Communications and Engagement Specialist

Ford Motor • Chicago, IL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

As the Communications and Engagement Specialist at the Chicago Assembly Plant, you will serve as a strategic partner to plant leadership, driving comprehensive communications, community engagement, and local media strategies. In this high-impact role, you are the primary storyteller and a vital bridge-builder, functioning as a key member of the plant operating committee. You will be responsible for translating corporate vision into local action, ensuring our workforce remains informed and inspired while simultaneously strengthening Ford’s reputation within the Chicago community. From managing onsite media relations to fostering deep roots with local stakeholders, you will be the onsite face and voice of Ford communications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, PR, Communications or related field
• 1-2 Years of experience in communications, media relations or journalism
• Experience in community relations, media relations and stakeholder advocacy
• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop/InDesign/Premiere and creativity to generate original content
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Top-notch organizational and multi-tasking abilities
• Self-starter attitude
• Personal experience with social media and an understanding of its role in business
• Ongoing awareness of local or regional events and media environment
• Professional and interpersonal maturity with a proven track record of successful relationship building

Nice To Haves

• Passion for the automotive industry
• Manufacturing communications experience

Responsibilities

• Function as an integral part of the plant operating committee and the communications subject matter expert for the plant
• Lead the development and execution of multifaceted communications strategies for the Chicago Assembly Plant involving storytelling, workforce engagement, events, signage and other methods
• Operate as the onsite representative of the Ford communications team at your plant
• Act as a liaison between plant, union and corporate leadership and be the first line of communication to the employees
• Report on and write articles about major cost and quality wins, innovations, events, and activities taking place at local plant for company-wide distribution
• Write, format and distribute internal monthly newsletters
• Write and/or film leadership messages and presentations to address emloyees with company and location-specific information as needed
• Manage the local social media group(s) and digital presence, and help employees to engage across various channels
• Continuous personal development of functional competencies and leadership agilities
• Create and nurture relationships with key local media, and serve as a liaison between those contacts and the communications team as needed
• Help to deepen Ford’s connection with your local community by fostering relationships with local stakeholders, such as dealers, arts organizations and small businesses
• Play a leadership role in planning and executing major events at your site like bi-annual Family Open Houses, Spirit Days, press conferences, executive visits and more
• Stay connected to major company and industry news
• Serve on communications agile teams as needed

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees