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 escalate 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
• At least 1 years of lead experience

Additional Requirements

• Qualified candidates, excluding current employees, must be legally authorized on an unrestricted basis (US Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, Refugee or Asylee) to be employed in the United States. We do not anticipate providing employment related work sponsorship for this position (e.g., H-1B status)

Desired Skills

• Demonstrated ability to think in narratives and identify stories that resonate with media and key stakeholders
• Strong understanding of reputation management, thought leadership and earned media strategy
• Proven ability to build mutually beneficial relationships with journalists, influencers and agency partners
• Experience operating as both a strategic advisor and hands-on practitioner
• Strong executive presence with experience advising and supporting senior leaders and spokespeople
• Experience managing issues and crisis communications in a complex corporate environment
• Demonstrated success securing coverage in outlets such as WSJ, Bloomberg, CNBC, Fast Company or comparable business and trade media
• Experience in complex B2B industries such as manufacturing, transportation, technology, logistics or industrial sectors
• Understanding of AI-era communications strategy, including LLM search and evolving media dynamics
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
• Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical mindset with experience measuring communications effectiveness and ROI
• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, or related field
• Preferred 7-10 years of media relations experience, with at least 3 years in a role focused on business, technology, or B2B press
• Agency side experience
• Strong writing and editing skills

Benefits and Compensation

This position offers competitive market-based compensation, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing. You can learn more about the benefits offered for this position by visiting

The expected salary offered for this position will fall within the stated range, with the final offer based on the candidates' applicable skills, knowledge, and experience.

Company Overview

About TRATON
With its brands Scania, MAN, International, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus, TRATON SE is the parent and holding company of the TRATON GROUP and one of the world's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. The Group's product portfolio comprises trucks, buses, and light-duty commercial vehicles. "Transforming Transportation Together. For a sustainable world.": this intention underlines the Company's ambition to have a lasting and sustainable impact on the commercial vehicle business and on the Group's commercial growth.

About International
From a one-man company built on the world-changing invention of the McCormick reaper in 1831, to the 15,000-person-strong company we are today, few companies can lay claim to a history like International. Based in Lisle, Illinois, International Motors, LLC* creates solutions that deliver greater uptime and productivity to our customers throughout the full operation of our commercial vehicles. We build International® trucks and engines and IC Bus® school and commercial buses that are as tough and as smart as the people who drive them. We also develop Fleetrite® aftermarket parts. In everything we do, our vision is to accelerate the impact of sustainable mobility to create the cleaner, safer world we all deserve. As of 2021, we joined Scania, MAN and Volkswagen Truck & Bus in TRATON GROUP, a global champion of the truck and transport services industry. To learn more, visit International.com.

*International Motors, LLC is d/b/a International Motors USA in Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, and Utah.

EEO Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to access the online application system or participate in the interview process due to your disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io to request assistance. Kindly specify Job Requisition Number / Job Title and Location in response. Otherwise, your request may not be considered.

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