VP, External Communications - Michigan Region

VP, External Communications – Michigan Region Job Description Summary The VP, External Communications will drive the comprehensive external communications strategy for Fifth Third Bank in Michigan — one of the Bank's most strategically important markets following its recent merger with Comerica Bank. Based in Detroit and working in close partnership with the Michigan Region President, this individual will lead external communications across every issue and every line of business in the region, promoting Fifth Third's strategy and leadership in Michigan while protecting and defending the Bank's reputation. The role will focus on proactive and reactive media relations, crisis and issues preparedness and management, thought leadership, community visibility, and special projects connected to the integration and the region's growth. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic external communications plan for Fifth Third in Michigan, spanning every line of business operating in the region — including Consumer, Commercial, Wealth & Asset Management, and the corporate and investment bank — as well as enterprise-wide issues that intersect with the market. Serve as the lead communications partner to the Michigan Region, starting with the Region President, providing strategic counsel, message development, speech and talking‑point support, and visibility planning to position the Region President and other local Fifth Third leaders as trusted voices in Michigan's business community. Build and maintain strong relationships with key reporters across Detroit and Michigan top‑tier and trade publications, including print, digital, and broadcast media, as well as relevant national outlets covering the region. Proactive media relations: identify opportunities to build awareness of Fifth Third's Michigan strategy, investments, leadership, and community impact through earned media coverage in Detroit and statewide outlets, as well as relevant national press. Reactive media relations: protect and defend Fifth Third's reputation in Michigan by navigating complex situations, including matters tied to the Comerica integration, branch and operations footprint changes, and other sensitive regional issues. Crisis communications: prepare materials and implement strategies to manage a crisis. In collaboration with the full PR team, create a holistic award strategy for Michigan leadership and the region's businesses to highlight key accomplishments. Prepare and execute award submissions. Lead Michigan PR for special projects as they arise, including but not limited to the ongoing Comerica integration, the new Michigan headquarters and regional hubs, real estate and footprint announcements, community investment commitments, litigation defense, sponsorship agreements and other business matters requiring strategic communications support. In close partnership with Government Affairs and the Community Impact team, build and sustain trusted civic and stakeholder relationships and a deep understanding of Michigan's political, legislative, and civic environment to translate that fluency into communication strategies protecting the Bank's reputation across earned, owned, and paid channels. Partner closely with the full Communications team, and cross‑functional departments including Investor Relations, Legal, Government Affairs, Community Impact Managers and Marketing teams to ensure Michigan‑specific messaging is consistent, coordinated, and aligned with enterprise priorities. Seek to understand and navigate every situation to realize the best outcome for the company. Collaborate with leadership and peers to support business objectives, ensuring alignment with existing priorities and standard processes. Plan, edit, and create content for a variety of external communications channels, leadership presentations, newsletters, key messages/scripts, speeches, video, among other work products. Review and analyze available metrics/data to discover trends and make informed recommendations on the region's external communications performance. Continually integrate new technology and best practices to increase impact and efficiency, internally and externally. Qualifications Bachelor's degree required. Experience in banking and/or financial services strongly preferred. Deep knowledge of the Michigan market — particularly Detroit's media, civic, and business landscape — strongly preferred. 8+ years of experience in proactive and reactive media relations, corporate positioning, thought leadership, and social media. Working knowledge of Michigan's political, legislative, and civic environment — including state and local government, regulators, and the business and community organizations that shape opinion in Metro Detroit and across the state — and a proven ability to convert that fluency into effective communications strategy. Excellent attention to detail, along with superb writing and editing skills for original content as well as rewriting and optimizing content. Ability to deliver against tight deadlines when they arise, resolve issues, and propose solutions in a fast‑paced environment. Highly flexible; able to quickly respond to changing or unanticipated needs and mobilize cross‑functional teams accordingly. Strategic problem solver who can look around corners to identify potential obstacles and design thoughtful, creative solutions. Bring order to chaos and get stuff done. Seek out constant improvement. Strong intellectual ability and presence that earns the respect and attention of key internal partners — including the Region President and his/her leadership team — balanced with a sense of humor. Benefits and Compensation The base salary for this position is reflective of the range of salary levels for all roles within this pay grade across the U.S. Individual salaries within this range will vary based on factors such as role, relevant skillset, relevant experience, education and geographic location. In addition to the base salary, this role is eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan, with any such payment based upon company, line of business and/or individual performance. Our extensive benefits programs are designed to support the individual needs of our employees and their families, encompassing physical, financial, emotional and social well‑being. You can learn more about those programs on our 53.com Careers page at: or by consulting with your talent acquisition partner. Location Detroit, Michigan 48226 Equal Employment Opportunity Fifth Third Bank, National Association is proud to have an engaged and inclusive culture and to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity in all employment decisions regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, veteran status or any other legally protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr Fifth Third Bank, N.A.