Communications Manager
Ford Motor Company
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: Detroit • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United States
Visit company websiteJob Level
SeniorLead
About the role
- Develop and implement integrated communications plans and initiatives for key philanthropic and community partners, including but not limited to Ford Building Together, ensuring alignment with Ford Philanthropy's mission and strategic priorities.
- Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with partner organizations, serving as the primary communications point of contact and ensuring mutual benefit from communications efforts.
- Identify and capitalize on proactive communications moments and storytelling opportunities involving partners to showcase shared impact, program successes, and community transformation.
- Manage joint communications calendars and ensure the timely execution of co-branded materials, campaigns, and announcements.
- Provide direct support to Ford Philanthropy's senior leadership for external engagements.
- Prepare executives for media interviews, public appearances, and key stakeholder engagements.
- Lead proactive earned media strategies to secure high-impact coverage that highlights Ford Philanthropy's work, its partners, and the positive change being created.
- Develop compelling pitches, press releases, media kits, and impactful narratives that resonate with target audiences and traditional/digital media outlets.
- Serve as a key media contact for inquiries related to Ford Philanthropy's partnerships and initiatives.
- Oversee the performance, deliverables, and strategic direction of external PR agencies and consultants, ensuring they meet objectives, deliver high-quality work, and align with philanthropic goals.
- Manage and optimize the communications budget for partnership initiatives, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial guidelines.
- Collaborate closely with internal Ford Philanthropy teams (e.g., program managers, grants team, employee engagement) and Ford Motor Company communications to ensure consistent messaging and integrated communications efforts.
- Contribute to the overall communications strategy for Ford Philanthropy and serve as a leader within the communications function.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, policy, or a related field.
- 7-8+ years of experience in communications, with a significant focus on public / private partnerships and partnership communications, social impact programming, external relations, or public affairs.
- Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic communications plans that achieve measurable results and drive positive social impact.
- Proven track record of securing earned media placements and managing media relationships, particularly in the non-profit or corporate social responsibility space.
- Strong understanding of budget management principles and experience overseeing agency relationships.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with keen attention to detail, a strong storytelling ability, and the capacity to tailor messages for diverse audiences.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport and influence with diverse stakeholders, including non-profit leaders, community members, and corporate executives.
Benefits
- Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
- Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
- Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
- Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
- Tuition assistance
- Established and active employee resource groups
- Paid time off for individual and team community service
- A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
- Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard skills
strategic communicationsmedia relationsearned media strategiescommunications planningbudget managementstorytellingpress releasesmedia kitspublic affairssocial impact programming
Soft skills
collaborative relationshipswritten communicationverbal communicationattention to detailproject managementprioritizationinterpersonal skillsinfluenceadaptabilityleadership
Certifications
Bachelor's degree in CommunicationsBachelor's degree in Public RelationsBachelor's degree in MarketingBachelor's degree in JournalismBachelor's degree in policy