AVP, External Communications - US Business

Description and Requirements
The Team You Will Join
Join a team shaping the future of financial well-being for millions of Americans. At the heart of our U.S. Business is a commitment to delivering trusted employee benefits and retirement solutions that empower people to live with confidence. You'll help drive strategic growth across a diverse, expanding portfolio - whether it's developing innovative products, harnessing technology to drive customer impact at scale, advancing capital-efficient retirement solutions, or exploring new market opportunities. Here, you'll work within an environment that combines deep industry expertise with forward-thinking investment in emerging capabilities, while making a meaningful difference in how Americans plan for their futures.
The Opportunity
The AVP - External Communications plays a critical role supporting the US Business at MetLife. Reporting to the VP, External Communications, this position is responsible for advancing MetLife's external reputation through proactive media engagement, strategic storytelling, and thoughtful narrative shaping. This role partners closely with the US Business to translate complex insights into compelling public narratives and support the broader enterprise PR strategy.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead proactive PR and media strategies aligned to business priorities, brand positioning, and stakeholder engagement.
• Identify and develop compelling storytelling opportunities to secure high-impact media coverage, thought leadership, and event visibility.
• Support executive visibility through media, speaking, and social platforms, and draft key materials including press releases, statements, talking points, Q&As, and bylines.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with financial, business, and trade journalists.
• Help manage sensitive, issues-related, and crisis communications while preparing messaging for emerging reputation risks.
• Synthesize media insights to inform strategy and help identify, prepare, and support company spokespeople.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years in external communications, PR, or media relations, ideally in insurance, asset management, or financial services
• Strong track record with financial, business, and trade media
• Excellent writer and storyteller who can simplify complex topics
• Experience supporting senior leaders and managing reputationally sensitive issues, including crisis preparedness
• Ability to work cross-functionally and execute integrated communications programs in a global environment
• High-energy, adaptable professional with strong prioritization skills, AI tool fluency, and a bachelor's degree required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a matrixed, global organization.
• Established relationships with financial and industry media.
• Agency experience or experience managing an agency on behalf of an organization.

Location Expectation: This is a hybrid role requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in office.
The expected salary range for this position is $180K - $220K . This role may also be eligible for annual short-term incentive compensation and stock-based long-term incentives. All incentives and benefits are subject to the applicable plan terms.
Benefits We Offer
Our U.S. benefits address holistic well-being with programs for physical and mental health, financial wellness, and support for families. We offer a comprehensive health plan that includes medical/prescription drug and vision, dental insurance, and no-cost short- and long-term disability. We also provide company-paid life insurance and legal services, a retirement pension funded entirely by MetLife and 401(k) with employer matching, group discounts on voluntary insurance products including auto and home, pet, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance, as well as Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and digital mental health programs, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, volunteer time off, tuition assistance and much more!
About MetLife
Recognized on Fortune magazine's list of the "World's Most Admired Companies", Fortune World's 25 Best Workplaces™, as well as the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®, MetLife, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is one of the world's leading financial services companies; providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to individual and institutional customers. With operations in more than 40 markets, we hold leading positions in the United States, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Our purpose is simple - to help our colleagues, customers, communities, and the world at large create a more confident future. United by purpose and guided by our core values - Win Together, Do the Right Thing, Deliver Impact Over Activity, and Think Ahead - we're inspired to transform the next century in financial services. At MetLife, it's #AllTogetherPossible . Join us!
MetLife is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are made without regards to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status (although applicants and employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States), uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law ("protected characteristics").
If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please email us at [email protected]. This information will be held in confidence and used only to determine an appropriate accommodation for the application process.
MetLife maintains a drug-free workplace.
#BI-Hybrid