VP of Public Affairs & Strategic Communications (Hybrid/DC)

Synchrony; Baltimore (MD); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Job summary

Synchrony seeks a Public Affairs Leader to guide external corporate communications and advocacy at the VP level. The role focuses on policy priorities, coalition management, crisis response, and strategic storytelling to elevate corporate reputation.

The position offers flexibility to work from the Washington DC hub or remotely in the DC-area, with in-person engagement in DC as needed. Collaboration with Government Affairs, Brand, Events, and other teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree. In lieu of degree, HS Diploma/GED and 12+ years of relevant communications experience
• 10+ years of communications experience at a large organization or a leading PR agency
• Experience working in public affairs, on political campaigns, or with state or federal elected officials
• Experience at or with a company in a highly regulated industry
• Experience developing 360-degree strategic communications plans and drive successful execution
• Possess a politically savviness to understand how the external environment impacts company priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with a distinct ability to distill complex ideas into simple, understandable messaging
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to build lasting partnerships, internally andexternally
• Highly collaborative team player with an ability to juggle multiple initiatives with a positive attitude
• Ability and flexibility to travel for business as required

Responsibilities

• Develop a long-term strategic advocacy and public policy-related communications program to support Synchrony’s policy objectives and reputation building
• Identify partnership opportunities with key third-party groups and opinion leaders to advance Synchrony’s legislative priorities
• Lead issue campaigns and corporate reputation initiatives with storytelling and content development
• Develop, lead, and drive project plans to ensure communications campaigns meet targets
• Manage issues and reactive communications in coordination with Corporate Affairs
• Facilitate regular communication on Synchrony’s business and public policy priorities with internal and external stakeholders
• Contribute as a key member of the Corporate Communications Team to highlight leadership and partnerships
• Manage agency partners, including oversight of campaign budgets
• Support internal and external events, including DC policy-focused events and sponsorships
• Move quickly and have autonomy to lead projects
• Understand how to operate in a large matrix organization
• Role blends public affairs and corporate communications to foster a favorable policy environment at state and federal levels
• Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned

Skills

Public affairs

Media relations

Stakeholder engagement

Crisis communication

Policy advocacy

Education

Bachelor’s degree

HS Diploma/GED with 12+ years experience

Job description

Synchrony seeks a Public Affairs Leader to guide external corporate communications and advocacy at the VP level. The role focuses on policy priorities, coalition management, crisis response, and strategic storytelling to elevate corporate reputation.

The position offers flexibility to work from the Washington DC hub or remotely in the DC-area, with in-person engagement in DC as needed. Collaboration with Government Affairs, Brand, Events, and other teams is essential.