📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: AVP, Direct Marketing
🔹 Company: Synchrony
🔹 Location: Cincinnati West Chester Site, Stamford Remote CT, Chicago Site, Kansas City Remote KS, Costa Mesa CA US
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-29
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing complex channel requests and problem-solving
- Driving channel execution re-imagination for flexibility and agility
- Scrum Master responsibilities, including stand-ups, workload assignment, and training
- Subject matter expertise in advanced channel skillsets, platforms, and suppliers
- Collaborating with clients on optimal design, creative, and segmentation for channel touchpoints
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of experience and expertise in direct marketing channels to effectively manage complex campaigns and drive process improvements.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Manage campaign setup, list selection, and deployment for email, direct mail, mobile, and file-only campaigns
✅ Collaborate with clients and peers to enhance channel execution processes and drive campaign solutions
✅ Act as a subject matter expert for advanced channel skillsets, platforms, and suppliers
✅ Manage project initiatives, including temporary resources, supplier/agency reviews, platform upgrades, and client initiatives
✅ Collaborate with client marketers on optimal design, creative, and segmentation to drive channel touchpoints
✅ Work within designated digital platforms to build and launch email and mobile marketing campaigns
✅ Work within direct mail process and with direct mail vendors to bid print jobs and execute campaigns
✅ Manage file selection and segmentation of Synchrony channel marketing campaigns
✅ Mentor and coach new hires and team members
✅ Pursue Agile Certifications, including Scrum Master
✅ Audit high complexity and/or flagged campaigns, including approving campaign requirements
✅ Share campaign performance metrics back to client teams and account managers for continuous improvement
✅ Investigate, develop, and champion pilot strategies for next-generation channel optimization
✅ Ensure all campaigns meet required campaign documentation requirements
✅ Drive advancement and adoption of responsive design for digital optimization
✅ Ensure adherence to purchase order and invoice management procedures
✅ Drive continued adoption and consistent usage of Performance Marketing process tools by the team and clients
✅ Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of responsibility and requires strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience
Experience: 8+ years of marketing or digital experience, with 4+ years in email marketing, direct mail marketing, or mobile marketing
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in direct marketing channels
- Strong project management skills, with experience in agile frameworks
- Ability to work with stakeholders and cross-functional teams
- Experience with data segmentation and data auditing
- Creative problem-solving skills
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with direct mail vendors to bid print jobs and execute campaigns
- Experience doing end-to-end builds, journeys, and deployments within an ESP
- Experience working with data segmentation and data auditing
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in direct marketing channels and proven project management skills will be most successful in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $75,000 - $130,000 USD Annual
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- 401(k) with company match
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee discounts and perks
Working Hours: Full-time, with flexibility to work from home, near a Synchrony Hub, or in one of their offices
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for a role of this level and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and location.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Financial Services
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Founded: 1932 (as a division of General Electric, became an independent company in 1994)
Company Description:
- Synchrony is a premier consumer financial services company with a long history of delivering innovative and personalized financing solutions
- The company offers a range of products and services, including credit cards, promotional financing, personal loans, and consumer banking
- Synchrony partners with a wide range of retailers and healthcare providers to provide financing options to their customers
Company Specialties:
- Consumer financing
- Payments
- Promotional financing
- Installment lending
- Savings products
- Banking and online banking
Company Website: https://www.synchrony.com
ASSUMPTION: Synchrony's extensive experience and broad range of products and services make it a strong and stable employer in the financial services industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior management (AVP)
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Direct Marketing
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with flexibility to work from home, near a Synchrony Hub, or in one of their offices
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a Senior Vice President role
- Opportunities to lead cross-functional teams and drive strategic initiatives
- possibility to expand responsibilities and manage a larger team
ASSUMPTION: This role offers strong growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to advance within the marketing organization and take on more strategic responsibilities.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid, with offices in multiple locations
Office Location(s): Cincinnati West Chester Site, Stamford Remote CT, Chicago Site, Kansas City Remote KS, Costa Mesa CA US
Geographic Context:
- Cincinnati: A mid-sized city in southwestern Ohio, with a cost of living below the national average
- Stamford: A city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, with a cost of living slightly above the national average
- Chicago: A major city in northeastern Illinois, with a cost of living slightly above the national average
- Kansas City: A major city in western Missouri, with a cost of living below the national average
- Costa Mesa: A city in Orange County, California, with a cost of living significantly above the national average
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility to work from home, near a Synchrony Hub, or in one of their offices
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers candidates the flexibility to balance work and personal responsibilities, while also providing opportunities for in-person collaboration and engagement.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team
- Behavioral and technical interviews with the hiring manager and team members
- Final interview with the Senior Vice President of Direct Marketing
- Background check and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Direct marketing channel expertise
- Project management skills and experience with agile frameworks
- Stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Problem-solving and creative thinking
- Alignment with Synchrony's company culture and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with direct marketing channels and project management
- Research Synchrony's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit for the organization
- Prepare examples of your problem-solving and creative thinking skills to share during the interview
ATS Keywords: Direct Marketing, Email Marketing, Project Management, Agile Framework, Data Segmentation, Vendor Management, Campaign Execution, Digital Marketing, Mobile Marketing, Direct Mail Marketing, Stakeholder Engagement, Performance Metrics, Template Design, Legal Approval, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Campaign Optimization
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with Synchrony's organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Workfront (or similar project management platform)
- Email Service Providers (ESP) such as Salesforce, Responsys, Zeta, PCM/Harmony, or Cheetah
- Direct mail vendors and platforms
- Data segmentation and auditing tools
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have experience with relevant project management, email marketing, and data segmentation tools to be successful in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Put Customers First
- Act with Integrity
- Collaborate and Win Together
- Innovate and Improve
- Do What's Right
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and analytical
- Adaptable and flexible
- Results-focused and accountable
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a proven track record of success in direct marketing channels?
- Are you comfortable working in a hybrid work environment, balancing remote work and in-person collaboration?
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and sometimes ambiguous work environment?
- Are you able to effectively manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously?
- Do you possess strong problem-solving and creative thinking skills?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Synchrony's company values and work style will be most successful in this role and within the organization.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing complex channel requests and problem-solving may require long hours and tight deadlines
- Working with multiple stakeholders and cross-functional teams may present communication and collaboration challenges
- Balancing remote work and in-person collaboration may require strong time management and self-motivation skills
- The fast-paced and dynamic nature of the role may be stressful for some candidates
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be aware of the potential challenges and ensure they are comfortable and capable of managing them effectively.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Senior Marketing Manager or Senior Marketing Operations Manager position, but with a focus on direct marketing channels and campaign execution
- Unlike other roles, this position requires a strong background in direct marketing channels and project management, with a focus on driving channel execution process standards
- Career progression in this role may lead to a Senior Vice President or similar leadership position within the marketing organization
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider the unique aspects of this role and how it compares to other marketing management positions when evaluating their fit and career growth potential.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive campaign strategy for a new client, including email, direct mail, mobile, and file-only components
- Managing a cross-functional team to optimize campaign performance and drive cost savings for an existing client
- Investigating and implementing new technologies to enhance campaign personalization and targeting
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and initiatives that the AVP, Direct Marketing may be involved in, from strategic planning to tactical execution.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics for this role?
- How does this role collaborate with other marketing teams and functions within the organization?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the direct marketing channels, and how can this role address them?
- How does this role support the company's overall marketing strategy and business objectives?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within this role and the organization?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the organization, and demonstrate their interest and engagement in the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your problem-solving and creative thinking skills to share during the interview
- Research Synchrony's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit for the organization
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your final interview to express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
