VP, External Communications

Role Summary/Purpose:

Synchrony seeks a seasoned Vice President, External Communications to define and drive high-impact external communications strategies that shape the Synchrony story, elevate awareness of our products and services, build B2B thought leadership, and win mindshare among media and influencers. This leader will own strategic communications for Synchrony’s core commercial platforms with a priority on the Health & Wellness business (dental, veterinary/pet, cosmetic) and new initiatives from across the Synchrony business.

This role is for an expert in external communications who solves unique problems, manages executive engagement, and coordinates with cross-functional teams to deliver measurable outcomes. The VP is accountable for budget, performance and results, sets objectives and KPIs, and recommends solutions and best practices. This leader operates independently with guidance only on highly complex or novel issues.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead development and execution of integrated external communications strategies and annual plans that advance corporate reputation, product narratives, and business objectives across Health & Wellness and other commercial platforms. Accountable for performance, results and Budget.,

• Translate business insights and data into compelling external narratives and content — press releases, bylines, op-eds, executive talking points, podcasts, case studies, and campaign collateral — tailored for diverse external audiences.

• Manage executive engagement: counsel and prepare company leaders and business partners for media interviews, industry events, stakeholder briefings and public appearances.

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams (marketing, internal communications, social, government affairs, product teams) and manage external agencies to execute integrated paid, earned, owned and social programs.

• Own issues and crisis communications for assigned portfolios: craft official statements, rapid-response messaging, and strategic positioning on nuanced health and wellness topics.

• Cultivate and leverage strategic relationships with trade associations, industry influencers, media, think tanks, academic partners and third-party advocates to amplify narratives and inform strategy.

• Recommend communications solutions and best practices based on industry experience; identify opportunities to scale successful programs across the enterprise.

• Manage vendor and agency performance, contracts and budgets; ensure resource allocation aligns to strategic priorities and delivers measurable business impact.

• Set objectives, KPIs and measurement frameworks for campaigns; monitor performance and deliver ROI-focused reporting.

• Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree. In lieu of degree, HS Diploma/GED and 11 years progressive external communications/public relations experience, with a strong track record of leading comprehensive PR and thought leadership programs.

• 8+ years of progressive external communications/public relations experience, with a strong track record of leading comprehensive PR and thought leadership programs.

• 5+ years managing external PR agencies

• 3+ years leading integrated Paid, Earned, Social and Owned media campaigns.

• Experience managing executive engagement and preparing senior leaders for high-profile external interactions.

• Experience managing budgets, agency partners, and cross-functional teams; accountable for performance and results.

• Experience with issues and crisis communications in high-stakes environments.

• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills; expert-level capability to simplify complex business or health/wellness topics into clear external messages.

• Ability and flexibility to travel for business as required - up to 15%.

Preferred/Desired Characteristics:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations

• Deep knowledge of the health & wellness and/or financial services industries.

• Self-starter who can operate with high autonomy.

• Proven ability to solve unique and complex communications problems, recommend pragmatic solutions, and set organizational best practices.

• Strong leadership presence and proven ability to inspire and develop teams.

• Highly independent, exercises sound judgment, and seeks guidance only for highly complex or novel situations.

• Strong attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, and focus on delivering measurable business outcomes.

• Trustworthy with the ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential matters.

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. You will be required to commute to your nearest Hub (either virtual or physical) for in-person engagement activities such as regular 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.

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. 

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. 

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

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