VP, External Communications

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.   

The candidate will have 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. .

Essential 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. 

Qualifications/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.

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. 

Our Way of Working:

We’re proud to offer you flexibility. At Synchrony, our way of working allows you to have the option to work from home near one of our Hubs or come into one of our offices. You will be required to commute to your nearest Hub (either virtual or physical) for in-person engagement activities such as regular business or team meetings, training and culture events. 

*Field Sales and some Commercial team roles may have varied location requirements based upon partner obligations or preferences.

Eligibility Requirements:

• You must be 18 years or older
• You must have a high school diploma or equivalent
• You must be willing to take a drug test, submit to a background investigation and submit fingerprints as part of the onboarding process
• You must be able to satisfy the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.
• New hires (Level 4-7) must have 9 months of continuous service with the company before they are eligible to post on other roles.  Once this new hire time in position requirement is met, the associate will have a minimum 6 months’ time in position before they can post for future non-exempt roles.  Employees, level 8 or greater, must have at least 18 months’ time in position before they can post.  All internal employees must consistently meet performance expectations and have approval from your manager to post (or the approval of your manager and HR if you don’t meet the time in position or performance expectations).

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required.  We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. 

Our Commitment:

When you join us, you’ll be part of an inclusive culture where your individual skills, experience, and voice are not only heard – but valued. Together, we’re building a future where we can all belong, connect, and turn ideals into action. More than 50% of our workforce is engaged in our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), where community and passion intersect to offer a safe space to learn and grow.

This starts when you choose to apply for a role at Synchrony. We ensure all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We’re proud to have an award-winning culture for all. 

Reasonable Accommodation Notice:

• Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.
• If you need special accommodations, please call our Career Support Line so that we can discuss your specific situation. We can be reached at 1-866-301-5627.   Representatives are available from 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday, Central Standard Time

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