External Communications & Reputation Director - Crisis & Media

Transamerica; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

Transamerica is seeking a Director of External Communications & Reputation to lead the development and execution of strategic external communications, strengthening brand reputation and mitigating reputational risk across media relations, crisis response, and stakeholder engagement.

In this role, you will guide senior leadership on messaging, build relationships with journalists and influencers, draft press materials, and work cross-functionally with legal, risk, IR, and other teams to protect

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in communications or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in media relations, PR, or crisis communications.
• Experience handling high-profile reputational issues and sensitive situations.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic communications plans at enterprise and business levels.
• Experience in earned media, messaging, and issues management.
• Strong writing and editing skills; translate priorities into narratives.
• Knowledge of media dynamics, crisis response, and reputation management.
• Proficient with MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Manage enterprise and lines of business' reputation strategy and crisis readiness.
• Develop and execute crisis communications plans with playbooks.
• Build relationships with journalists and industry influencers.
• Advise senior leadership on reputational risk and positioning.
• Identify thought leadership opportunities across media and events.
• Draft press releases, statements, and executive remarks.
• Monitor media coverage and adjust strategies.

Skills

Media relations

Crisis management

Strategic communications

Earned media

Writing & editing

Crisis protocols

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications/public relations/related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Transamerica is seeking a Director of External Communications & Reputation to lead the development and execution of strategic external communications, strengthening brand reputation and mitigating reputational risk across media relations, crisis response, and stakeholder engagement.

In this role, you will guide senior leadership on messaging, build relationships with journalists and influencers, draft press materials, and work cross-functionally with legal, risk, IR, and other teams to protect