Director of Public Relations

Acorns is seeking a Director of Public Relations to lead media relations and strategy for Acorns and GoHenry in the US. You will own and drive strategic public relations plans including press positioning, messaging, media relations, fresh pitch ideas, and high-impact events to inspire everyday Americans through the story of Acorns and GoHenry.

This person should have deep empathy for our customers, the ability to deliver a compelling vision and inspire internal & external partners, a mastery of public relations, an excellent network, an unwavering work ethic, and a proven track record of surpassing business goals. 

This role will report to the Global SVP of Marketing and has the option to be remote or based in our Irvine, CA or New York, NY offices.

Within 1 months, you will

• Introduce yourself to the marketing team members, the stakeholders, and collaborators

• Get familiar with the messaging, tools, metrics, and past campaign results

• Meet with business leaders and teams across the organization to understand how Acorns works

• Hit the ground running on managing 1 - 2 public relations initiatives 

• Complete Acorns’ best-in-class onboarding, Acorns’ Seedling Program

• Join a virtual coffee session hosted by Acorns’ CEO, Noah Kerner

• Attend your first community-wide virtual all-hands meeting

Within 3 months, you will:

• Define and drive a comprehensive US PR strategy

• Develop and nurture key media relations and secure consistent earned media opportunities 

• Ideate and craft new narratives to drive a steady beat of consistent inclusion in consumer press 

• Monitor news and current events relevant to the brand, industry, and adjacent categories to leverage strategically and cultivate relationships with media contacts of interest 

• Write key documents ranging from press releases to internal communications and external documents (press releases, etc.)

• Provide counsel to senior executives on messaging and media relations

• Establish a streamlined process to partner with the press agency and broader marketing team

• Define a strategic roadmap to accelerate earned opportunities for Acorns and GoHenry

• Review your 30-60-90 day goals and accomplishments with your manager

• Engage in Acorn’s Community & Heritage celebrations

• Receive operational updates from our GoHenry & PixPay team members during Acorns’ quarterly global virtual all-hands session

Within 6 months, you will:

• Become a leader on the marketing team and border Acorns team

• Consistently deliver and exceed ambitious performance goals on time and on budget

• Own a high-performing public relations program combining deep customer understanding, consistent story-telling and a high level of creativity

• Establish the foundations of a strong earned channel for Acorns and GoHenry

• Ensure that brand messaging and identity are reflected across all external communications

• Participate in peer-to-peer manager training as a part of Acorns’ Leadership Development Program

• Complete a Performance Development Check-in to Align on Performance and Values Rating Trends

What you will bring to Acorns:

• BS/BA in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications or related field required.

• 7 or more years experience in public relations field required

• Proven ability to build a brand through inspiring and differentiating messaging and content distribution

• Capable of developing strong relationships and trust with journalists and media houses leading to results across all media

• Passionate about building brands and a clear understanding of the critical role PR plays

• Solid business acumen and analytical mindset

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Commitment to upholding policy and procedures in accordance with company standards

• A belief that your work is tied to your life's mission

• Optimistic about the potential of societal change

You are not expected to have experience with all listed requirements. If you feel passionate about Acorns' mission, vision, and values, please apply.  

What we offer: 

• Competitive salary and stock options

• A comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of you and your family

• Flexible work hours, location, and paid time off 

• 401k discretionary match

• Monthly Acorns account contribution & GoHenry account for your family

• Wellness Days - Company-wide quarterly days off to rest + recharge

• Mindfulness, Mental Health, and Financial Wellness resources: Headspace, Ginger, and Addition Wealth are offered at no cost to you

• Acorns Career Development Program (Monthly Acorns to Oaks training sessions, development plans, quarterly development check-ins, Cornerstone’s online training platform)

• Roots Leadership Program for emerging leaders

• Monthly community celebrations, events, panel discussions, and speakers

• Talented and motivated team members who care deeply about one another, our mission, and our customers.

• The rare opportunity to create a new world. We inspire one another every day to do meaningful work that solves big societal challenges.

About Acorns:

Acorns is how everyday consumers save & invest for the long term. To date, customers have invested over $15 billion with Acorns, much of it in spare change. By putting the tools of wealth-making in everyone's hands, Acorns has become the largest subscription service in U.S. consumer finance, serving over 10 million everyday Americans. Customers get automated investing in diversified portfolios, a simple retirement product, a bank account that helps people spend less to invest more, and bonus investments from 20k brands. Plus, everyday Americans can easily invest in their kids and get money news they can use, all from the same app. From acorns, mighty oaks do grow!

Commitment to a diverse community: 

Acorns is committed to building a diverse community of customers, partners, and team members. We believe that fostering diversity not only fuels creativity, but also challenges conventional thinking and helps us properly represent the unique experience of the everyday consumer that we serve.

Compensation Information:

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $167,000 and $196,500/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, equity grants, and discretionary cash bonus awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.