Public Affairs Manager

Career Area: Communications Job Description: Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. Job Summary 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. Key Job 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 Basic Qualifications 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 Preferred Qualifications 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 Summary Pay Range: $147,760.00 - $221,640.00 Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar. Benefits: Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits. Medical, dental, and vision benefits* Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)* 401(k) savings plans* Health Savings Account (HSA)* Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)* Health Lifestyle Programs* Employee Assistance Program* Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts* Career Development* Incentive bonus* Disability benefits Life Insurance Parental leave Adoption benefits Tuition Reimbursement * These benefits also apply to part-time employees This position requires working onsite five days a week. Relocation is available for this position. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Posting Dates: June 30, 2026 - July 15, 2026 Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen. Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community. There’s more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. We make sure our employees feel continuously challenged while also supported. We provide professional growth opportunities, including leadership programs. We celebrate the diversity of our team, while also working together as one Caterpillar. Our culture, like everything at our company, is made possible by each employee’s contribution. Person by person, we create the environment we work in, and we are proud of the Caterpillar we’ve built.