Director Assistant (Chief of Staff), Corporate Communications

Corporate Affairs and Communications (CA&C) is a global strategic function that uses a variety of programs and platforms to shape and communicate American Express’ brand message and key business initiatives to shareholders, colleagues and the community-at-large. Our team oversees global public affairs and media relations, social media, colleague communications, and corporate sustainability.

The Role

The Director Assistant, Corporate Communications, serves as a strategic partner, trusted advisor, and organizational leader to the Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications. The role helps shape and execute the vision, priorities, and operating agenda for a function that includes Reputation Management, Financial & Corporate Communications, Corporate Sustainability Communications, Brand Communications, and Newsroom & Social Media content. Working across these teams, the Director-Assistant drives alignment, advances strategic priorities, supports senior-level communications and operational needs, and serves as a connective hub for leaders, colleagues, and key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Executive Partnership

• Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the SVP, helping shape strategic priorities, organizational focus areas, and developing executive-level presentations and materials.

• Support decision-making and priority setting by synthesizing insights and translating enterprise and departmental priorities into actionable plans that drive coordination and execution across teams.

• Anticipate emerging opportunities, risks, and trends that may impact the function, brand, or company reputation.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Strategic Initiatives

• Lead complex, high-visibility initiatives and partner across Reputation Management, Financial & Corporate Communications, Corporate Sustainability Communications, Brand Communications, and Social Media to advance integrated strategies and shared priorities.

• Strengthen collaboration, simplify ways of working, and shape initiatives that advance the function’s strategic goals and long-term evolution

• Represent the SVP and Executive Office in strategic discussions and cross-functional working groups, as appropriate.

Organizational Leadership & Culture

• Foster a connected, collaborative, and high-performing culture across Corporate Communications.

• Lead initiatives that strengthen colleague engagement, professional development, knowledge sharing, and cross-team collaboration.

• Partner with leaders to reinforce shared priorities, values, and goals through leadership communications, team engagement strategies, and community-building efforts.

• Create opportunities for colleagues to connect, learn from one another, and build stronger relationships across teams.

Communications Innovation & Media Evolution

• Monitor shifts in the media, content, and stakeholder landscape to identify opportunities for innovation and partner with leaders to evolve transformation strategies.

• Help the organization adapt to new platforms, technologies, audience behaviors, and future communications opportunities by championing modern ways of working.

Operational Effectiveness & Process Management

• Support organizational planning, and operational effectiveness including workforce strategy, third-party processes, and transformational initiatives that enable the department to operate efficiently.

• Partner with key stakeholders on planning cycles, budgets, vendor management, governance activities, and departmental priorities.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years’ experience in communications, corporate affairs, strategic planning, executive office leadership, or a related field preferred.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience supporting senior executive audiences.
• Creative, agile leader who can balance complex initiatives, influence across a matrixed organization, and lead through change.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, organizational leadership, and relationship-building capabilities.
• Understanding of the evolving media landscape, stakeholder engagement, content development, and emerging communications trends.
• Proven ability to balance strategic vision with operational execution in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.

Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the United States is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.