Director - Communications, Global Merchant & Network Services

American Express•New York, NY

32d•Hybrid

About The Position

At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. As part of Team Amex, you'll experience this powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express. The American Express Corporate Affairs & Communications (CA&C) team is a strategic function that works to enhance and protect the continued strength of the American Express brand through public relations, social media and content, colleague communications and corporate sustainability initiatives. This team member will be an integral member of the CA&C team supporting the American Express Global Merchant & Network Services (GMNS) division. GMNS is responsible for relationships with Amex-accepting businesses, as well as third party payment providers, strategic bank and fintech partners, prepaid products, and the company's globally integrated payments network - which powers all transactions that are seamlessly and securely processed through American Express. This role is responsible for driving external communications and counseling key business executives, leading new and creative opportunities to drive news about GMNS initiatives, directing and owning external communications and corresponding internal communications strategies, and managing issues to protect and enhance the American Express brand. The primary focus for this role will be on: 1) communications regarding American Express Network capabilities, including the advanced technology that underpins $1.7 trillion in volume annually 2) partnerships with the third-party banks and institutions in countries and territories around the world that license the American Express brand and issue local American Express-branded cards in their countries and/or serve as the merchant acquirer for local merchants on our network. The director will serve as a company spokesperson and work alongside GMNS executives and their teams. This role will report to the U.S.-based Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communications overseeing the GMNS communications strategy; and will collaborate closely with colleagues that support B2B and merchant communications, as well as internal colleague communications, marketing, and partnerships.

Requirements

7-15 years of public relations experience, with established ability to influence and counsel internal and external stakeholders while managing multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
Significant experience counseling top executives and driving their external and internal communications needs.
Strong strategic and creative thinking with proven experience leading winning communications strategies and plans.
Superior written, verbal, and media relations skills, with proven media relations results.
Proven ability to quickly learn and absorb complex and technical subjects and translate material into clear, comprehensive communications messages.
Meticulous attention to detail, organization, and project management, with a proactive approach and a focus on owning and leading projects to achieve strong results.
Ability to think independently, quickly, and apply good judgment.
Self-starter and strong collaborator with the ability to work independently while operating as a team player adaptable to a diverse group of colleagues and clients across the globe.

Nice To Haves

Business-savvy communications expert with experience in payments, finance, technology, business-to-business, fintech, or other relevant industry.
Collaborative and empathetic people leader focused on developing talent.
Creativity in developing and managing stories with national, local, and trade press.
Proven experience managing PR agencies and/or teams; agency experience a plus.

Responsibilities

Support the business goals of GMNS by creating and driving compelling communications programs and campaigns - with a particular focus on
Network initiatives. Work closely with technical experts to understand, identify, and lead storytelling initiatives that demonstrate Amex leadership and differentiation.
Write clear, impactful content that showcases American Express' innovation and partnerships.
Counsel GMNS executives and support their external and colleague communications needs; demonstrate strong, decisive judgment to protect and promote the American Express brand.
Collaborate with colleagues globally to ensure alignment of GMNS communications activities across the business, and to take a solutions-oriented mindset to challenges as they arise.
Develop strong relationships with press and industry stakeholders to promote GMNS advancements and executive perspectives.
Manage projects end-to-end with high quality and professionalism, including preparing executives for press interviews and speaking opportunities.
Monitor competitor and industry-level activities, including advancements in payments technology, infrastructure, and regulation.
Be a strong mentor and people leader, overseeing the work of a communications manager.
Represent GMNS in the U.S. as a spokesperson responding to media inquiries.
Help oversee and manage U.S. -based PR agency.
Ensure outcomes and results aligned with the GMNS business strategy, with the ability to pivot and problem-solve to fill gaps and new areas of opportunity.
Work independently, being able to move projects forward and escalate as needed, while creating the roadmap to execute projects thoroughly and deliver strong results.

Benefits

Competitive base salaries
Bonus incentives
6% Company Match on retirement savings plan
Free financial coaching and financial well-being support
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits
Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
20+ weeks paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender, offered for pregnancy, adoption or surrogacy
Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location)
Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
Career development and training opportunities