VP, External Communications

Synchrony•Stamford, CT

3d•$110,000 - $185,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Synchrony seeks a Vice President, External Communications to develop and drive external communications strategies that tell the Synchrony story, drive awareness of the company’s products and services, build Business to Business thought leadership, and garner mindshare among media and influencers. The primary focus of this role is to lead strategic communications programs for Synchrony’s core business platforms with a special focus on the company’s Health and Wellness business, including veterinary and pet, as well as other new commercial business partner announcements. The ideal candidate develops strategies and tactics that promote a positive corporate reputation, increase favorable visibility and exposure, reinforce brand narratives, and increase engagement with target audiences and stakeholders, including both provider partners and consumers. This role may include issues management responsibilities, requiring the creation and development of media statements, responses, and communications that articulate the company’s official positions on a variety of health and wellness topics. This person will also be responsible for cultivating and leveraging relationships with business partners, industry trade associations, media, influencers across various industries, and consumers.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree. In lieu of degree, HS Diploma/GED and 10 years of relevant experience in public affairs, government relations, or a related field.
8+ years of progressive external communications/public relations experience, with a strong track record of leading comprehensive PR and thought leadership programs.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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. Write 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.
Build earned and paid external-facing collateral and amplification materials for campaigns, products, services and company executives.
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.