AVP, External Communications

We are seeking an Associate Vice President (AVP) of External Communications to lead the strategy and execution of high-impact communications that amplify the company’s voice and reputation across external platforms. This role blends media relations expertise, creative storytelling, and business acumen to drive compelling narratives, expand thought leadership, and strengthen Assurant’s position as a trusted, forward-looking voice in the marketplace.

Reporting to the Vice President of Global Communications, the AVP will be a key member of the Global Communications leadership team—shaping our corporate narrative, press strategy, executive visibility, and crisis response. The role requires close partnership with senior executives, oversight of major communications initiatives and events, and the proven ability to inspire and lead a high-performing team.

The ideal candidate brings a strong track record of innovative thinking, operational excellence, and strategic insight, paired with a curious mind and deep understanding of the media landscape.

 
What are my key responsibilities in this job?    

• Lead a team of communications professionals and agency partners to develop and deliver impactful external communications.

• Drive proactive and reactive media engagement, building and nurturing strong relationships with national, regional, and trade media.

• Oversee media campaigns and press engagements, manage media inquiries, and prepare executives for interviews.

• Develop press materials, company statements, and messaging that aligns with corporate priorities and brand voice.

• Provide strategic communications counsel to senior leaders and business stakeholders across the enterprise.

• Lead narrative development and executive thought leadership initiatives, including engagements at industry events, relevant podcasts, and other high-impact channels.

• Support enterprise-wide announcements and cross-functional campaigns, ensuring alignment with business goals.

• Serve as a key member of the crisis communications team, partnering with relevant stakeholders to prepare for and respond to high-stakes issues.

• Collaborate with marketing and other departments to identify story-worthy initiatives and ensure consistent messaging across all external channels.

• Further establish, benchmark, and measure external communications effectiveness to drive continuous improvement.

• Support broader communications efforts by managing news flow, announcements, and projects aligned with corporate priorities.

What are the position requirements?  

• Minimum of 10 years of communications experience, with a strong track record in external communications and media relations for a highly matrixed, publicly traded company.

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field.

• Proven leader with strong business acumen, sound judgment, and a reputation for integrity.

• Experience advising senior executives and guiding high-profile initiatives and sensitive situations with confidence and discretion.

• Strategic thinker with the agility to adapt quickly, make informed decisions, and align communications with business priorities.

• Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives from concept through flawless execution.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including editing, and message tailoring for diverse audiences and channels.

• Ability to distill complex information into clear, persuasive narratives.

• Deep understanding of media strategy, news cycles, and risk assessment.

• Strong media relations experience with a proven track record of securing impactful coverage.

• Exceptional project management and organizational skills; able to manage multiple priorities under pressure with attention to detail.

• Experience leading teams and agency partners, mentoring talent, and fostering an inclusive, collaborative, high-performance culture.

• Relationship-driven communicator who works effectively across functions to understand needs and deliver strategic communication solutions.

• Technically adept across communications platforms and tools, with a continuous improvement mindset.  

What other skills/experience would be helpful to have?

• Demonstrates curiosity and commitment to continuous learning to proactively stay ahead of industry trends, media dynamics, and emerging communications strategies.

• Builds trusted, cross-functional partnerships across geographies and levels to foster alignment and amplify impact.

• Leads with energy and enthusiasm, inspiring others through a constructive outlook and forward-thinking approach.

 How much should I expect to travel?  

• Up to 15%.   

#LI-Remote

#AssurantProudKS

Pay Range:

Any posted pay range considers a wide range of compensation factors, including candidate background, experience and work location, while also allowing for salary growth within the position.

Expected application deadline is

If date is blank then this is a pipeline requisition, and we will continue to collect applications on an ongoing basis.

Helping People Thrive in a Connected World
Connect with us. Bring us your best work and your brightest ideas. And we’ll bring you a place where you can thrive. Learn more at jobs.assurant.com.

For U.S. benefit information, visit myassurantbenefits.com. For benefit information outside the U.S., please speak with your recruiter.

What’s the culture like at Assurant?
Our unique culture is a big reason why talented people choose Assurant. Named a Best/Great Place to Work in 15 countries and awarded the Fortune America’s Most Innovative Companies recognition, we bring together top talent around the world. Although we have a wide variety of skills and experiences, we share common characteristics that are uniquely Assurant. A passion for service. An ability to innovate in practical ways. And a willingness to take chances. We call our culture The Assurant Way.

Company Overview
Assurant is a leading global business services company that supports, protects, and connects major consumer purchases. A Fortune 500 company with a presence in 21 countries, Assurant supports the advancement of the connected world by partnering with the world’s leading brands to develop innovative solutions and deliver an enhanced customer experience through mobile device solutions, extended service contracts, vehicle protection services, renters insurance, lender-placed insurance products, and other specialty products.

Equal Opportunity Statement
Assurant is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not use or consider race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in employment decisions.

Job Scam Alert
Please be aware that during Assurant's application process, we will never ask for personal information such as your Social Security number, bank account details, or passwords. Learn more about what to look out for and how to report a scam here.