:
- San Mateo, CA is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, offering a mix of urban and suburban living with easy access to Silicon Valley
- The Bay Area is known for its diverse culture, vibrant tech industry, and high cost of living
- Upstart's digital-first approach allows employees to work remotely, providing flexibility and work-life balance
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexibility for remote work and monthly onsites
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers the best of both worlds, allowing employees to enjoy the benefits of remote work while also fostering a sense of community and collaboration through in-person interactions.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team
- Interview with the hiring manager or a panel of stakeholders
- Final interview with the CEO or another C-level executive
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and ability to craft compelling narratives
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Experience leading through sensitive or high-profile communications situations
- Cultural fit and alignment with Upstart's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Be prepared to discuss your approach to communications strategy and crisis management
- Demonstrate your understanding of Upstart's business model and the fintech industry
ATS Keywords: AI, fintech, communications, PR, corporate communications, executive communications, media strategy, crisis management, narrative crafting, storytelling
ASSUMPTION: Upstart uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, so including relevant keywords in your resume can help your application stand out.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
ASSUMPTION: While specific tools and technologies may vary, the ideal candidate will have experience with common communications and project management software.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Mission-driven: Upstart is committed to expanding access to affordable credit and improving the lending experience
- Data-driven: Upstart uses AI and data to make informed decisions and drive innovation
- Collaborative: Upstart fosters a culture of teamwork and cross-functional collaboration
Work Style:
- Strategic and creative thinking
- Excellent communication and storytelling skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Upstart's mission to enable effortless credit based on true risk?
- How comfortable are you working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a strong focus on data-driven decision-making?
- How do you approach collaborating with cross-functional teams and managing multiple stakeholders?
ASSUMPTION: Upstart values candidates who are passionate about its mission, data-driven in their approach, and able to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing communications for a high-growth, AI-driven fintech company with a strong focus on innovation and disruption
- Navigating the complexities of the highly regulated financial services industry
- Balancing the demands of a remote work arrangement with the need for in-person collaboration and team-building
- Adapting to the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of the fintech industry
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and have experience navigating the complexities of the financial services industry.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on AI-driven lending marketplaces and consumer credit products
- Compared to traditional financial services companies, Upstart offers a more dynamic, innovative, and data-driven work environment
- Career progression in this role may follow a path from communications specialist to communications director to C-level executive
ASSUMPTION: While this role may share similarities with other communications positions, its focus on AI and data-driven decision-making sets it apart in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive communications plan to launch a new AI-driven lending product
- Managing media relations for a high-profile crisis or product incident, ensuring Upstart's reputation remains intact
- Crafting and delivering a keynote speech for the CEO at a major industry conference, highlighting Upstart's innovative approach to lending
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, creative, and hands-on nature of the VP of Communications role at Upstart.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does Upstart plan to maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving fintech landscape?
- What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role, and how can I contribute to driving success?
- How does Upstart support the professional development and growth of its communications team members?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does it support employees working remotely?
- How does Upstart engage with and give back to the communities it serves, both locally and globally?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate your interest in Upstart's mission, culture, and long-term success, while also providing valuable insights into the role and the company.
📌 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 for interviews by researching Upstart's business model, industry trends, and potential challenges
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR team within one week of your interview to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
