Public Relations Director

Position Summary

Develops strategy and leads execution of public relations, investor relations and corporate communications efforts for ProFunds Group, ProFunds and ProShares. Works closely with executives including CEO and CIO to maximize impact of media interviews. Key responsibility is to blend deep knowledge of our products, marketplace trends, and media relations to develop effective and timely messages to attract coverage in publications reaching external and internal target audiences.



Primary Responsibilities

(NOTE: These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work involved for this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this job. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

  1. Develop effective messages and direct media relations firm in proactively attracting positive coverage of the messages in media reaching target audiences. This will involve gleaning knowledge from internal sources such as portfolio and sales teams, analyzing business intelligence, and monitoring market, industry and media coverage trends. Use same knowledge and sources to identify potential public relations risks and develop plans to prepare for negative coverage.
  2. Manage entire media interview process, from coordinating appointment to providing all background information to involved parties. This includes providing our source (usually CEO or CIO) with background information on the reporter, publication and story angle; crafting talking points with desired messages; gathering and digesting additional background and following up on additional reporter needs.
  3. Research, write and gain approvals on news releases and other media alerts. Coordinate news releases and other joint media relations efforts with outside partners, such as the Amex or financial professional clients.
  4. Work with Human Resources and Management Team members to develop, write copy for, and direct production of effective internal corporate communications, including e-mails, intranet content, talking points, presentations, posters, video, etc.
  5. Develop speeches, talking points and presentations for executives at conferences, industry events or other public appearances.
  6. Supervise editorial development of chairman's letters for annual and semiannual reports.
  7. Identify, prioritize and coordinate participation in charity or industry events, arranging for appropriate donations, attendees, advertising (excludes sales conferences).
  8. Create and maintain "newsroom" section of websites for media use.
  9. Manage process of tracking and repackaging media coverage including managing reprint/rebroadcast permissions, website posting and archiving.
  10. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.



Education and Experience

BA/BS degree and 7-10 years journalism or public relations experience, with at least five years in the financial services industry. Previous management of outside resources a plus.

Certificates and Licenses:

FINRA Series 6 or 7 required in first year of hire.



Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  1. Demonstrated success at planning media relations strategy.
  2. Effective writing and editing skills, specifically in news releases, speeches, corporate communications and other related content.
  3. Excellent interpersonal skills, must interface with top executives and key outside partners.
  4. Knowledge and expertise in Microsoft office products.
  5. Ability to work without close supervision to the highest levels of quality and communicate problems and/or concerns in a timely fashion.