Vice President Public Affairs

Role Summary/Purpose:

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. **

Essential 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 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 reactive communications in 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 Team to 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 on DC and policy-focused events and sponsorships
• 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

Qualifications/Requirements:

• 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

Desired Characteristics:

• 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 state political affairs experience
• Record of accomplishment with respect to state legislative issues
• Experience working with industry trade associations

Grade/Level: 13

The salary range for this position is 130,000.00 - 210,000.00 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.

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

Job Family Group:

Communications