AVP, Corporate Communications

Synchrony; United States; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Synchrony is seeking an AVP of Corporate Communications to strengthen the brand through compelling content, media relations, and executive visibility. The role focuses on culture, leaders, employee programs, and the future of work, coordinating with External Affairs and leadership across U.S. hubs.

The ideal candidate brings strong storytelling instincts, sound judgment and collaboration, with 8+ years in media relations or corporate communications and willingness to travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or higher; 8+ years in media relations/public relations/corporate comms or PR agency.
• 5+ years in media relations/public/corporate communications or PR agency.
• Track record with media/industry contacts yielding coverage.
• Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication.
• 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/workplace/corporate reputation.
• Strong project management and critical thinking; able to manage multiple priorities/stakeholders.
• Sound judgment and attention to detail; flexible to shifting priorities.
• Willingness to travel for business as required.

Responsibilities

• Develop communications strategies with External Affairs, Brand, HR, Corporate Responsibility and business partners.
• Create high-impact, engaging content including social-first stories, pitches, press materials, feature stories and executive materials.
• Identify positive stories about culture, leaders, employee programs and future-of-work initiatives.
• Build relationships with media, workplace, HR, trade and regional outlets; act as a contact for opportunities.
• Engage leaders to elevate the company's profile via media, thought leadership, social content, events and bylined articles.
• Prepare senior leaders for interviews and external events with messaging and talking points.
• Track editorial calendars, speaking opportunities, thought leadership programs and awards.
• Lead external communications across U.S. hubs and employee markets with locally relevant stories.
• Monitor media coverage and trends; translate insights into new story ideas.
• Coordinate projects, agencies, budgets, approvals and deadlines; assist on broader priorities.

Skills

Media relations

Public relations

Corporate communications

Storytelling

Writing/editing

Project management

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

High School Diploma / GED with 8+ years experience

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.

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.

Role located in New York Metro Area / Stamford, CT.

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 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

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.

Grade/Level: 11

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.