Public Relations Senior Account Manager - Financial Services

Position Summary Pinkston is seeking an experienced Senior Account Manager with deep expertise in the Financial Services sector to join our growing public relations team. This individual will play a pivotal role in managing and expanding key client relationships across banking, fintech, asset management, and related financial sectors. Additionally, this role may support clients engaged in values-based investing, which involves investment strategies that screen out certain industries or practices based on moral, religious, or political convictions. The ideal candidate is not only familiar with ESG and /or SRI frameworks but also understands the unique perspectives of mission-driven investors. Senior Account Managers at Pinkston lead account strategy, drive media relations, and support junior staff while working closely with Directors and VPs. They must possess a nuanced understanding of financial services communications, including regulatory considerations, reputational risk, investor relations, and crisis management. The ideal candidate is proactive, highly organized, and comfortable navigating complex and fast-moving environments. Additional Details Status: Exempt, Full-Time Work Location: Falls Church, Virginia Travel: 5–10% Role Responsibilities Client Strategy & Relationship Management Lead account direction for clients in the financial services sector, including banks, fintech firms, investment managers, and private equity firms. Support the communication and positioning of values-driven investment approaches, ensuring client messaging aligns with faith-based, mission-aligned, or ethical considerations when applicable. Demonstrate an understanding of how investment decisions reflect an organization’s identity, mission, and values. Serve as the day-to-day client lead, offering strategic counsel on media relations, reputational risk, and message development. Understand financial sector-specific issues such as market volatility, regulatory pressures, M&A activity, and industry reputation management. Guide internal teams and clients through issues management and crisis response, coordinating with senior Pinkston leadership as needed. Build strong client relationships and anticipate evolving needs across regulatory, stakeholder, and reputational dimensions. Media Relations & Content Strategy Develop and execute earned media strategies that position clients as thought leaders in the financial industry. Secure high-impact coverage in financial and business media (e.g., Bloomberg, WSJ, CNBC, Reuters, Financial Times, trade publications). Craft compelling narratives, press releases, bylines, op-eds, and executive remarks with a focus on clarity, compliance, and storytelling. Monitor and assess media and industry trends that may affect client positioning. Serve as a media contact for high-level spokespeople; provide guidance and prep for interviews and briefings. Team & Account Leadership Manage and mentor junior team members, ensuring high standards of execution and alignment with client goals. Oversee scope-of-work adherence, project planning, and deliverable quality. Partner with Directors and VPs on account strategy and team development. Participate in new business development and client onboarding, including proposal writing and pitch participation. Requirements Skills & Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in communications, public relations, marketing, finance, journalism, or a related field. 7+ years of experience in strategic communications, with at least 3 years serving clients in the financial services industry. Strong understanding of financial media, regulations, investor relations, and the competitive landscape. Proven success in managing client relationships, team performance, and crisis communications. Excellent writing and editing skills tailored to financial and executive audiences. Ability to thrive in high-stakes, fast-paced client environments. Alignment with Pinkston’s guiding principles. Preferred Experience supporting fintech, asset management, or B2B financial technology companies. Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (e.g., SEC, FINRA) and public company communications. Existing relationships with financial and national business media outlets. Pinkston Culture & Values Demonstrates ownership, persistence, and strategic thinking in client work. Driven by excellence and a desire to exceed expectations. Values collaboration and is invested in the growth and development of colleagues. Sees the larger strategic picture and how communications efforts impact long-term client outcomes. Maintains professional integrity, emotional intelligence, and a service mindset. Who We Are Pinkston is a full-service branding, marketing, and communications agency offering integrated public relations, creative, digital, and research services to transform companies and organizations. As an outcome-driven agency, Pinkston is committed to delivering customized, strategic solutions that drive real-world impact. Benefits Pinkston offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes company-sponsored health, dental, and vision plans accompanied by employer-funded life insurance, HRA, and short-term disability plan. Optional long-term disability and additional Life Insurance are also available. Pinkston provides a 401k retirement plan and contributes to each employee’s retirement annually regardless of employee participation. At Pinkston, we believe great things happen when people come together and are committed to building a collaborative in-person work environment. Pinkston is also committed to a healthy work-life balance. We offer flexibility through an innovative hybrid work model that gives team members the opportunity to work from home up to 30% of the time. Pinkston provides generous holiday and vacation policies, paid parental leave, and an additional week of paid “volunteer time off” to encourage employees to invest time in a 501C non-profit of their choice. Equal Opportunity Employer Pinkston is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Pinkston makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.