Executive Communications & Strategic Messaging Leader

STEVEN BENTLEY

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS LEADER EXECUTIVE MESSAGING EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

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

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Strategic communications leader with a proven track record of crafting and executing high-impact internal and executive messaging strategies that drive engagement, elevate employee experience, and support business transformation.

A trusted partner to C-suite leaders and cross-functional teams, I deliver measurable impact through multichannel campaigns and initiatives spanning M&A, organizational change, and cultural alignment. Acclaimed for inspiring teams, shaping brand reputation, and connecting messages to meaning across diverse audiences and organizational environments.

Versatile ability to adapt communications strategies across corporate, creative, and consumer-facing sectors.

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

Communications Consultant Open to Full-Time Roles October 2023 - Present

LCM, Remote

Professional Development Initiative: Following a company-wide layoff from Bank of the West due to the BMO acquisition, I’ve used this interim period to invest in professional development and entrepreneurial exploration. I launched a digital commerce initiative, LCM, as a sandbox for deepening my communication expertise and expanding my technical skills in SEO, HTML, UX, and eCommerce development. This hands-on experience has sharpened my strategic thinking and broadened my creative toolkit. Now, I’m actively pursuing a full-time communications leadership role where I can apply these expanded capabilities to drive meaningful engagement, brand clarity, and organizational impact.

Director of Internal Communications 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

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts, California State University at Northridge

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Harvard Manage Mentor UCLA Extension

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