External Communications Lead

Position Overview This is an exciting time to join International as we accelerate the impact of sustainable mobility across North America and globally with our TRATON GROUP colleagues. We are transforming from a supplier of trucks and buses to a provider of complete and sustainable transport solutions. We have a great opportunity for a External Communications Lead to join our Communications & Brand team. This role will help shape and protect International's reputation while building a modern earned media function that elevates the company's voice across business, trade and mainstream media. As the company transforms into a digitally enabled, solutions-led organization, we need someone who can tell that story to audiences who may not yet have International on their radar. The ideal candidate will be equally comfortable acting as a strategic advisor and hands-on operator - building journalist relationships, driving thought leadership, managing agency partners and preparing subject matter experts for high-impact media engagement. This role will lead proactive reputation-building initiatives, support issues and crisis communications, and position International leaders and subject matter experts as credible voices in conversations about commercial transportation's digital and sustainable future. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced agency or corporate environment and bring a strong combination of strategic thinking, media instincts, executive presence and operational excellence. They will be an excellent communicator with meticulous writing skills, sound judgment and a creative, optimistic mindset. This is a full-time position based in Lisle, Illinois. Responsibilities Execute a proactive earned media and reputation strategy that supports International's business priorities and transformation story Establish International as a credible voice in conversations around commercial transportation's digital and sustainable future Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, influencers and industry stakeholders Actively pitch and place stories across business, trade, regional and national media Develop thought leadership opportunities and byline placements Prepare executives and spokespeople for media engagements, including messaging, briefing documents, Q&A and interview preparation Write and edit press releases, media advisories, pitches, executive messaging and communications materials Manage the announcement calendar and align earned media activity with broader communications priorities Integrate agency work with the internal communications plan and content calendar Serve as the internal expert on media landscape, journalist / influencer relationships and earned media strategy Prepare spokespeople for media interactions - interview prep, messaging, Q&A development Lead reactive media response, advise on and elevate red flag topics per protocol Minimum Requirements Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of communications experience At least 1 years of lead experience OR Master's degree and at least 3 years of communications experience At least 1 years of lead experience OR At least 8 years of communications experience #J-18808-Ljbffr