External Communications Lead

Brightspeed • Charlotte, NC

1d • 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

Benefits

• competitive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• employee assistance program
• 401K plan with company match
• host of voluntary benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level