External Communications Lead

Brightspeed•Charlotte, NC

10h•Hybrid

About The Position

We are looking for an External Communications Lead to join our growing team! In this role, you will develop and execute public relations strategies that support Brightspeed’s reputation, brand visibility, and business priorities. Reporting to the Director, Enterprise Communications, you will partner with internal leaders, external agencies, and other stakeholders to position Brightspeed for success through proactive communications, media engagement, executive visibility, and reputational risk management.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, English, Public Relations, or a related field
7+ years of progressive experience in public relations, corporate communications, or related functions
Experience developing and executing media relations and public relations strategies in a complex organization
Experience managing agency partners and supporting cross-functional communications initiatives
Strong data Analysis and data management skills
Strong knowledge of media relations, public relations strategy, corporate messaging, and reputation management
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with leaders, media representatives, and internal stakeholder
Proficient using generative AI and related tools to draft, edit, tailor, and accelerate communications across audiences and channels, while ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, brand alignment, and appropriate human review
Exceptional writing and editing skills for press releases, talking points, executive messaging, and public-facing materials.
Working knowledge of Associated Press Style
Strong strategic and critical thinking skills and ability to align public relations efforts with business priorities
Experience handling crisis communications and sensitive messaging situations
Experience coordinating messaging across multiple traditional, digital and social media channels
Strong project management and organizational skills
Experience using media monitoring, measurement, and analytics
Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills across internal teams and external partners
Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively in a team environment

Nice To Haves

Experience in the telecommunications, internet service provider, cable, or related industry
Experience supporting executive visibility and spokesperson preparation
Experience with community relations or local market public relations initiatives
Familiarity with integrated communications planning across PR, social media, and corporate communications

Responsibilities

Support the development and execution of external communications strategies aligned with company objectives, brand positioning, and business priorities
Build and maintain relationships with national, trade, and local media outlets to secure coverage that supports Brightspeed’s communications priorities and enhances brand visibility
Develop and execute media relations plans, including support for national placements and localized campaigns that strengthen community engagement
Monitor the competitive and external landscape to identify public relations opportunities and emerging reputational risks
Manage day-to-day relationships with public relations agency partners to ensure alignment with company goals, deliverables, and performance expectations
Partner with internal teams, including Marketing, Sales, Finance, Technology, Human Resources, and other functions, to align public relations initiatives with broader business strategies
Support executive communications efforts, including development of messaging, press materials, talking points, and other external communications content
Assist in developing and maintaining crisis communications plans, messaging, and response
Review and coordinate external speaking engagements involving executives and subject matter experts to ensure message consistency and alignment with company priorities
Partner with the social media team to align corporate messaging across social channels and support content planning
Draft and manage press releases, media briefings, executive materials, and other public-facing communications
Track, analyze, and report on media coverage and public relations campaign performance, providing insights and recommendations for improvement
Support team members and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing communications environment