VP, External Communications

Description and Requirements
VP, External Communications
Location: Hybrid (minimum 3 days in the office) at 200 Park Ave, NYC
VP, External Communications
Location: Hybrid (minimum of 3 days a week in office) at 200 Park Ave, NYC
Role Summary:
The VP, External Communications is a senior communications leader responsible for positioning MetLife through proactive media engagement, strategic storytelling, and thoughtful agenda setting. This role will be responsible for actively shaping and maintaining MetLife's reputation, supported by a compelling and globally integrated PR and media strategy.
The successful candidate will bring a demonstrated track record of developing and executing holistic external communication strategies with measurable outcomes, building and scaling a high-performing team, developing global media strategies, and serving as a trusted advisor to senior executives. They will be responsible for shaping MetLife's public narrative, building strong relationships with key media stakeholders, and ensuring the company is well-positioned in moments of opportunity and risk.
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.

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 $220K-$290K. 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, 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.
$220K-$290K
#BI-Hybrid