AVP, Corporate Communications

Responsibilities

• Work with External Affairs, Brand, Human Resources, Corporate Responsibility and business partners to build communications strategies that support company priorities and strengthen Synchrony’s brand reputation.
• Create high-impact, engaging content, including social-first stories, media pitches, press materials, feature stories, executive materials, award submissions and multimedia assets.
• Find and place positive stories about Synchrony’s culture, leaders, employee programs, workplace practices and approach to the future of work.
• Build strong relationships with business, workplace, human resources, trade and regional media, and serve as a contact for select opportunities.
• Engage HR and other Synchrony leaders to elevate the company’s profile through media, thought leadership, social content, events, podcasts, awards and bylined articles.
• Prepare senior leaders for interviews and external events with clear messaging, talking points, briefing documents and FAQs.
• Track and manage editorial calendars, speaking opportunities, thought leadership programs and corporate awards tied to talent, leadership and culture.
• Lead external communications across Synchrony’s U.S. hubs and employee markets, developing locally relevant stories to pitch to regional press and blogs.
• Stay on top of media coverage, workplace conversations, competitor activity and emerging trends, and turn those insights into fresh story ideas.
• Keep projects, agencies, budgets, approvals and deadlines moving, and jump in on broader External Affairs and Corporate Communications priorities when needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree, a High School Diploma / GED And 8+ years of experience in media relations, public relations, corporate communications or a PR agency
• 5+ years of experience in media relations, public relations, corporate communications or a PR agency
• A track record of working with media and industry contacts to earn meaningful coverage.
• Excellent writing, editing and verbal communications skills, with a knack for making stories clear and engaging.
• Experience creating media pitches, press materials, executive briefings, social content, thought leadership and multimedia content.
• Experience supporting executive visibility and external programs focused on culture, the workplace or corporate reputation.
• Strong project management and critical thinking skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Sound judgment, close attention to detail and the flexibility to adjust when priorities shift.
• Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned.
• Ability and flexibility to travel for business as required

Preferred

• Curious, positive attitude and always looking for the next great story.
• A collaborative partner who builds trust across teams and works well in a matrixed environment.
• Strong news judgment and a creative eye for connecting culture, talent and leadership to what matters now.
• Comfortable working with Legal, Human Resources, Brand, agencies and regional teams to move work forward.