Talent Acquisition Communications Manager

STEVEN BENTLEY

COMMUNICATIONS LEADER CAMPAIGN STRATEGY EXPERT

415-***-**** *************.**@*****.*** www.linkedin.com/in/stevenbentley

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Strategic communications leader with deep expertise across fintech, e-commerce, and technology, known for crafting and executing powerful internal and executive messaging strategies that drive engagement and elevate employee experience. Trusted partner to C-suite leaders and cross-functional teams, delivering measurable impact through dynamic, multichannel campaigns and transformative initiatives including M&A, organizational change, and cultural alignment. Acclaimed for inspiring teams, shaping brand reputation, and connecting messages to meaning across diverse audiences. High-profile clients have included eBay Inc., Bank of the West, U2, Fleetwood Mac, and Elvis Presley Enterprises.

KEY SKILLS

Internal Communications

External Communications

Executive Communications

Thought Leadership

C-level Storytelling

DEI & Employee Engagement

Crisis Communications

Change Communications

Content Strategy

Stakeholder Management

Public Relations

Conflict Navigation

Brand Development

Project Management

Multichannel Marketing

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Interim Communications Director October 2023 - Present

Left Coast Mercantile, Remote

Following a company-wide layoff from Bank of the West due to the BMO acquisition, I’ve actively invested this interim period in professional development and strategic innovation. Through an independently managed digital commerce initiative, I've deepened my communication expertise and broadened my technical skills in SEO, HTML, UX, and eCommerce development — all while continuing to lead impactful brand strategy. This process has allowed me to approach challenges with a fresh perspective and further enhance my ability to innovate. I’m now excited to transition into my next full-time role where I can apply this broadened experience to lead transformative communication initiatives that connect, inspire, and deliver results.

Head of Communications - HR, Risk Management and Compliance September 2015 - September 2023

Bank of the West, San Francisco, CA

Designed and executed communication strategies for Enterprise, Human Resources, Risk Management and Compliance verticals at Bank of the West, operating in 600+ retail, wealth, commercial, and business banking offices in 24 states.

Created and implemented internal communication strategies and internal engagement initiatives, including executive leadership messaging, organizational events, and Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) outreach.

Led multichannel HR communication campaigns to improve the employee brand experience, including onboarding, benefits, DE&I, career development, and the full HR employee lifecycle.

Conceived executive messaging and transition planning to support shifting business priorities in alignment within BNP Paribas and Bank of Montreal (BMO) acquisition.

Defined employee feedback channels, including town hall meetings, surveys, and focus groups to foster dialogue and optimize business results. Elevated employee engagement scores to the 90th percentile.

Formulated awards and recognition communication strategy, including end-to-end project management of key messages, press releases, social media, influencers, blog posts, and paid advertising.

Developed and published articles, newsletters, and videos for company intranet to inform, engage, and inspire.

Lead Manager – Communications January 2012 - May 2015

eBay Inc., San Jose, CA

Oversaw strategy and day-to-day communications and public relations operations for Magento - a leading

omnichannel commerce platform.

Formulated media messaging for external audience dissemination via company blog and press releases announcing upgrades, new product launches, and global events.

Led external crisis communications strategy and reactive media messaging around leadership changes, product outages, and data privacy concerns.

Managed the PR agency relationship, overseeing ongoing strategy and activities, including media opportunities, analyst relations, and social media initiatives.

Senior Online Marketing Manager - Content and Community March 2010 - November 2011

eBay Inc., San Jose, CA

Developed strategy and drove execution of global marketing campaigns for eBay Inc.

Directed international marketing programs in five countries, concentrating on new initiatives, learnings, and new programs to generate reviews and guides on top products across multiple networks.

Led all email and social media campaigns to drive new member acquisition, viral content sharing, and organic traffic conversion to sites, resulting in a 3,900%-member increase.

Oversaw creation of all online messaging, including SEO designed copy for landing pages and ad banner network.

Director of Marketing August 2008 - April 2009

Signature Wines & Beverages, Hayward, CA

Orchestrated all marketing efforts for the largest premier provider of direct-to-consumer beverage programs in the U.S., specializing in product personalization, wine club management, and retail. Partners included Elvis Presley Enterprises, Sunset Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, and Snapfish.

Conceived, defined, and executed new marketplace opportunities and revenue streams.

Developed content, design, and branding PR messaging for company initiatives.

Oversaw affiliate partner relationships, including the implementation of customer acquisition and retention programs, and supervision of the Creative and Customer Service departments.

Director of eCommerce March 2007 - March 2008

Cinder Block, Oakland, CA

Directed sales operations for Global Music Entertainment Company’s 100+ official online artist stores, including Green Day, R.E.M., Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Kid Rock, Misfits, and more.

Managed 5,000+ SKUs with a fill rate increase of 35% across all retail distribution channels, an additional $500,000 in gross sales and a 300% sales increase per artist campaign.

Formulated and executed all communication strategies targeting new and existing users via custom-segmented newsletters, emails, and social media.

Managed a seven-person sales and customer service team.

Director of Web Marketing February 2004 - February 2007

Signatures Network, Inc. (a Live Nation company), San Francisco, CA

Executive Producer for official artists' websites, online fan clubs, and eCommerce stores, including U2, KISS, Paul Stanley, Ozzy, Meat Loaf, Ringo Starr, Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Lynyrd Skynyrd, John Mellencamp, and Fleetwood Mac.

Oversaw the day-to-day sales operation for artists' official stores, websites, and fan clubs and VIP ticket sales programs.

Created personalized messaging for more than one-million-member communities, increasing engagement, retention, and recruitment across internal and external communication campaigns.

Oversaw outsourced customer service, production process and front-end design, Q/A deployments, and back-end CMS.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts, California State University at Northridge

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Harvard Manage Mentor UCLA Extension

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