Make banking a Fifth Third better®
We connect great people to great opportunities. Are you ready to take the next step? Discover a career in banking at Fifth Third Bank.
The VP, External Communications will drive the comprehensive external communications strategy for Fifth Third Bank in Michigan — one of the Bank's most strategically important markets following its recent merger with Comerica Bank. Based in Detroit and working in close partnership with the Michigan Region President, this individual will lead external communications across every issue and every line of business in the region, promoting Fifth Third's strategy and leadership in Michigan while protecting and defending the Bank's reputation. The role will focus on proactive and reactive media relations, crisis and issues preparedness and management, thought leadership, community visibility, and special projects connected to the integration and the region's growth. The role reports to the Director, External Communications.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic external communications plan for Fifth Third in Michigan, spanning every line of business operating in the region — including Consumer, Commercial, Wealth & Asset Management, and the corporate and investment bank — as well as enterprise-wide issues that intersect with the market. Identify the course of action that efficiently balances strategy and execution, collaborate to implement solutions, and focus on delivering effective communications that elevate Fifth Third's presence and leadership in Michigan.
Serve as the lead communications partner to the Michigan Region , starting with the Region President, providing strategic counsel, message development, speech and talking-point support, and visibility planning to position the Region President and other local Fifth Third leaders as trusted voice s in Michigan's business community.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key reporters across Detroit and Michigan top-tier and trade publications, including print, digital, and broadcast media, as well as relevant national outlets covering the region.
Proactive media relations : identify opportunities to build awareness of Fifth Third's Michigan strategy, investments, leadership, and community impact through earned media coverage in Detroit and statewide outlets, as well as relevant national press.
Reactive media relations : protect and defend Fifth Third's reputation in Michigan by navigating complex situations, including matters tied to the Comerica integration, branch and operations footprint changes, and other sensitive regional issues.
Lead Michigan PR for special projects as they arise, including but not limited to the ongoing Comerica integration, the new Michigan headquarters and regional hubs, real estate and footprint announcements, community investment commitments, litigation defense, sponsorship agreements and other business matters requiring strategic communications support.
In close partnership with Government Affairs and the Community Impact team, b uild and sustain trusted civic and stakeholder relationships and a deep understanding of Michigan's political, legislative, and civic environment. Translate that fluency into communications strategies protect the Bank's reputation across earned, owned, and paid channels.
Partner closely with the full Communic ations team, and cross-functional deportments including Investor Relations, Legal, Government Affairs, Community Impact Managers and Marketing teams to ensure Michigan -specific messaging is consistent, coordinated, and aligned with enterprise priorities.
Plan, edit, and create content for a variety of external communications channels, leadership presentations, newsletters, key messages / scripts, speeches, video, among other work products.
Minimum Knowledge & Skills Required
Bachelor's degree required. Experience in banking and/or financial services strongly preferred. Deep knowledge of the Michigan market — particularly Detroit's media, civic, and business landscape — strongly preferred.
8+ years of experience in proactive and reactive media relations, corporate positioning, thought leadership, and social media.
Working knowledge of Michigan's political, legislative, and civic environment — including state and local government, regulators, and the business and community organizations that shape opinion in Metro Detroit and across the state — and a proven ability to convert that fluency into effective communications strategy.
VP, External Communications – Michigan Region
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 at: https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/careers/benefits.html or by consulting with your talent acquisition partner.
LOCATION - Detroit, Michigan 48226
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.
