External Communications Manager Vice President

We’re seeking an experienced external communications professional to join J.P. Morgan’s Commercial Banking Communications team. This role leads media relations for the Innovation Economy and Specialized Industries businesses, shaping external narratives, elevating executive visibility and protecting the firm’s reputation in fast-moving sectors.

As an External Communications Manager Vice President within Commercial Banking you will advise senior business leaders, translating complex topics into clear communications strategies. The role requires strong media instincts, excellent writing and sound judgment, with a focus on building relationships with reporters covering technology, life sciences, startups, venture capital, finance and commercial banking. In addition, you will manage proactive and reactive media engagement, develop communications strategies aligned with business priorities and partner with colleagues across Communications, Marketing, Events, Business Management, Legal, Compliance, Risk and the business for coordinated execution.

Job responsibilities

• Develop and execute external communications strategies for Commercial Banking, focusing on Innovation Economy and Specialized Industries; build and maintain relationships with key reporters covering technology, life sciences, startups, venture capital, finance and related sectors.

• Advise senior executives and business partners on media engagement, executive positioning, reputation management and external visibility; lead proactive media campaigns tied to business priorities, client insights, product launches, market trends and thought leadership.

• Manage reactive media inquiries, including sensitive issues and reputational matters, providing clear counsel and sound judgment.

• Identify opportunities to elevate executives and subject matter experts through interviews, conferences and speaking engagements.

• Prepare executives for internal and external media and speaking engagements, including messaging, briefing materials and media training.

• Manage logistics and follow-up for media interviews and background conversations.

• Handle approvals, disclosures and compliance processes for public appearances and media activity.

• Support social media amplification following events and engagements.

• Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure communications are aligned and meet firm standards.

• Monitor media coverage, industry trends and competitive activity to identify risks, opportunities and actionable insights.

• Measure and report on communications outcomes and media impact, using data to inform strategy.

Required qualifications, capabilities, and skills:

• 7+ years of agency or in-house experience in external communications, media relations or corporate communications.

• Proven experience developing relationships with reporters covering technology, life sciences, startups, venture capital, finance and banking.

• Strong understanding of commercial banking, financial services and the startup and venture ecosystem.

• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to simplify complex topics for external audiences.

• Sound judgment and experience advising senior executives on media and communications strategy.

• Experience managing proactive media campaigns, reactive inquiries and sensitive issues.

• Ability to work effectively with senior leaders, business partners and colleagues across a matrixed organization.

• Strong project management and organizational skills, able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Analytical and strategic approach to problem solving, with the ability to identify risks and practical solutions.

• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

• Ability to assess risk, exercise sound judgment and uphold compliance and firm standards.

Preferred qualifications, capabilities, and skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Business, Finance or a related field.

• Experience supporting commercial banking, investment banking, financial services or regulated businesses.

• Understanding of the Innovation Economy, including startups, venture capital, technology and life sciences.

• Experience supporting banking, financial services, technology or professional services clients, in-house or at an agency; comfort using media monitoring, analytics and reporting tools such as Muck Rack, TVEyes, Meltwater, Business Wire or similar platforms.