AVP, Corporate Communications

Synchrony Bank; Stamford (CT); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Synchrony Financial is seeking an Assistant Vice President of Corporate Communications to strengthen the brand by telling compelling stories about culture, leadership, and workplace programs. The AVP will lead external communications, executive thought leadership, and social-first initiatives across U.S.

hubs and employee markets, reporting to the Vice President of Corporate Communications. The role requires superb storytelling, media relations, and strategic communications skills, with a proven

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree, a High School Diploma / GED
• 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.

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.

Skills

Storytelling

Media relations

Public relations

Strategic communications

Executive communications

Writing & editing

Thought leadership

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's Degree

High School Diploma / GED

Job description

Role Summary/Purpose

Join Synchrony’s External Affairs team and help tell the stories that make our company and culture stand out. We’re proud to be ranked the #1 Best Company to Work For in the U.S. by Fortune magazine and Great Place to Work, and this role will help bring that recognition to life through smart, engaging communications. The Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Corporate Communications will strengthen Synchrony’s brand reputation by creating compelling content and finding positive stories about our culture, leaders, employee programs and approach to the future of work. Through high-impact public relations, executive thought leadership, and social-first, the AVP will engage Synchrony leaders to elevate the company’s profile and lead external communications across Synchrony’s U.S. hubs and employee markets. The AVP will also jump in on broader External Affairs and Corporate Communications priorities when needed. The ideal candidate brings strong judgment, great storytelling instincts, fresh ideas and a collaborative spirit. The role reports to the Vice President of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs. Role located in New York Metro Area / Stamford, CT.

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. Occasionally you will be required to commute or travel for in person engagement activities such as 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.

Essential 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.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree, a High School Diploma / GED
• 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.
• Desired Characteristics: 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.

Desired Characteristics

• 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.

Salary

The salary range for this position is 90,000.00 - 155,000.00 USD Annual and is eligible for an annual bonus based on individual and company performance. Actual compensation offered within the posted salary range will be based upon work experience, skill level or knowledge. Salaries are adjusted according to market in CA, NY Metro and Seattle.

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.
• 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.

Job Family Group

Synchrony is a premier consumer financial services company delivering customized financing programs across key industries including retail, health, auto, travel and home, along with award-winning consumer banking products. With more than $139 billion in sales financed and 68.5 million active accounts, Synchrony brings deep industry expertise, actionable data insights, innovative solutions and differentiated digital experiences to improve the success of every business we serve and the quality of each life we touch. Our financial expertise spans key product areas, including apparel, electronics and appliances, home furnishings, automotive, power products and sports, jewelry and luxury, other retail, elective healthcare procedures and services, and more. Our investments in technology across multiple platforms—in-store, online and mobile—allow us to engage consumers when and where they want. Our programs and tools strengthen the relationship between our business partners and their customers, driving growth and opportunity across the board.

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.