VP, External Communications

VP, External Communications

Location: Hybrid (minimum 3 days in the office) at 200 Park Ave, NYC

Role Summary:

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and lead a refreshed external communications function, establishing a robust and proactive PR capability
• Develop and implement a global media strategy that supports MetLife’s business priorities, brand positioning, and stakeholder engagement
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with top-tier journalists across financial, business, and trade outlets
• Drive proactive media outreach to secure high-impact coverage and thought leadership opportunities for MetLife and its executives
• Act as a company spokesperson and media liaison during company events, issues, or crises
• Develop compelling executive narratives with supportive external communications strategies to drive proactive media engagement
• Oversee media monitoring, analysis, and reporting to inform strategy and measure impact
• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on reputation risk, public perception, and stakeholder sentiment
• Develop strong written communications, including press releases, talking points, speeches, social media posts, and more to deliver the right messages, across the right channels, at the right times to key stakeholders
• Monitor emerging trends, issues, and narratives that could impact MetLife’s reputation and advise on and produce appropriate responses
• Use data, insights, and performance metrics to evaluate communications effectiveness, refine strategies, and demonstrate measurable impact.

Position Requirements:

• 15+ years of experience in corporate communications, external communications, public relations, or media strategy, with at least five years in a senior leadership role within a global, regulated organization, preferably with financial services experience.
• Proven success in building and scaling PR/media functions and leading through change
• Deep understanding of the media landscape, including traditional, digital, and social platforms
• Strong media relations and crisis/issues management experience
• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and strategic thinking skills
• Executive presence with experience advising, coaching, and preparing senior leaders for high-stakes communications
• Experience managing agencies, budgets, and cross-functional teams
• Bachelor's degree; advanced degree preferred. Communications, journalism, public affairs, or related field preferred.