Media Relations Manager

Daimler Truck AG • Portland, OR

1d • $128,000 - $164,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

As part of the Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) Communications team, you will be at the center of how our company is represented to external audiences. Every team member plays a critical role in shaping and sharing DTNA’s story, and this manager role carries responsibility for driving strategic media engagement, leading complex communication initiatives, and advising senior leaders. In this role, you will lead high-impact projects that showcase DTNA’s leadership across products, technology, and business performance. You will help protect and strengthen DTNA’s reputation through proactive storytelling, inquiry management, and crisis communications, while fostering strong relationships with media and internal stakeholders. You will thrive in a fast-paced, highly visible environment, collaborate closely with colleagues across functions, regions and global, and contribute to a supportive team culture that values strategic thinking, creativity, and integrated communications across all channels.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, Political Science, or related field required.
• 8 years of relevant experience required.
• People Management Experience: Demonstrated experience leading, coaching, and developing team members, including setting priorities and managing performance.
• Media Relations Expertise: Proven experience working with journalists, managing media inquiries, writing press materials, and leading media events.
• Strategic Communications: Demonstrated ability to develop and execute effective communication strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Project Management: Strong capability to manage multiple, complex projects simultaneously, often under tight timelines.
• Writing & Editing: Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills across press releases, executive messaging, speeches, and briefing materials.
• Accuracy & Judgment: High attention to detail and sound judgment to ensure delivery of accurate, clear, and meaningful information, particularly in sensitive situations.

Nice To Haves

• Global Communications: Experience working in a global or matrixed organization and collaborating with international stakeholders.
• Leadership Presence: Confidence advising senior leaders and representing the communications function in cross‑functional and executive settings.
• Resourceful: Ability find solutions and make the most of available information and resources.
• Adaptable and flexible with a keen sense of when to appropriately adjust strategy and thinking.
• Creativity: A demonstrated ability to inspire creative thinking within a team and apply innovative approaches to media relations and storytelling.
• Agility: Experience leading teams through fast‑changing situations, shifting priorities, or high‑pressure environments.
• Proactive Mindset: Ability to anticipate issues, identify opportunities, and empower team members to take initiative.
• Crisis Communications Experience: Experience leading or supporting teams through crisis or sensitive communications to protect and strengthen corporate reputation.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of communications professionals; set clear goals, provide regular feedback, support professional growth, and foster a high-performing team culture.
• Lead the development of proactive, targeted media strategies and compelling narratives around DTNA’s products, innovations, and business priorities, ensuring alignment with internal stakeholders and subject‑matter experts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key journalists and outlets; oversee media outreach, pitching, and response strategies to drive accurate, high‑impact coverage.
• Partner closely with internal stakeholders across DTNA and the global Daimler Truck organization, including Product, Brand Marketing, Engineering, Legal, and Executive Leadership, to ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment of messaging across regions.
• Lead the planning and execution of complex in‑person and virtual media events, including product launches, ride‑and‑drives, media briefings, interviews, press conferences, and trade shows.
• Serve as a spokesperson for DTNA when appropriate and act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders; develop talking points, Q&As, briefing materials, and provide media training and interview preparation.
• Oversee timely, accurate responses to media inquiries, coordinating closely with subject‑matter experts and leadership, particularly on sensitive or high‑risk topics.
• Drive integrated communication strategies that connect external media efforts with internal communications and social media to amplify impact and ensure message consistency.
• Manage external agencies and partners, setting clear direction, ensuring strategic alignment, and maximizing value and performance.
• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate communication effectiveness, using insights to continuously refine strategies and improve outcomes.

Benefits

• 401k company contribution with company match up to 8% as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 - 7% depending on age
• starting at 4 weeks paid vacation
• 13+ calendar holidays
• 8 weeks paid parental leave
• employee assistance program
• comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness programs
• onsite fitness (at some locations)
• tuition assistance and volunteer paid time off
• short-term and long-term disability plans

What This Job Offers

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