VP EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

Lumen Technologies

2d•$211,163 - $281,551

About The Position

Lumen connects the world. We are igniting business growth by connecting people, data and applications – quickly, securely, and effortlessly. Together, we are building a culture and company from the people up – committed to teamwork, trust and transparency. People power progress. We’re invested in providing the flexibility you need to thrive and deliver lasting impact. Apply now to continue digitally connecting the world and shaping the future. The Vice President of External Communications is a critical leadership role within Lumen’s Corporate Communications organization. This executive is responsible for shaping and executing Lumen’s external communications strategy—including earned media, executive visibility, public affairs, and social media—at a pivotal moment in the company’s transformation as a technology infrastructure leader enabling the AI economy. This role serves as a senior strategic advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team, translating business strategy into a compelling external narrative that resonates with investors, customers, policymakers, partners, and the broader market. The VP of External Communications is an exceptional storyteller and seasoned media relations leader who works closely with peers across the enterprise to ensure Lumen’s messages are clear, differentiated, and consistently delivered to key external stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations or journalism and mass communications
Excellent judgement, interpersonal and relationship building skills
Calm under pressure and solution focused when unforeseen circumstances arise
Ability to work lengthy and unpredictable hours
Strong project management and organizational skills
Ability to develop strong and compelling stories about complex topics
Excels in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
5 – 10 years of supervisory experience
10 – 15 years experience in corporate communications positions for Fortune 500 company (-ies)

Responsibilities

External Communications & Media Strategy
Lead and execute a comprehensive external communications strategy that supports Lumen’s business priorities, transformation agenda, and long-term reputation.
Own the company’s media strategy, with deep, trusted relationships across top-tier financial, business, and technology media.
Proactively identify and secure high-impact opportunities to elevate Lumen’s leadership, innovation, and market position.
CEO & Executive Communications
Serve as the primary owner of the CEO’s external communications and media engagement, including proactive opportunity development, interview evaluation, and preparation.
Act as a close counselor to the CEO and senior leadership team, providing strategic guidance on external positioning, messaging, and risk.
Ensure key spokespeople are consistently media-trained, well-prepared, and aligned to Lumen’s corporate narrative.
Issues Management & Reputation Protection
Partner closely with Legal and Public Policy to anticipate, assess, and manage issues that could impact Lumen’s reputation.
Play a central role in developing strategies to respond to and resolve complex, high-stakes issues in a fast-moving external environment.
Organizational Leadership & Operating Rigor
Lead a high-performing, process-oriented organization with a focus on clear operating models, repeatable processes, and consistent execution.
Build structure and discipline across the function to support scale, agility, and sustained excellence.
Team Leadership
Lead a strategically critical team spanning:
Product & Technology Communications
Public Affairs
Enterprise Communications
Social Media
Develop and mentor senior leaders, fostering strong cross-functional collaboration and a culture of accountability and impact.