Assistant Vice President, US Business Communications

Description and Requirements
Position: Assistant Vice President, US Business Communications
Location(s): New York, NY
Setting: Hybrid
Reports to: Vice President, US Business Communications
The Team You Will Join
US Business is made up of Group Benefits and Retirement Income Solutions business' which accounts for 46% of MetLife's overall business with $2,905M of adjusted earnings in 2022. MetLife's Group benefits is the number one group insurer in the industry and provides benefits to 96 Fortune 100 companies and provides employee benefits for over 50,000 U.S. employers covering more than 41 million employees and their families. Our Retirement & Income solutions business provides guaranteed income to individuals in a predictable and low risk way and helps companies reduce their risk and remain financially strong. In 2022 we made over $3.8 billion in pension payments annually.
The Opportunity
The successful candidate is a highly skilled communicator who can partner with teammates and stakeholders to identifying themes and storylines that reflect our industry leadership, enhance our reputation and further position MetLife and its business leaders as experts in the field. You will work in partnership with other members of the U.S. Business Communications team and cross-functional partners, including the businesses, products and marketing, to develop and execute a strategic and holistic communications plan that enhances MetLife's reputation as a leader in the US market.
If you are comfortable interacting with senior executives, working closely with the business to understand its priorities and expertise, developing dynamic communications plans and successfully executing against them; if you have the diplomacy and grace to exert influence whether or not there is a direct reporting relationship; if you approach your role collaboratively and are open to multiple ways of solving a challenge; if you are excited by defining the ownable narrative and figuring out how to share that story so it resonates with internal and external stakeholders; if you are motivated by working as part of a stellar team then this role may be for you.
This is a people leader role, meaning you have experience effectively managing others in a team environment and have a strong desire and passion to support and grow the professional development of team members.
How You'll Help Us Build a Confident Future:
• Partner with the Head of Group Benefits and Head of National Accounts to lead communications needs for the Group Benefits business, both proactively and reactively.
• In partnership with the Head of US Business Communications, develop the strategy for the Head of US Business, as Group Benefits plays an integral part of both the Enterprise and US business.
• Cultivate strong relationships with and serve as communications advisor, providing counsel and influence, to senior leaders across the U.S. Business, including products, services and operations, marketing and other support functions.
• Apply a forward-looking and strategic mindset to building communication plans that focus not just on the action but on the impact the actions deliver including critical measures and milestones.
• Utilize data to identify and craft messages - in line with business objectives - for each relevant stakeholder and the appropriate channels through which to deliver the messages.
• Draft all relevant communications materials.
• Develop reputation-enhancing initiatives that position MetLife favorably with relevant stakeholders, and proactively pitch and reactively respond to press inquiries.
• Partner with other members of the communications team, marketing, and other functions to deliver integrated solutions that help thought leadership reach the target audience and inspire desired reactions.
• Build and maintain a strong spokesperson bench, including senior executives as well as rising subject matter experts, including hosting executive media trainings as needed.
• Assess effectiveness of communications impact to drive business objectives.
• Proactively protect the company's reputation against potential risk and develop and execute crisis communications strategies as needed to safeguard our integrity and reputation.
• Build and maintain strong media relationships, and bring learnings, insights, and new media opportunities to the company.
• Managing current team members to support U.S. Business thought leadership work, including overseeing individual's work, professional development, and growth opportunities in the role.
What You Need to Succeed (Required Qualifications):
• 12+ years of experience in communications; financial acumen and knowledge of non-P&C insurance products, services and industry trends preferred.
• Proven track record of successful media relations and a deep understanding of the US media landscape across both traditional and emerging B2B and B2C channels.
• Passion for storytelling and strong writing/editing skills, with attention to detail.
• Demonstrable experience in developing and executing comprehensive employee engagement programs and campaigns.
• Strong executive presence and the confidence to counsel senior leaders with key external and internal audiences.
• Sound judgment as a communications professional, both in proactive business situations as well as crisis communications.
• High energy and strong work ethic, willingness to take initiative, share perspectives, and ability, flexibility and willingness to work to tight deadlines.
Salary Range: The wage range for applicants for this position is between $157,800 and $210,400.
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 2023 "World's Most Admired Companies" as well as the 2023 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 empathy, we're inspired to transform the next century in financial services. At MetLife, it's #AllTogetherPossible. Join us!
Equal Employment Opportunity/Disability/Veterans
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.
The salary range for applicants for this position is $157,800 - $210,400.
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 2024 "World's Most Admired Companies" as well as the 2024 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 empathy, we're inspired to transform the next century in financial services. At MetLife, it's #AllTogetherPossible . Join us!
Equal Employment Opportunity/Disability/Veterans
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.
$157,800 - $210,400
#BI-Hybrid