External Communications Manager, Corporate Marketing, Remote

Huron • Chicago, IL

5d • $105,000 - $145,000 • Remote

About The Position

Huron is redefining what a global consulting organization can be. Advancing new ideas every day to build even stronger clients, individuals and communities. We’re helping our clients find new ways to drive growth, enhance business performance and sustain leadership in the markets they serve. And, we’re developing strategies and implementing solutions that enable the transformative change they need to own their future. As a member of the Huron corporate team, you’ll help to evolve our business model to stay ahead of market forces, industry trends and client needs. Our accounting, finance, human resources, IT, legal, marketing and facilities management professionals work collaboratively to support Huron’s collective strategies and enable real transformation to produce sustainable business results. Join our team and create your future. The External Communications Manager develops and executes integrated PR and communications programs that strengthen Huron’s reputation, amplify thought leadership, and support business growth. In this role, the Manager is responsible for representing select industry sectors, driving awareness of Huron’s sector leaders and expertise, and shaping external narratives that elevate their market presence. The Manager also contributes to the overall perception of Huron as a business, working closely with the Marketing and Communications leadership. This role manages media relations, executive visibility, and external storytelling, balancing strategic planning with hands-on execution to deliver high-quality results.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field.
• 6+ years of external or corporate communications experience in B2B, consulting, professional services, or agency environments.
• Demonstrated media relations success and experience collaborating with senior stakeholders and external agencies.
• Strategic & Execution Balance: Able to set communication plans and contribute directly to writing, pitching, and execution.
• Media Relations Excellence: Skilled in securing high-quality media coverage and shaping compelling storylines.
• Executive Communication: Strong writer with the ability to simplify complex topics and craft executive-ready materials.
• Data-Driven Measurement: Comfortable interpreting communications KPIs and providing actionable insights.
• Collaboration & Influence: Works effectively across marketing, brand, legal, leadership teams, and agency partners.
• Innovation & Change Management: Adopts emerging tools (including AI-assisted writing, monitoring platforms) to improve quality and efficiency.
• Project & Vendor Management: Skilled at managing agencies, vendors, and cross-functional project timelines.

Nice To Haves

• Industry and media experience in industrials/manufacturing, financial services, energy a plus.

Responsibilities

• Media Relations & Story Development Lead pitch development, outreach, and briefing for priority announcements, research, and thought leadership.
• Build and maintain relationships with key reporters, outlets, and industry media; secure high-quality coverage aligned to strategic priorities.
• Draft and refine press releases, media statements, talking points, and related materials.
• Develop proactive strategies to drive awareness of Huron’s sector expertise in collaboration with marketing and social media, through tentpole media initiatives.
• Executive Visibility & Thought Leadership Partner with leaders and subject matter experts to translate insights into externally facing content (e.g., bylines, expert commentary).
• Support executive visibility efforts, including speaking opportunities, award submissions, and media preparation.
• Reputation & Issues Support Support issues or crisis-related communications, including message development, holding statements, and cross-functional alignment.
• Ensure consistent narrative, tone, and brand voice across all external touchpoints.
• Measurement & Reporting Track communications performance using KPIs such as coverage quality, share of voice, message pull-through, sentiment, and digital impact.
• Prepare summaries and insights for marketing and business leadership to inform decisions and demonstrate outcomes.
• Agency & Vendor Management Partner with external communications colleagues to manage day-to-day work with PR agency partners.
• Provide direction, review deliverables, and evaluate agency performance relative to objectives and KPIs.
• Governance & Alignment Ensure alignment across Communications, Marketing (including brand), and Content teams.
• Maintain consistent messaging, narrative structure, and editorial standards across all channels.

Benefits

• Huron Consulting Group offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage to employees and dependents; a 401(k) plan with a generous employer match; an employee stock purchase plan; a generous Paid Time Off policy; and paid parental leave and adoption assistance.
• Our Wellness Program supports employee total well-being by providing free annual health screenings and coaching, bank at work, and on-site workshops, as well as ongoing programs recognizing major events in the lives of our employees throughout the year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees