Lead Publicist

About Cardiff

Cardiff lends to small businesses. Since 2004 we've funded more than $12 billion across the country, to businesses in logistics, healthcare, construction, professional services, and plenty in between. We're building our own underwriting technology, and we still answer the phone; our customers need capital fast, and they want a straight answer from a person who can actually help.

Location: San Diego, CA or Remote (U.S.)

Employment Type: Full-time

Department: Marketing

Reports to: Communications Director

The Role

We’re hiring a Lead Publicist with a proven track record in U.S. Tier 1 business, economic, and financial media. Reporting to our Director of Communications & Partnerships, you’ll land top-tier coverage yourself while setting the pace for our publicists: guiding pitch strategy, sharpening their work, and making sure we never miss a news moment. This is a full-time role based in the United States.

What You’ll Do

• Secure coverage in Tier 1 outlets such as WSJ, Bloomberg, CNBC, Reuters, FT, Forbes, Fortune, and Barron’s (see recent examples in our newsroom)
• Pitch executives into breaking news as expert voices on the economy, rates, credit, and small business
• Set daily pitching priorities and review and edit the team’s pitches before they go out
• Build and maintain relationships with top-tier reporters, editors, producers, and bookers
• Lead media strategy for report launches, thought leadership, and proactive campaigns
• Prep executives for interviews and broadcast segments
• Monitor the daily news cycle and move fast on opportunities

What We’re Looking For

• 2+ years of hands-on PR or media relations experience in business, finance, or economic news
• A portfolio of Tier 1 placements you secured personally
• Experience mentoring or managing publicists
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Finance, Business, or a related field
• Exceptional writing and speaking skills; your pitches should be your own work
• Confidence working directly with senior executives
• High responsiveness during 8 AM - 5 PM CT
• Must be based in the United States

What Success Looks Like

• Consistent Tier 1 placements tied to economic and market moments
• Strong executive quote inclusion, broadcast bookings, and repeat engagement from reporters
• A publicist team that pitches faster and lands more
• Cardiff recognized as a go-to authority on small business lending and the U.S. economy

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary $80,000
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) plan
• Flexible PTO and observed holidays
• Remote-first, with support for your home-office setup
• Direct access to leadership and to the problems that matter