Network Manager

Lumen is the trusted network for the AI-powered world, connecting people, data, and applications through our expansive fiber network and connected ecosystem. We enable secure, high-performance connectivity across cloud, edge, and AI workloads for enterprises, governments, and communities. At Lumen, you'll work on infrastructure customers rely on today and build for what's next, where performance, security, and resilience matter. This is a high accountability environment where bold ideas drive real innovation for our customers, partners, and industry. The work is challenging, expectations are clear, and trust is built into how we operate. If you're ready to take ownership, deliver meaningful impact, and help shape the future of AI-ready connectivity, join us today. The Role Lumen Technologies is seeking an experienced communications leader to help elevate the story of Lumen's infrastructure services while supporting incident communications for network outages. The Senior Lead Manager, Network Infrastructure & Incident Communications, role leads strategic messaging for Lumen’s infrastructure platforms, partnering closely with the infrastructure team to tell the story of Lumen’s core network, services, and operational foundations that enable global connectivity. The role also supports incident messaging for service disruptions, coordinates timely and accurate communications with internal and external stakeholders, and assists with media engagement as needed. The Main Responsibilities Partner with Lumen’s infrastructure leaders to identify and develop proactive storytelling opportunities (e.g., network expansions, upgrades, resiliency investments, sustainability and innovation initiatives), translating technical work into clear narratives that support business priorities. Drive proactive media relations that move beyond reactive press activity. Identify and prioritize high-impact outlets and influencers; build and sustain trusted journalist relationships; monitor the news cycle for emerging narratives; and develop creative, timely pitch angles that position Lumen executives as authoritative voices on AI networking, infrastructure resilience, and enterprise transformation. Act as a strategic advisor to executives and business leaders, ensuring external communications are aligned to business objectives, grounded in an informed point of view, and delivered with consistency, clarity, and credibility across proactive and reactive moments. Help anticipate, mitigate, and manage reputational risk by identifying emerging issues early, shaping messaging strategies that protect and strengthen the Lumen brand, and ensuring all communications reinforce trust, transparency, and credibility with key stakeholders. Draft press releases, messaging, talking points, and briefing materials, while leading spokesperson preparation and coordinating media interviews, including pitching, scheduling, and follow-up. Lead end-to-end communications for network outages and service disruptions, including drafting incident messaging, FAQs, and talking points, and coordinating closely with network operations, incident leaders, legal and other stakeholders to gather approvals and ensure accuracy. Field and respond to media inquiries and support proactive outreach related to outages, service reliability, and high-impact issues to provide timely statements, accurate updates, and approved messaging. Develop and maintain playbooks, templates, and messaging governance for outages to drive repeatable execution and brand consistency. Monitor and analyze issue and outage communications effectiveness (e.g., stakeholder feedback, channel performance, media coverage) and recommend improvements to process and messaging. What We Look For in a Candidate Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field (or equivalent experience). Significant experience leading high-stakes, time-sensitive communications in a complex organization (e.g., incident response, crisis/issues management, corporate communications, or technology communications). Demonstrated ability to translate technical information into clear, audience-appropriate messaging for customers, employees, executives, and external stakeholders. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level briefing, message discipline, and media-ready writing. Proven project management and operational skills with the ability to pivot quickly in a fast-paced environment. Strong judgment, analytical skills, and discretion when managing sensitive information and reputational risk. Demonstrated experience developing proactive media strategies and story pitches, securing interviews, and preparing spokespeople with succinct messaging and anticipated Q&A. Strong ability to build trusted relationships with highly technical teams and convert infrastructure roadmaps, milestones, and performance improvements into audience-relevant narratives for media and external stakeholders. Compensation This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors. Location Based Pay Ranges $105,786 - $141,047 in these states: AL AR AZ FL GA IA ID IN KS KY LA ME MO MS MT ND NE NM OH OK PA SC SD TN UT VT WI WV WY $111,074 - $148,099 in these states: CO HI MI MN NC NH NV OR RI $116,364 - $155,152 in these states: AK CA CT DC DE IL MA MD NJ NY TX VA WA Lumen offers a comprehensive package featuring a broad range of Health, Life, Voluntary Lifestyle benefits and other perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing. We're able to answer any additional questions you may have about our bonus structure (short-term incentives, long-term incentives and/or sales compensation) as you move through the selection process. Learn more about Lumen's: Benefits ( Bonus Structure #LI-Remote Requisition #: 342433 Life at Lumen Life at Lumen is human and connected, even in a fast moving, AI-focused organization. We set clear expectations and trust people to meet them. With real support and shared accountability, teams collaborate better, move faster, and deliver meaningful outcomes. Our Lumen 8 behaviors guide how we interact, make decisions, and work together, shaping a culture built to perform and win. To learn more about Life at Lumen and how we live the Lumen 8, please visit: Background Screening If you are selected for a position, there will be a background screen, which may include checks for criminal records and/or motor vehicle reports and/or drug screening, depending on the position requirements. For more information on these checks, please refer to the Post Offer section of our FAQ page ( . Job-related concerns identified during the background screening may disqualify you from the new position or your current role. Background results will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Equal Employment Opportunities We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, citizenship, national origin, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic characteristic or information, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, family status, pregnancy, or other legally protected status (collectively, "protected statuses"). We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training. Privacy Notice Lumen is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information collected during the recruitment and hiring process. Our Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect applicant information, as well as how individuals may request access to or deletion of their personal data. To review Lumen’s Privacy Notice, please visit: Disclaimer The job responsibilities described above indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to include a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities for this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on evolving business needs and conditions. In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. Please be advised that Lumen does not require any form of payment from job applicants during the recruitment process. All legitimate job openings will be posted on our official website or communicated through official company email addresses. If you encounter any job offers that request payment in exchange for employment at Lumen, they are not for employment with us, but may relate to another company with a similar name. #J-18808-Ljbffr