External Communications Lead

External Communications LeadWe are looking for an External Communications Lead to join our growing team! In this role, you will develop and execute public relations strategies that support Brightspeed's reputation, brand visibility, and business priorities. Reporting to the Director, Enterprise Communications, you will partner with internal leaders, external agencies, and other stakeholders to position Brightspeed for success through proactive communications, media engagement, executive visibility, and reputational risk management.As an External Communications Lead, your duties and responsibilities will include:Support the development and execution of external communications strategies aligned with company objectives, brand positioning, and business prioritiesBuild and maintain relationships with national, trade, and local media outlets to secure coverage that supports Brightspeed's communications priorities and enhances brand visibilityDevelop and execute media relations plans, including support for national placements and localized campaigns that strengthen community engagementMonitor the competitive and external landscape to identify public relations opportunities and emerging reputational risksManage day-to-day relationships with public relations agency partners to ensure alignment with company goals, deliverables, and performance expectationsPartner with internal teams, including Marketing, Sales, Finance, Technology, Human Resources, and other functions, to align public relations initiatives with broader business strategiesSupport executive communications efforts, including development of messaging, press materials, talking points, and other external communications contentAssist in developing and maintaining crisis communications plans, messaging, and responseReview and coordinate external speaking engagements involving executives and subject matter experts to ensure message consistency and alignment with company prioritiesPartner with the social media team to align corporate messaging across social channels and support content planningDraft and manage press releases, media briefings, executive materials, and other public-facing communicationsTrack, analyze, and report on media coverage and public relations campaign performance, providing insights and recommendations for improvementSupport team members and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing communications environmentQualificationsWhat It Takes To Catch Our Eye:Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, English, Public Relations, or a related field7+ years of progressive experience in public relations, corporate communications, or related functionsExperience developing and executing media relations and public relations strategies in a complex organizationExperience managing agency partners and supporting cross-functional communications initiativesStrong data Analysis and data management skillsStrong knowledge of media relations, public relations strategy, corporate messaging, and reputation managementExcellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with leaders, media representatives, and internal stakeholdersProficient using generative AI and related tools to draft, edit, tailor, and accelerate communications across audiences and channels, while ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, brand alignment, and appropriate human reviewExceptional writing and editing skills for press releases, talking points, executive messaging, and public-facing materials. Working knowledge of Associated Press StyleStrong strategic and critical thinking skills and ability to align public relations efforts with business prioritiesExperience handling crisis communications and sensitive messaging situationsExperience coordinating messaging across multiple traditional, digital, and social media channelsStrong project management and organizational skillsExperience using media monitoring, measurement, and analyticsStrong collaboration and relationship-building skills across internal teams and external partnersAbility to work independently while also contributing effectively in a team environmentBonus Points For:Experience in the telecommunications, internet service provider, cable, or related industryExperience supporting executive visibility and spokesperson preparationExperience with community relations or local market public relations initiativesFamiliarity with integrated communications planning across PR, social media, and corporate communicationsAdditional InformationWhy Join Us?We aspire to contemporary ways of working.Recognized as a Top Workplace by the Charlotte Observer, Brightspeed HQ is located on the 7th floor of the new Vantage South End - East Tower in Charlotte, NC. We prioritize hiring talent in the Charlotte area, whenever possible, to make it a truly vibrant destination for our hybrid workforce. At Brightspeed, we have roles that are designated as remote, hybrid, office or field-based, depending on the position, business needs and individual circumstances. We also invest in technology that enables our entire team to stay connected. Why? Because Brightspeed recognizes the value of finding the best talent for the job, wherever they may be.We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.Our benefits and paid time off programs reflect our underlying belief in promoting overall wellness through physical, emotional, and financial health. Brightspeed offers a comprehensive benefit program, including competitive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; an employee assistance program; a 401K plan with company match and a host of voluntary benefits.Inclusion and belonging are at the center of our grounding belief in Being Real.When we bring our authentic selves to work, everyone is better as a result. A diverse team helps us be fierce advocates for more accessible, inclusive, and high-quality internet, because we believe doing so promotes equity in the communities we serve.Brightspeed is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion of all qualified individuals, including individuals with a disability/veterans. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io to initiate the accommodations process.For all applicants, please take a moment to review our Privacy Notices:Brightspeed's Privacy Notice for California ResidentsBrightspeed's Privacy NoticeBy clicking the link above or any third-party link within this posting, you are leaving this site and going to a third-party website where the third-party website's terms and privacy policy applyJob LocationI'm interested Privacy Notice