Communications Specialist Sr

Volkswagen•Chattanooga, TN

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Specialist of Internal, Corporate & Plant Communications serves as a strategic communications leader for Volkswagen Chattanooga, reporting to the Director of Workforce Communications. This role drives high-impact messaging across plant operations, internal communications, media relations, and community engagement. With a seat at the leadership table, the Senior Specialist advises executive stakeholders, manages crisis communications, and contributes to enterprise-wide initiatives. The role requires a seasoned communicator with deep experience in manufacturing environments, capable of navigating complex stakeholder landscapes and delivering integrated communications strategies that support business continuity, employee engagement, and brand reputation.

Requirements

7-10 years of progressive experience in internal communications, media relations, and stakeholder engagement.
Bachelor's Degree Public Relations, Journalism, or related field
Proven success in manufacturing or industrial environments, thriving in fast-paced, high-stakes settings
Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills
Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation abilities for internal and executive communications
Self-driven and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple projects and deliver high-quality results on time
Highly motivated, persuasive, and collaborative, with a talent for building cross-functional relationships
Strong analytical skills and sound judgment to plan and accomplish individual and team goals
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Project, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
Expertise in internal communications strategy and execution
Crisis communications and business continuity planning experience, including executive-level counsel
Skilled in planning and executing media-facing and executive-level events
Experience serving as an organizational spokesperson for media and government affairs
Advanced writing skills for external-facing content: press releases, speeches, fact sheets, and corporate statements

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree
Experience working in manufacturing environment
Familiarity with Chattanooga or greater Tennessee community
Established relationships with local media in the greater Tennessee community.
Experience with video and/or photo production, direction

Responsibilities

Lead strategic internal communications for Chattanooga-based employees, aligning messaging with plant priorities and enterprise goals.
Partner with plant leadership to communicate safety, quality, and production milestones.
Own and optimize site-specific channels, ensuring timely and transparent information flow.
Act as a strategic advisor to plant leadership on employee engagement and change communications.
Serve as the primary spokesperson for VW Chattanooga, managing media inquiries and government affairs communications.
Develop and pitch media assets including press releases, speeches, and executive statements.
Coordinate media visits and press events in collaboration with VW NAR PR teams.Maintain the plant's digital media archive and ensure consistent brand representation.
Lead communications for the plant's charitable giving and community outreach programs.
Build and sustain relationships with local organizations, stakeholders, and officials.
Collaborate with Employee Engagement Events team to execute high-visibility community initiatives.
Position VW Chattanooga as a responsible corporate citizen through strategic storytelling and engagement.
Bridge Chattanooga-based initiatives with broader corporate narratives.
Develop content that supports enterprise-wide communications and executive visibility.