Director, External Communications Fifth Third Bank

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We’re seeking a seasoned and strategic Director of External Communications to lead our public relations team and elevate our brand presence across earned media channels. The Director will determine, coordinate and execute comprehensive Bancorp-level external communications initiatives that support Fifth Third Bank’s strategic objectives. The Director is both a team leader and a doer, capable of driving strategic external communications and media relations plans from conception to completion.

This role is ideal for an external communications and media relations expert who thrives in both strategy and execution — someone who can lead a team, build strong relationships with journalists, and isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves to pitch, write, and respond in real time.

This role reports to the Chief Communications Officer.

• Lead and Do. Lead, manage, and develop the External Communications team, balancing strategy and execution. Help prioritize projects and initiatives while sharing in the work.
• Efficiently balance high-level strategic thinking with deep attention to detail.
• Lead PR and external positioning for the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, and Chief Marketing Officer.
• Lead special projects as they arise, including acquisitions/divestitures, government shutdowns, natural disasters, litigation defense, and other corporate matters requiring strategic communications support.
• Media Relations Expertise. Lead and execute the company’s external communications strategy, with a strong emphasis on media relations.
• Promote Fifth Third Bank’s strategy and leadership while protecting and defending the Bank’s reputation. Lead proactive and reactive media relations for corporate and financial matters, crisis and issues preparedness and management, thought leadership, and special projects.
• Cultivate, build, and maintain relationships with key journalists, editors, and influencers across national, regional, and trade media — both print and broadcast.
• Serve as a hands‑on media liaison, proactively pitching stories, managing media inquiries, and preparing spokespeople for interviews.
• Monitor media coverage and industry trends to identify opportunities to raise Fifth Third’s profile.
• Create and execute award nominations for key executives and projects to build visibility, particularly for the CFO, CIO, and CMO.
• Strategic Communications. Develop a comprehensive editorial calendar for external communications to ensure smooth execution and integrated planning.
• Plan, edit, and create content for external communications channels, including press releases, media advisories, op‑eds, briefing documents, leadership presentations, newsletters, key messages/scripts, speeches, and video.
• Crisis & Issues Management. Prepare communications plans and implement strategies to manage crises, always bringing forward recommendations and solutions that position the firm for strength.
• Serve as the external communications representative for business continuity work streams, such as natural disasters and government shutdowns.
• Collaboration & Counsel. Collaborate cross‑functionally with both leadership and peers to support business objectives, drive messaging discipline, and execute in accordance with standard processes.
• Advise leadership on strategy and direction, providing expert communications counsel and advice.
• Build credibility across the organization by demonstrating strong business acumen, effective communication, expert content creation, and flawless execution.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Measurement. Identify and pursue media relations strategies that leverage AI in the midst of an evolving landscape.
• Develop communications campaigns and deliverables for multiple audiences using multiple channels, ensuring alignment in message, process, and approach.
• Seek fresh perspectives, analyze best practices, and implement changes to improve outcomes. Ask questions, identify areas for improvement, and put plans in motion.
• Review and analyze metrics and data to…