Manager, U.S. Consumer Proprietary Products and Banking Communications

Corporate Affairs and Communications (CA&C) is a global strategic function that uses a variety of programs and platforms to shape and communicate American Express’ brand message and key business initiatives to shareholders, colleagues and the community-at-large. Our team oversees global public affairs and media relations, social media, colleague communications, and corporate sustainability.

This NYC-based position will be an integral member of the Corporate Affairs & Communications (CA&C) team supporting U.S. Consumer Services (USCS), which is responsible for American Express’ suite of consumer products, services, and experiences in the U.S.

The Manager, U.S. Consumer Proprietary Products and Banking Communications will help drive strategic communications for American Express’ Proprietary Products, Banking, and Lending businesses, including Membership Rewards Cards (e.g., American Express Green, Gold, Platinum, and Centurion), Cash Back Cards (e.g., Blue Cash Everyday and Blue Cash Preferred), Membership Rewards, and lending products such as Plan It and Pay Over Time.

The role will help develop and execute external communications strategies that build and protect the American Express brand. Responsibilities include counseling executives and business partners; developing proactive media and influencer strategies; supporting executive thought leadership and partner communications; and managing issues. The Manager will engage directly with media and influencers and collaborate closely with teams across marketing, product, servicing, legal, compliance, partners, and external agencies.

We are looking for a strategic and creative PR professional with a passion for the American Express brand and premium consumer products. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of the media, social, and influencer landscape; can proactively shape communications strategies and deliver results; and thrives in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.

This role reports to the Vice President, U.S. Consumer Proprietary Products and Banking Communications.

• Develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies, approaches, and content to further business objectives; including clear, concise, and compelling writing tailored to relevant audiences and channels. Communications initiatives will support the business goals of USCS’ Proprietary Products, Banking, and Lending businesses.

• Lead the development and approval of materials across external and internal communications including memos, messaging, talking points, Q&As, press releases, and visual content.

• Provide communications counsel to business partners and support external communications needs and executive visibility (e.g. media interview or speaking engagement prep, LinkedIn).

• Set ambitious KPI-driven goals and use measurement to help inform and enhance communications strategies; measure and report on the impact of the team’s efforts.

• Manage social influencer campaigns including identifying the right partners, developing briefs, garnering stakeholder approvals, executing, and reporting on results.

• Identify unique and newsworthy opportunities to promote USCS’ Proprietary Products, Banking, and Lending businesses; develop strong relationships with press across verticals, with a focus on the premium consumer landscape.

• Maintain awareness of industry-level and competitor news, keeping teams informed and providing relevant insights, and collaborating with industry partners.

• Help oversee and manage U.S.-based PR agency and manage budgets.

• Collaborate across CA&C – in the US and globally - to support enterprise-wide communications initiatives, as relevant.

• Represent American Express as a spokesperson responding to media inquiries.

• Remain curious and ahead of emerging platforms, trends, competitor news, and best practices across communications, the premium consumer industry, social media and influencer marketing, and regularly share your perspective to keep the team informed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of PR experience, including PR agency experience, with deep knowledge of the premium consumer landscape.

• Established ability to influence and counsel internal and external stakeholders and apply strong judgement while managing multiple priorities.

• Experience developing and executing successful communications and influencer marketing strategies.

• Superior writing skills, strategic thinking, and presentation skills.

• Media relations experience with proven media results including creativity in developing and managing storytelling with national, local and trade press.

• Strong organization and attention to detail.

• Excellence judgement. Knows when to ask for help.

• Needs to be a self-starter, strong collaborator, good project manager, and able to work independently, while operating as an adaptable team player.

• Ability to deal with confidential information without exception.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience counseling executives and driving their external and internal communications needs.

• Proven track record for developing and executing programs that have driven tangible results.

• Experience leading and working with various stakeholders – from agencies to marketing teams to partners - to build effective communications strategies and campaigns.

• Experience managing PR agencies and budgets

Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the United States is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.