VP, External Communications - Health and Wellness

Job Description:

Role Summary/Purpose:

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, as well as 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. Additionally, 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 complex topics. This person will also be responsible for cultivating and leveraging relationships with business partners, industry trade associations, state legislators, media, influencers across various industries, and consumers.. 

The candidate will have relevant experience, demonstrating exceptional skills in managing external relationships, building media relationships, crafting compelling narratives, and partnering with government affairs teams to help navigate complex regulatory landscapes.

Our Way of Working

We’re proud to offer you choice and 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. Occasionally you may be required to commute to our nearest office for in person engagement activities such as business or team meetings, training and culture events.

 
Essential Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement strategic campaigns and communications plans to effectively convey the company's mission, values, and achievements. 

• Drive data-driven messaging – In partnership with our content team, write and tailor public facing materials, including print materials, op-eds, podcasts and other communications and collateral that resonate with diverse external audiences, ensuring consistency in messaging across various channels. 

• Work closely with 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 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. 

• Work with the government affairs team to build state-based communications plans and grassroots programs. 

• Cultivate meaningful relationships with trade associations, third party policy influencers, media, think tanks and academic partners. 

• Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned.

 
Qualifications/Requirements: 

• Bachelor's degree. In lieu of degree, HS Diploma/GED and 11+ years of experience in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations in public affairs or government relations, health and wellness or consumer industries
• 7+ years of experience in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations in public affairs or government relations, health and wellness or consumer industries
• At least 3 years of experience executing and or leading Paid, Earned, Social and Owned Media campaigns
• At least 3 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 financial services as well as legislative processes 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. 

• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to lead and inspi