External Communications Lead

International Motors•Lisle, IL

17h•Onsite

About The Position

This is an exciting time to join International as we accelerate the impact of sustainable mobility across North America and globally with our TRATON GROUP colleagues. We are transforming from a supplier of trucks and buses to a provider of complete and sustainable transport solutions. We have a great opportunity for a External Communications Lead to join our Communications & Brand team. This role will help shape and protect International’s reputation while building a modern earned media function that elevates the company’s voice across business, trade and mainstream media. As the company transforms into a digitally enabled, solutions-led organization, we need someone who can tell that story to audiences who may not yet have International on their radar. The ideal candidate will be equally comfortable acting as a strategic advisor and hands-on operator — building journalist relationships, driving thought leadership, managing agency partners and preparing subject matter experts for high-impact media engagement. This role will lead proactive reputation-building initiatives, support issues and crisis communications, and position International leaders and subject matter experts as credible voices in conversations about commercial transportation’s digital and sustainable future. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced agency or corporate environment and bring a strong combination of strategic thinking, media instincts, executive presence and operational excellence. They will be an excellent communicator with meticulous writing skills, sound judgment and a creative, optimistic mindset.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of communications experience
At least 1 years of lead experience OR Master's degree and at least 3 years of communications experience
At least 1 years of lead experience OR At least 8 years of communications experience
At least 1 years of lead experience
Qualified candidates, excluding current employees, must be legally authorized on an unrestricted basis (US Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, Refugee or Asylee) to be employed in the United States.
We do not anticipate providing employment related work sponsorship for this position (e.g., H-1B status)

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated ability to think in narratives and identify stories that resonate with media and key stakeholders
Strong understanding of reputation management, thought leadership and earned media strategy
Proven ability to build mutually beneficial relationships with journalists, influencers and agency partners
Experience operating as both a strategic advisor and hands-on practitioner
Strong executive presence with experience advising and supporting senior leaders and spokespeople
Experience managing issues and crisis communications in a complex corporate environment
Demonstrated success securing coverage in outlets such as WSJ, Bloomberg, CNBC, Fast Company or comparable business and trade media
Experience in complex B2B industries such as manufacturing, transportation, technology, logistics or industrial sectors
Understanding of AI-era communications strategy, including LLM search and evolving media dynamics
Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication skills
Strong analytical mindset with experience measuring communications effectiveness and ROI
Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Journalism, or related field
Preferred 7-10 years of media relations experience, with at least 3 years in a role focused on business, technology, or B2B press
Agency side experience
Strong writing and editing skills

Responsibilities

Execute a proactive earned media and reputation strategy that supports International’s business priorities and transformation story
Establish International as a credible voice in conversations around commercial transportation’s digital and sustainable future
Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, influencers and industry stakeholders
Actively pitch and place stories across business, trade, regional and national media
Develop thought leadership opportunities and byline placements
Prepare executives and spokespeople for media engagements, including messaging, briefing documents, Q&A and interview preparation
Write and edit press releases, media advisories, pitches, executive messaging and communications materials
Manage the announcement calendar and align earned media activity with broader communications priorities
Integrate agency work with the internal communications plan and content calendar
Serve as the internal expert on media landscape, journalist / influencer relationships and earned media strategy
Prepare spokespeople for media interactions – interview prep, messaging, Q&A development
Lead reactive media response, advise on and escalate red flag topics per protocol