Vice President - Head of Corporate Communications (Internal & External)

VP, Head, India Corporate, External and Internal Communication (L13)

Job Description:

Role Title: VP, Head, India Corporate, External and Internal Communication (L13)

Company Overview

Synchrony (NYSE: SYF) is a premier consumer financial services company delivering one of the industry’s most complete digitally enabled product suites. Our experience, expertise and scale encompass a broad spectrum of industries including digital, health and wellness, retail, telecommunications, home, auto, outdoors, pet and more.

We have recently been ranked #2 among India’s Best Companies to Work for by Great Place to Work. We were among the Top 50 India’s Best Workplaces in Building a Culture of Innovation by All by GPTW and Top 25 among Best Workplaces in BFSI by GPTW. We have also been recognized by AmbitionBox Employee Choice Awards among the Top 20 Mid-Sized Companies, ranked #3 among Top Rated Companies for Women, and Top-Rated Financial Services Companies.

We provide best-in-class employee benefits and programs that cater to work-life integration and overall well-being.

We provide career advancement and upskilling opportunities for all to take up leadership roles.

Organizational Overview:

This role will report to the SVP, Enterprise, Employee Communications and work closely with the SVP Country Head – India, leadership team and global Corporate Communication, Branding, EVP and external communications teams in the US.

Role Summary/Purpose:

This is a leadership role that involves setting and managing internal and external communications to support Synchrony’s global strategy and brand reputation, ensuring alignment between global goals and local India context. Responsibilities include crafting compelling narratives, enhancing brand image, managing media relations, leading crisis communication, fostering employee engagement through internal communication processes, and promoting the GCC's contributions to the parent organization's innovation and growth.

Key Responsibilities

Drive promotion and communication outreach for Synchrony Financial and its businesses, strengthen brand among external audiences and support business growth.

Develop proactive public relations programs, plans and editorial calendars for Synchrony Financial to engage and educate key stakeholders.

Shape and structure clear, compelling messages and develop storytelling campaigns, especially those in innovation and technology.

Own and support reputation management and crisis communications structures, programs and protocols as needed.

Narrative Development: Shape and promote the overarching narratives of the GCC, highlighting its strategic contributions to innovation, business transformation, and talent development.

Brand Alignment: Ensure all communications are consistent with brand guidelines and strategic objectives, both for the GCC and its parent company.

Brand Activation : Drive awareness for Synchrony’s business through a 360 approach including internal comms, media strategy (proactive story placement in media outlets), knowledge sessions and other influential forums.

Oversee executive thought leadership campaigns including placing executive profiles, bylines and high-level speaker placements.

Identify key milestones and other news making opportunities and determine strategies to elevate them.

Develop strong and trusted relationships with partners such as NASSCOM, AMCHAM and their subject matter experts.

Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and manage a team of communication professionals, as well as external PR and digital agencies.

Responsible for the key messages, press releases, one pagers, presentations/keynotes, Q&As, case studies, thought leadership pieces, bylined articles, executive briefing materials, and other communications assets

Act as an effective company spokesperson with press.

Orchestrate internal and external communications to ensure aligned approach.

Required Skills/Knowledge:

Experience: 15+ years of experience in corporate communications, ideally within a technology company or global multinational. Experience with a listed company is often an advantage.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication or a related field; MBA or postgraduate degree is preferred.

Communication Skills: Exceptional writing, copywriting, and proofreading skills, with the ability to articulate clear and effective messages.

Digital Fluency: Strong command of modern communication tools, including digital analytics, content strategy, and social media platforms.

Understanding of the financial services industry, from bank, consumer and partner perspective. Able to understand, analyze and build narratives around the major trends and developments in the industry

Must be willing to relocate to Hyderabad

Desired Skills/Knowledge:

• Reputation Management: A strong understanding of reputation management and the ability to maintain transparency and build trust.
• Experience working with a US Global capability center is preferred
• Ability to foster strong relationships with key executives and act as counsel in corporate PR matters
• A self-starter that can multi-task and prioritize, zoom out and zoom in with a roll up sleeves approach
• Positive and collaborative personality; a commitment to ensuring all activities undertaken are as successful as possible
• Excellent communications skills and stellar writer who knows AP style well
• Good judgment and calm composure particularly in high pressure times
• Trustworthy and able to keep highly sensitive information confidential

Application Criteria

University degree in journalism, mass communications, marketing or equivalent experience in public relations or journalism

15+ years of Experience in the relevant field

Work Timings

Role requires collaboration during India and US business hour overlap windows to support leadership and stakeholder discussions

For Internal Applicants:

• Understand the criteria or mandatory skills required for the role, before applying.

• Inform your manager and HRM before applying for any role on Workday.

• Ensure that your professional profile is updated (fields such as education, prior experience, other skills) and it is mandatory to upload your updated resume (Word or PDF format)

• Must not be on any corrective action plan (First Formal/Final Formal, LPP)

• L11+ Employees who have completed 18 months in the organization and 12 months in current role and level are only eligible.

• 11+ Level Employees can apply.

Job Family Group:

Communications

Experience Level

Entry Level