External Communications Lead

Richmond, VA (Hybrid)

Salary Not AvailableMid Level5+ years expFull time

Posted 12 days ago

Job Summary

Own and drive external communications for the company, translating priorities into strategic messaging and campaigns; manage media relations, executive visibility, and thought leadership while monitoring results and coordinating with global teams.

  • Lead integrated communications planning and execution to support business outcomes
  • Oversee crisis communications, KPI tracking, and vendor partnerships

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Translate organizational priorities into clear, effective external communications plans and messaging.
  • Develop and execute integrated communications campaigns that support business objectives and strengthen the company’s image and reputation.
  • Create and align messaging across media relations, events, digital channels, executive communications, and marketing collateral.
  • Build and nurture media relationships, develop pitches and press materials, and support thought leadership, speaking opportunities, executive visibility, and media interviews.
  • Support crisis and issues communications, including proactive risk monitoring and preparation of external crisis communications plans.
  • Define and track communications KPIs and metrics, evaluate results, and recommend improvements.
  • Oversee external communications vendor partnerships and associated budgets, with a focus on high-quality deliverables and strong ROI.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, public relations, or a related field.
  • 5–7 years of experience in external communications, public relations, public affairs, corporate communications, or marketing communications.
  • Strong integrated communications planning and execution skills, with experience supporting business outcomes.
  • Excellent storytelling, writing, and editing skills, including the ability to simplify complex topics for a variety of audiences and channels.
  • Strong media relations skills and experience developing company-wide messaging.
  • Professional proficiency in English; fluency in a second language is a strong asset.
  • A strategic, collaborative, and adaptable approach, with the ability to work effectively across global teams and shifting priorities.

Preferred

  • Experience in manufacturing, engineering, or B2B environments.
  • Experience with thought leadership, reputation management, and leadership positioning.
  • Knowledge of public relations and communications measurement tools.

Marketing Team

Marketing Roles Posted (Last 30 Days)
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External Communications Lead

Silgan Dispensing Systems · Richmond, VA · Hybrid