Director, External Communications & Reputation

Job Family

External Communications and Media Relations

Job Description Summary

The Director, External Communications & Reputation manages the development and execution of strategic external communications to strengthen brand reputation, manage reputational risk, and support business objectives through media relations, crisis response, and stakeholder engagement.

Job Description

Responsibilities

• Manage the enterprise and its lines of business’ reputation management strategy, ensuring preparedness and a timely response to high-impact issues and crises.
• Develop and execute crisis communications plans, including scenario planning, playbooks, and real-time response.
• Build and maintain relationships with key journalists, editors, and industry influencers to strengthen media presence.
• Advise senior leadership on reputational risk, corporate positioning, executive visibility, and emerging issues.
• Identify and advance thought leadership opportunities across media, events, and speaking engagements.
• Draft press releases, articles, executive remarks, media statements, and issue responses.
• Anticipate and analyze media and industry trends to inform proactive communications strategies.
• Partner cross-functionally with legal, compliance, risk, government affairs, investor relations, human resources, and business leaders to align messaging and protect reputation.
• Monitor and analyze media coverage, sentiment, and emerging risks; adjust strategies accordingly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, strategic marketing, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 15 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or crisis communications
• Experience managing high-profile reputational issues and sensitive situations
• Experience developing and executing strategic communications plans at enterprise and business levels
• Experience in earned media, message development, and issues management
• Skilled in writing, editing, and translating business priorities into compelling narratives
• Knowledge of media dynamics, crisis response protocols, and reputation management strategies
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting executive communications and visibility strategies
• Experience working in highly regulated industries or complex corporate environments

Working Conditions

• Hybrid Office or Remote environment
• May require extended hours during crisis situations or high-profile events
• Occasional travel for media engagements, industry events, and stakeholder meetings

Compensation

• The Salary for this position generally ranges between $145,000 - $183,000 annually. Please note that the salary range is a good faith estimate for this position and actual starting pay is determined by several factors including qualifications, experience, geography, work location designation (in-office, hybrid, remote) and operational needs. Salary may vary above and below the stated amounts, as permitted by applicable law.
• Additionally, this position is typically eligible for an Annual Bonus based on the Company Bonus Plan/Individual Performance and is at the Company’s discretion. 

Applicants must possess legal authorization to work for our company in the U.S. without the need for immigration, sponsorship or otherwise serving as an employer of record for immigration employment purposes. At this time, this role is not eligible for immigration-related employment authorization sponsorship.

This is a hybrid position requiring three days in office per week in one of our hub locations. Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

Disclaimer:
Beware of fake job offers!

We’ve been alerted to scammers impersonating Transamerica recruiters, particularly for remote positions. Please note:

• We will never request personal information such as ID or payment for equipment upfront.
• Official offers are sent via DocuSign following a verbal offer—not through text or email.

This job description is not a contract of employment nor for any specific job responsibilities. The Company may change, add to, remove, or revoke the terms of this job description at its discretion. Managers may assign other duties and responsibilities as needed. In the event an employee or applicant requests or requires an accommodation in order to perform job functions, the applicable HR Business Partner should be contacted to evaluate the accommodation request.

What We Offer  

 

For eligible employees, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both the personal and financial well-being of our employees. 

 

Compensation Benefits 

• Competitive Pay 

• Bonus for Eligible Employees 

 

Benefits Package 

• Pension Plan 

• 401k Match

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Disability Insurance

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Employee Discounts

• Career Training & Development Opportunities

 

Health and Work/Life Balance Benefits 

• Paid Time Off starting at 160 hours annually for employees in their first year of service.

• Ten (10) paid holidays per year (typically mirroring the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) holidays).

• Be Well Company holistic wellness program, which includes Wellness Coaching and Reward Dollars 

• Parental Leave – fifteen (15) days of paid parental leave per calendar year to eligible employees with at least one year of service at the time of birth, placement of an adopted child, or placement of a foster care child.

• Adoption Assistance

• Employee Assistance Program

• Back-Up Care Program

• PTO for Volunteer Hours

• Employee Matching Gifts Program

• Employee Resource Groups

• Inclusion and Diversity Programs

• Employee Recognition Program

• Referral Bonus Programs

 

Inclusion & Diversity  

  

We believe our commitment to diversity and inclusion creates a work environment filled with exceptional individuals. We’re thrilled to have been recognized for our efforts through the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index, Dave Thomas Adoption Friendly Advocate, and several Seramount lists, including the Inclusion Index, 100 Best Companies for Working Parents, Best Companies for Dads, and Top 75 Companies for Executive Women. 

  

To foster a culture of inclusivity throughout our workforce, workplace, and marketplace, Transamerica offers a wide range of diversity and inclusion programs. This includes our company-sponsored, employee-driven Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which are formed around a shared interest or a common characteristic of diversity. ERGs are open to all employees. They provide a supportive environment to help us better appreciate our similarities and differences and understand how they benefit us all. 

   

Giving Back  

  

We believe our responsibilities extend beyond our corporate walls. That's why we created the Aegon Transamerica Foundation in 1994. Through a mix of financial grants and the volunteer efforts of our employees, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations focused on the things that matter most to our people in the communities where we live and work.     

  

Transamerica’s Parent Company  

 

Aegon acquired the Transamerica business in 1999. Since its start in 1844, Aegon has  grown into an international company serving more than 23.9 million people across the globe.* It offers investment, protection, and retirement solutions, always with a clear purpose: Helping people live their best lives. As a leading global investor and employer, the company seeks to have a positive impact by addressing critical environmental and societal issues, with a focus on climate change and inclusion and diversity.   

* As of December 31, 2023