VP, External Communications

About the role

Synchrony seeks a Vice President, External Communications to develop and drive external communications strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic campaigns and communications plans to effectively convey the company's mission, values, and achievements.
• Turn data-driven and business insight messaging into impactful content.
• Create and tailor public facing materials, including print materials, press releases, op-eds, podcasts and other communications and collateral that resonate with diverse external audiences, ensuring consistency in messaging across various channels.
• Work closely with a variety of internal stakeholders across marketing teams, internal communications teams, social media teams and government affairs to drive our company and product narratives in the media and among other stakeholders.
• Build media relations campaigns for consumer reporters and audiences including pet owners, as well as provider partners, that build awareness for our products and services and drive acquisition.
• Execute media partnerships and paid media campaigns; facilitate local sponsorships with third parties.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with trade associations, third party policy influencers, media, think tanks and academic partners.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in public affairs, government relations, or a related field.
• 8-10 years of relevant public relations experience, demonstrating exceptional skills in crafting compelling narratives, story mining, translating internal business insights into actionable communications campaigns, maintaining strong media relationships, managing external agencies, and creating recap reports that demonstrate the most critical results.
• At least 3 years of experience executing and or leading Paid, Earned, Social and Owned Media campaigns.
• At least 5 years working with and/or managing external public relations agency teams.
• Ability to travel up to 15% of your time.

Desired Characteristics

• Proven success in developing and driving comprehensive public relations strategies.
• Strong understanding of the health and wellness and/or financial services industries is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues in a clear and concise manner.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with key partners, including business partners, media, and influencers.
• Ability to lead cross-channel campaigns, including external relations, internal relations, social media and more.
• Experience in crisis management and the ability to navigate high-pressure situations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, using sound judgment in making decisions, balance multiple priorities, and communicate proactively with stakeholders about project risks or uncertainties.
• Ability to prioritize and manage a high volume of detailed work with conflicting priorities, and deliver on a tight deadline.
• Trustworthy and able to keep highly sensitive information confidential.