Media Relations & Reputation Management Senior Manager WNY & Central NY

Media Relations Strategic Lead

Serve as the strategic lead for media relations for one of the largest employers in Western New York, with direct oversight of staff supporting media engagement in Central New York. This role is responsible for conceptualizing, developing, executing, and evaluating external communications programs that elevate the organization's public profile, protect its reputation, and drive positive media coverage across key markets.

Primary Responsibilities

• Advance the visibility and reputation of the organization through proactive media relations, leveraging earned and owned channels (e.g., social) to generate impactful coverage.
• Serve as the principal media contact for the organization in WNY, cultivating relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers in the region.
• Oversee and mentor staff responsible for media support in Central New York, ensuring consistent messaging and high standards of media engagement.
• Lead and coordinate major communications initiatives in partnership with business units, marketing teams, enterprise functions, and senior leaders.
• Develop and implement integrated media relations strategies that align with organizational goals and regional priorities.
• Provide editorial support for senior leadership, including drafting scripts, talking points, speeches, contributed articles, and briefing materials for public appearances and media interviews.
• Anticipate and manage issues that present reputational risk or opportunity, activating rapid response protocols as needed.
• Collaborate with government affairs and corporate communications teams to shape public, stakeholder, and policy narratives around high-impact announcements, leadership changes, product rollouts, and potential crises.
• Ensure all media relations activities adhere to ethical standards, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Scope of Responsibilities

• Operate as regional lead, guiding staff and agency partners in media relations and reputation management.
• Influence spans externally across media and community stakeholders, as well as internally with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities

• Oversee staff supporting media relations in Central New York, providing mentorship, performance management, and professional development.
• Ensure the team delivers timely, accurate, and engaging media support that advances organizational objectives.

Education and Experience Required

Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field plus 7 years of experience in media relations, reputation management, or external communications (Or in lieu of a degree, a combination of 11 years of higher education and relevant experience)

2 years of team leadership experience, preferably overseeing geographically distributed staff.

Demonstrated success in building media relationships, securing coverage, and supporting senior leaders with editorial content.

Experience coordinating across multiple teams and business units.

Ability to research, evaluate, and recommend changes to communications initiatives.

Experience mentoring and onboarding junior talent.

Technical expertise and independent judgment in media relations.

Education and Experience Preferred

MBA or other Master's Degree

Experience in government affairs or public policy communications.

M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for this position is $100,611.94 - $167,686.57 Annual (USD). The successful candidate's particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation.

Buffalo, New York, United States of America