Communications Director, Aerospace

Eaton Corporation•Fort Worth, TX

7d•$165,000 - $242,000

About The Position

Eaton is seeking an experienced communications leader for its $4.2 billion global Aerospace business. The role will develop and execute an integrated communications strategy to support business growth, build credibility and influence with internal and external stakeholders, enhance reputation, increase employee engagement, and align with Eaton’s enterprise-wide communications strategy. The position serves as a strategic advisor to the Aerospace President and leadership team, leads a small team, and collaborates across functions in a global, matrixed organization. The preferred location is Eaton’s U.S. headquarters in Beachwood, Ohio, though candidates in other markets may be considered if they can travel as needed up to 25% of the time. The Communications Director leads strategic, executive, internal, external, crisis, and event communications. The role includes executive and employee messaging, media relations and spokesperson duties, thought leadership, issues management, and planning and content support for internal and external events, including major industry events such as annual air shows. The position reports directly to the President of the Aerospace Group and functionally to the Vice President, Global Communications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
At least 10 years of progressive corporate communications experience in aerospace, industrial, or B2B sectors.
Experience leading communications for a large business segment or division.
Experience in media relations and crisis communications.
Strong understanding of global media landscapes.
Experience building media relationships and credibility, and developing strategies to build reputation.
Leadership experience in a matrix environment, including leading through influence and global collaboration.
Strong executive presence and demonstrated ability to counsel senior executives and operate effectively under pressure.
Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to influence and collaborate across a global, matrixed organization.
Strategic thinking with a bias for action and results.
Strong business acumen and understanding of financial communications.
Comfort operating in a fast-paced global environment with many stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience in the aerospace industry is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop, lead, and execute the Aerospace communications strategy in alignment with short- and long-term business goals.
Partner with the Aerospace Leadership Team to develop narratives supporting growth, innovation, and employee engagement.
Lead communications and measurement strategies for leadership visibility, thought leadership, capacity and capability investments, transformation initiatives, HR and Legal support, and M&A.
Partner with Marketing to provide communications support for global events, product launches, and customer-facing activities.
Advise the Aerospace President and leadership team on communications matters.
Lead executive communications, including presentations and internal and external messaging across owned and earned channels, events, social media, and media.
Drive employee engagement through clear, consistent, and inspiring internal communications.
Collaborate across functions on business projects, including functional transformation projects and collective bargaining negotiations.
Coordinate externally reported segment communications with Global Communications, Investor Relations, Government Affairs, and Community Affairs.
Lead Aerospace media relations strategy and serve as a spokesperson for media inquiries and issues.
Lead Aerospace positioning, media monitoring, issues coordination, and enterprise-level storytelling to maintain a consistent and credible corporate voice across markets.
Use LinkedIn and other social media to support Eaton advocacy and contribute positively to organizational culture.
Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, influencers, and other external stakeholders.
Develop and manage the Aerospace enterprise thought leadership calendar of opportunities and events with key stakeholders.
Partner with global communications, marketing, and business unit communications leaders to assess, escalate, and manage issues that cross the enterprise waterline.
Oversee Aerospace crisis communications and issues management in coordination with functional and enterprise stakeholders.
Manage content, planning, and executive support for internal communications events, including executive presentations, global leadership summits, Board of Director meetings and visits, town halls, enterprise events, and external events such as groundbreakings or partnerships.
Partner with Marketing Communications to plan content for major industry events, including annual air shows.