Director, External Communications

Director, External Communications

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General Function : 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.

Duties & Responsibilities :

• 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 workstreams, 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 discover trends and make informed recommendations. Continually integrate new technology tools and best practices to increase impact and efficiency.
• Writing & Storytelling. Demonstrate a passion for storytelling and writing that connects the dots to tell effective stories and share that passion and expertise with the team. Elevate the quality of others' writing with edits that make copy tighter, stronger, and more compelling.

Supervisory Responsibilities :

Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required :

Director, External Communications Total Base Pay Range 119,500.00 - 256,900.00 USD Annual

At Fifth Third, we understand the importance of recognizing our employees for the role they play in improving the lives of our customers, communities and each other. Our Total Rewards include comprehensive benefits and differentiated compensation offerings to give each employee the opportunity to be their best every day.

The base salary for this position is reflective of the range of salary levels for all roles within this pay grade across the U.S. Individual salaries within this range will vary based on factors such as role, relevant skillset, relevant experience, education and geographic location. In addition to the base salary, this role is eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan, with any such payment based upon company, line of business and / or individual performance.

Our extensive benefits programs are designed to support the individual needs of our employees and their families, encompassing physical, financial, emotional and social well-being. You can learn more about those programs on our 53.com Careers page.

Location Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Attention search firms and staffing agencies : do not submit unsolicited resumes for this posting. Fifth Third does not accept resumes from any agency that does not have an active agreement with Fifth Third. Any unsolicited resumes no matter how they are submitted will be considered the property of Fifth Third and Fifth Third will not be responsible for any associated fee.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is proud to have an engaged and inclusive culture and to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity in all employment decisions regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, veteran status or any other legally protected status.