Director, Communications

About Betterment

Betterment is a leading, technology-driven financial services company that offers investing, savings and retirement solutions for retail investors and investment advisors as well as financial wellness solutions, including a 401(k) for small and medium-sized businesses. Our team is passionate about our mission, to empower people to build wealth with confidence and ease.  We’re headquartered in NYC and offer hybrid NY-based positions (four days/ week in-office, with no required office days during the summer and winter holidays).

About the Role

The Communications team builds and protects Betterment’s brand position, tells our story in earned media, and supports growth across our three lines of business: retail investing, retirement (401(k)), and RIA custody. 

As Director, Communications, you will own the strategic direction for external communications, manage an internal team and two external PR agency partnerships, and serve as a senior communications counselor to leadership. Reporting to the VP, Strategy & Communications, you'll shape how Betterment shows up in the market — from the narratives we pitch to reporters, to media appearances for our CEO, to how we launch products and respond in moments of crisis. 

This is a highly cross-functional, highly visible role. The right person is both a sharp strategist and a hands-on executor who thrives in a fast-moving, regulated environment and knows how to translate complex financial topics into stories that resonate with consumers, business partners, advisors, and plan sponsors.

This role is based out of our NYC office. Below we've reflected the base salary range for this position. Actual salaries may vary depending on factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of Betterment’s total compensation package for employees. 

• New York City: $160,000 - $180,000

This job may also be eligible for variable compensation in the form of a company incentive bonus. 

A Day in the Life

• Own the overarching communications strategy across all three lines of business, ensuring messaging is cohesive, differentiated, and aligned with company OKRs.
• Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to the leadership team on brand reputation, public positioning, and narrative development.
• Manage relationships with external PR agencies; collaborate to shape press strategy, identify and prioritize opportunities, and brief them on launches, company news and proactive storylines. 
• Lead media relations, expanding relationships with top-tier reporters, driving PR campaigns and product launches, and identifying earned media opportunities.
• Craft and quality-control press releases, talking points, bylines, and media responses; ensure tone, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
• Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, Legal, Compliance, and Product on product launches, brand campaigns and social media amplification.
• Drive executive visibility programs including speaking engagements, conference strategy, and award submissions.
• Support internal communications efforts in partnership with our People team. 
• Help oversee compliance review for all public-facing communications content.

What We’re Looking For 

• 10+ years of experience in communications or public relations either in-house or at an agency, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Deep understanding of the financial services or fintech media landscape, with established journalist relationships.
• Proven track record developing integrated communications strategies spanning media relations, internal comms, crisis management, executive positioning and thought leadership.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; an ability to find the perfect phrase to inspire an audience or position a product.
• Experience managing external agency relationships and balancing in-house vs. outsourced resources.
• Track record supporting C-suite executive communications, spokesperson programs, and media training.
• Experience in a regulated industry (financial services, fintech, or similar) strongly preferred.
• A collaborative leader with outstanding judgment and high EQ.