Communications Manager (Corporate)

Accountabilities: As a Communications Manager, you will develop and execute communication strategies that strengthen corporate reputation, support business objectives, and ensure effective engagement with internal and external stakeholders. Your responsibilities will include: Develop and implement external communications strategies aligned with business priorities and corporate reputation objectives. Create press releases, media statements, fact sheets, executive messaging, talking points, and external announcements. Manage media inquiries and coordinate responses with company leaders, subject matter experts, and external communications partners. Build and maintain relationships with relevant media contacts while identifying opportunities to proactively share the organization's story. Collaborate with business unit marketing teams to identify communication opportunities, coordinate messaging, and maintain consistency across corporate and business unit communications. Monitor media coverage, industry trends, and emerging issues, providing insights and recommendations to relevant stakeholders. Support communications initiatives related to awards, community engagement, sustainability, thought leadership, and organizational milestones. Lead communications planning and responses for crises, emerging issues, and reputation-sensitive situations. Develop crisis communication plans, holding statements, FAQs, talking points, and other response materials. Partner with senior leadership and cross-functional teams, including Legal, Human Resources, and Operations, to ensure coordinated and timely communications. Strengthen crisis preparedness through scenario planning, communication protocols, and response processes. Provide strategic communications advice and sound judgment when handling sensitive, confidential, or rapidly evolving situations. Support internal communications by developing employee-facing content for email, intranet, digital signage, videos, and leadership channels. Assist with communications related to organizational changes, business initiatives, employee programs, and company events. Support town halls and employee engagement initiatives through presentations, communication materials, survey analysis, and post-meeting summaries. Write, edit, and proofread content for different audiences and communication channels, ensuring consistency in tone, voice, and messaging. Manage communications projects from initial strategy and planning through execution, balancing multiple priorities and deadlines. Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and manage external communications agencies and partners as needed. Requirements The ideal candidate is an accomplished communications professional with exceptional writing skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships and sensitive situations. The following qualifications are expected: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Marketing, or a related field. At least 5 years of professional communications experience. Demonstrated experience in external communications, media relations, and crisis or issues communications. Proven ability to develop press releases, media statements, executive talking points, holding statements, and other external communications materials. Experience managing or coordinating media inquiries and responses to sensitive or rapidly evolving issues. Ability to respond with urgency and flexibility to time-sensitive communication needs. Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling skills. Strong verbal communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building abilities. Experience communicating with employees in a manufacturing environment preferred. Ability to provide thoughtful communications advice and strategic recommendations to senior leaders and business partners. Natural curiosity, problem-solving abilities, and a proactive approach to identifying communication opportunities. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency with Microsoft 365, digital communications tools, and emerging AI technologies to improve productivity and communication effectiveness. Sound judgment, attention to detail, adaptability, and composure when working under pressure. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion. Strong collaboration and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across different functions and organizational levels. Commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Benefits Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage starting on day one for eligible full-time employees. Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays. Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Life insurance. Short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) coverage. 401(k) retirement savings plan. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Employee discount programs. Tuition reimbursement opportunities. Access to training and professional development programs. Inclusive workplace focused on collaboration, continuous learning, and meaningful contributions to the communities where people live, work, and play.