External Communications Director

Global Payments Inc.•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Lead Communications Manager will lead communications strategy and execution primarily for Global Payments’ Small and Medium-sized Business (SMB) line of business. Reporting to the Vice President, External Communications, the role serves as a trusted advisor to SMB leadership and works with Corporate Communications colleagues to advance the company’s communications strategy in the market. The position calls for an exceptional communicator with strong business acumen, executive presence, and a passion for storytelling who can navigate a fast-paced environment and complex situations. The role develops and executes integrated external communications strategies supporting SMB business objectives, market positioning, and growth priorities. It builds media relationships, secures executive visibility and industry recognition, develops thought leadership, messaging, narratives, and communications materials, and partners with internal and cross-functional teams. It also monitors industry and competitive developments, manages emerging issues, and measures communications outcomes to inform future strategy.

Requirements

10–15 years of experience in public relations, corporate communications, or external communications.
Experience supporting large-scale B2B organizations.
Strong media relations background, with a track record of generating meaningful coverage and executive visibility.
Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across multiple formats and channels.
Outstanding executive presence and the ability to advise senior leaders with confidence and credibility.
Ability to remain calm, thoughtful, and solution-oriented during high-pressure situations.
Strong strategic thinking and business acumen.
Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
Collaborative mindset and ability to influence across functions and levels.
Experience managing communications programs from strategy through execution and measurement.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute integrated external communications strategies that support SMB business objectives, market positioning, and growth priorities.
Serve as a strategic communications advisor to SMB executives and business leaders.
Drive proactive media relations and build relationships with business, technology, payments, and trade media.
Identify and secure speaking opportunities, awards, industry recognition programs, and executive visibility opportunities.
Create thought leadership platforms that showcase Global Payments’ innovation, expertise, and market leadership.
Develop messaging, narratives, communications plans, media materials, bylined articles, keynote remarks, and executive content.
Partner with Internal Communications to maintain consistency between employee and external storytelling.
Collaborate with Brand, Marketing, and Product teams to align communications activities with business initiatives and campaigns.
Monitor industry trends, competitive activity, and emerging issues that may affect business priorities or reputation.
Measure communications outcomes and provide insights to inform future strategy.