VP, Public Affairs

This position is a key member of the External Corporate Communications Team reporting to the SVP, External Corporate Communications and Public Affairs. The Public Affairs Vice President will lead communications efforts tied to corporate reputation building,policy priorities, guide advocacy engagement, and manage key third-party stakeholders. Working closely with Government Affairs, Corporate Events, Brand, and others, this role will work cross-functionally to shape and enhance Synchrony’s corporate reputation through best-in-class public affairs capabilities, including but not limited to media relations, message creation, coalition management, crisis response, and grassroots engagement.

** This position has flexibility to work from our Washington DC hub or work from home in the DC-area with the expectation of engaging in many in person events and connections in DC. **

• Develop a long-term strategic advocacy and public policy-related communications programtosupport Synchrony’spolicyobjectivesand 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 an emphasis on creative storytelling and content development including issues briefs, fact sheets, and other materials
• Develop, lead, and drive project plans to ensure that communications campaigns achieve intended results addressing gaps as needed to meet targets
• Manage issues and reactivecommunicationsin coordination with the Corporate Affairs function
• Facilitate regular communication on Synchrony’s business and public policy priorities with internal and external stakeholder, including media,trade associations, consultants, interest groups, and others
• Contribute as a key member of the Corporate Communications Teamto highlight the company’s leadership, partnerships, and storytelling
• Manage agency partners, including oversight and management of campaign budgets
• Support internal and external events as appropriate, including advising onDC and policy-focused events and sponsor ships
• Move quickly and feel comfortable having autonomy to lead projects
• Understand how to get things done in a large, matrixed organization
• Enjoy a role that is a mix of public affairs and corporate communications with an emphasis on creating a favorable policy environment at the state and federal level
• Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned

• 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 and externally
• Highly collaborative team player with an ability to juggle multiple initiatives with a positive attitude
• Ability and flexibility to travel for business as required

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to counsel senior leaders and influence cross-functional partners
• Demonstrated ability to manage ambiguity, exercise sound judgment, and make decisions in high-stakes environments
• State government and/or…