Director of Communications

At Acorns, our mission is to look after the financial best interests of the up-and-coming, beginning with the empowering, proud step of micro-investing. How do we accomplish our mission? Our values.

Lead With Heart - With compassion, integrity, and tenacity, inspire yourself and others to move past all previous thresholds of possibility

Make Bold Decisions - We are creating a new world. Be optimistic, adventurous, and courageous. Leap fearlessly into the future

Always Build Trust - Say what you mean, mean what you say, and do what you say you’re going to do. We are all owners. We are one team

Never Stop Growing - Change IS the constant. Stay hungry and curious. Be relentless in the pursuit of progress

Find a way - Never settle, no excuses, nothing is impossible. Just make it happen

Our values guide us, and our mission drives us. Come join us and help deliver financial wellness for the whole family, putting the tools of wealth-making into everyone’s hands.

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Director of Communications | Acorns

We're looking for an outstanding Director of Communications to lead our brand communications efforts. This role is critical in shaping how Acorns shows up in the world — from the headlines we make to the conversations we lead. You'll drive earned media, strengthen our voice in the market, and help cement Acorns as the cultural leader in financial wellness. If this sounds like the challenge for you, we’d love to hear from you. 

Acorns is a remote-first organization, offering the flexibility to work remotely while providing optional access to office space in Irvine, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Develop and execute a dynamic PR strategy that brings Acorns’ mission to the forefront of money culture and supports our business objectives.

• Craft compelling brand narratives across consumer, tech, and investor audiences — bringing our products, people, and purpose to life.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across brand, product, executive, and creative — ensuring alignment across all touchpoints and teams.

• Actively pitch and secure consistent earned media coverage. Build and maintain strong relationships with key journalists, editors, and influencers.

• Serve as a trusted communications advisor to Acorns executive leaders, including message development, media coaching, and executive thought leadership opportunities.

• Lead strategic media moments including product launches, partnerships, and high-impact campaigns — ensuring consistency and creativity in execution.

• Monitor the media landscape and cultural trends to identify timely opportunities for Acorns to show up and lead relevant conversations.

• Provide counsel and oversight on sensitive communications, including crisis and issues management, and corporate reputation.

• Oversee day-to-day agency relationships and manage budgets, timelines, and performance KPIs to maximize output and ROI.

• Track and report on communications performance, including coverage, sentiment, and reach — turning insights into action and continuous improvement

What You Bring to the Table:

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

• 10+ years experience in public relations field required

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

• Experience leading industry, investor, executive and/or crisis communications

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

• Strong cross-functional partnerships with agencies and internal partners

• 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

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

• Optimistic about the potential of societal change

• Deep empathy and passion for our customer and their experience with Acorns

• Exceptional change management capabilities - Comfortable with ambiguity and constant change with the ability to work through complex problems, set priorities, and execute commitments

• Thirst for delivering game-changing products

• Exceptional drive and precision in delivery

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 for you and your family

• Flexible work location, hours, and paid time off 

• 401(k) discretionary match

• Monthly Acorns account contribution & GoHenry account for your family

• Mindfulness and Financial Wellness resources, Headspace and Addition Wealth

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

• Roots Leadership Program for Emerging Leaders

• Community week onsite gatherings and various virtual events

• 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 a financial wellness app that helps everyday people and families save and invest money for the long term. Since 2014, Acorns has grown into a global company with multiple life stage products serving the needs of kids, teens, adults, and parents. Named one of Time’s “World’s Best Brands of 2024,” Acorns has helped over 14 million people save & invest over $25 billion dollars, much of it from spare change and small amounts.

Compensation Information:

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $180,000 and $210,000/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.

Work Authorization:

Acorns participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. For more information about E-Verify, please visit www.e-verify.gov