Public Affairs Manager

Caterpillar Inc.•Peoria, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a public affairs professional with strong writing and strategic communications skills to position Caterpillar’s innovation story across earned and paid media, thought leadership, executive platforms and external recognition. This role will focus on shaping and amplifying narratives that demonstrate how Caterpillar is solving our customers’ toughest challenges – through customer-driven innovation, strong intellectual property and our talented people. This new position will go beyond traditional media relations and will partner closely with engineering, technology, HR, legal, segment and communications stakeholders and our government affairs team. This role will be part of the Enterprise Media team and is open to candidates in Irving or Peoria.

Requirements

Proven, exceptional writing and editing skills; ability to produce clear, compelling, executive level content
Experience in communications, public relations, corporate affairs, journalism, or a related discipline
Ability to simplify complex or technical topics into clear, audience-appropriate messaging
Strong collaboration skills and comfort working across functions and with senior leaders
Sound judgment and discretion, with the ability to operate effectively in sensitive or high-visibility situations

Nice To Haves

Experience developing integrated public affairs and media strategies across paid, earned and owned channels
Ability to distill complex topics into easily understandable narratives across formats (op-eds, bylined articles, advertorials, speeches and media statement)
Experience in crisis communications or issues management; proven ability to remain composed and deliver clear communications under pressure
Ability to navigate a complex, matrixed organization
Familiarity with content strategy

Responsibilities

Develop a public affairs plan aligned to our corporate narrative that positions Caterpillar’s advanced technology story to key stakeholder audiences
Develop content focused on innovation and advanced technology leadership, including op-eds, contributed articles and for owned channels, including web and social, as well as other materials
Identify and develop opportunities and stories that highlight Caterpillar’s intellectual property, patents and innovation pipeline, as well as highlighting the people behind those stories
In partnership with legal and our engineering team, lead development of innovation-focused awards submissions, including researching opportunities, drafting submissions and securing approvals
Identify speaking and thought leadership opportunities, developing talking points, briefing materials and messaging for executives and subject matter leaders
Identify and engage with media, influencers and stakeholders to help amplify Caterpillar’s innovation stories
Draft proactive and reactive statements and supporting materials as needed
Serve as a general media contact for a variety of Caterpillar-related stories and issues as needed, including supporting events and media engagements as needed
Collaborate with the enterprise media team to ensure innovation narratives are integrated into broader media and communications efforts
Measure and present Caterpillar’s results, as well as those of our competitors