Director - Communications, Global Merchant & Network Services

American Express•New York, NY

9d•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. 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 merchants, as well as third party payment providers, strategic bank and fintech partners, and the company’s globally integrated payments network. 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 strategies, and managing issues to protect and enhance the American Express brand. This role specifically focuses on externally communicating the value of American Express Merchant Membership, and how American Express supports Merchants of all sizes, across industries, and in the U.S. as well as key regions across the globe. This includes leading product, partnership, and capabilities announcements in support of Amex Merchants, as well as research and thought leadership on payments trends and challenges that are relevant for Merchants and Amex partners that work with Merchants. 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 internal colleague communications, marketing, client management, 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 work environment.
Strong strategic and creative thinking with proven experience leading winning communications strategies and plans.
Proven ability to lead communications strategies across a mix of channels (earned, social, owned, paid), with an eye on the evolving media and digital landscape.
Significant experience counseling top executives with a high level of professionalism, driving their external and internal communications needs while also mitigating risk appropriately.
Understand what makes a story, and the necessary storytelling elements to drive earned media coverage; includes superior written, verbal and media relations skills, with media relations results.
Familiarity with brand reputation and crisis comms/issues management, including scenario planning, reactive message development, media relations, and monitoring.
Proven ability to quickly learn and absorb complex and technical subjects and translate material into comprehensive and easy-to-understand 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.
Be a strong self-starter, with the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced work environment; ability to work both independently and as an adaptable team player; ability to think independently, quickly, and apply good judgment.
Ability to adhere to policies and deadlines, and deal with confidential information without exception.

Nice To Haves

Business-savvy communications expert with meaningful 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 in 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 articulating the value American Express provides to Merchants.
Identify story ideas and creative campaign opportunities and write clear, compelling messaging tailored for specific audiences, announcements, and channels.
Create and execute influencer campaigns on Amex and third-party social media channels, spotlighting business owners and their stories.
Counsel GMNS executives and support their external communications needs, including preparations for press interviews, speaking engagements, and social media.
Collaborate closely with internal colleagues and industry groups to assess and prepare for public engagements at conferences and events, and to include relevant GMNS messaging in Amex-wide announcements.
Develop strong relationships with press and industry stakeholders to promote GMNS advancements and executive perspectives. Stay on top of emerging media trends and opportunities to reach relevant audiences.
Support issues preparedness and management with senior oversight, drafting reactive messaging, making recommendations on communications strategy, and fielding media queries.
Monitor competitor and industry-level activities, including advancements in payments and small business trends, contextualizing news to senior business leaders as relevant.
Lead and compile weekly, monthly, and quarterly reporting documents to showcase communications results and highlights to key stakeholders across the business.
Collaborate with colleagues globally to ensure alignment of GMNS communications activities across the business.
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.
Manage projects end-to-end with high quality and professionalism, including gathering input and approvals across key stakeholders.
Be a strong mentor and people leader, overseeing the work of a communications manager.
Demonstrate strong, decisive judgment to protect and promote the American Express brand.

Benefits

Competitive base salaries
Bonus incentives
6%25 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