Job Description

Role Summary/Purpose:

Synchrony is seeking a seasoned VP, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs leader to accelerate our strategic communications efforts to create a differentiated public identity that resonates with target audiences. This individual will promote and protect Synchrony’s reputation with all stakeholders, including media, policymakers, partners, customers and the broader public. This individual will be a member of the Corporate Affairs team and partner closely with internal teams to amplify Synchrony’s mission, values, and achievements.

The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of relevant experience and success in driving comprehensive communication campaigns to elevate company reputation, managing external communication and public affairs strategies, mitigating reputational risk, measuring public sentiment, and navigating rapidly evolving media, regulatory and political landscapes. This role requires a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to complex problem-solving and execution in a cross-functional team environment.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic corporate reputation campaigns to effectively convey the company’s mission, values, and achievements to positively impact business.
• Work cross-functionally with senior leaders to ensure consistent messaging and alignment on corporate reputation initiatives.
• Lead strategy and communication efforts that enhance the company’s reputation with policymakers and policy influencers in DC and across select states; manage the VP, Public Affairs to support Washington, DC-based initiatives, advocacy messaging and relationship building with DC media, advocates and associations.
• Lead the development and implementation of crisis management plans to protect the company’s reputation in the event of external challenges or negative publicity, work with internal teams to mitigate negative impacts and prepare response strategies in advance.
• In partnership with our content team, create and tailor public facing communications, including, op-eds, paid, social and owned content, that resonates with target audiences, ensuring consistency in messaging across various channels.
• Cultivate a strong understanding of the external landscape and identify opportunities to fully leverage both traditional and new channels to drive Synchrony’s messages.
• Collaborate closely with Synchrony Foundation and Citizenship teams to integrate and promote initiatives into the company’s broader reputation-building efforts, demonstrating Synchrony’s commitment to its employees, customers and its communities.
• Implement reputation metrics and manage reporting processes to monitor and evaluate corporate reputation across multiple channels, providing regular reports to senior leadership on public sentiment, share of voice, and key issues that may impact the company’s image.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key journalists, nonprofits, and other partners/collaborators to shape public perception.
• Manage and maximize agency relationships.
• Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree. In lieu of degree, HS Diploma/GED and 13 years of experience in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations in financial services or consumer industries.
• 10+ years of experience in communications, journalism, public relations, public affairs including working with and/or managing external public relations agency teams.
• Proven success in developing and driving comprehensive corporate reputation strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues in a clear and concise manner.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with key partners, including senior leaders, business partners, media, and influencers.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to lead and inspire.

Desired Characteristics

• Strong understanding of financial services is a plus.
• Ability to lead cross-channel campaigns, including external relations, internal relations, social media, influencers and more.
• Experience in crisis management and the ability to navigate high-pressure situations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, using sound judgment in making decisions, balance multiple priorities, and communicate proactively with stakeholders about project risks or uncertainties.
• Takes initiative, anticipates next steps and sets high standards in all s/he does; exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize and manage a high volume of detailed work, and deliver on a tight deadline.
• Trustworthy and able to keep highly sensitive information confidential.

Grade/Level: 14

The salary range for this position is 150,000.00 – 250,000.00 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.

Our Commitment

When you join us, you’ll be part of a diverse, inclusive culture where your skills, experience, and voice are not only heard—but valued. We celebrate the differences in all of us and believe that our individual, unique perspectives is what makes Synchrony truly a great place to work. Together, we’re building a future where we can all belong, connect and turn ideals into action. Through the power of our 8 Diversity Networks+, with more than 60% of our workforce engaged, you’ll find community to connect with an opportunity to go beyond your passions.

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.

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

Communications