Director, Communications

Wabash National; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dynamic Director of Communications to elevate its brand through strategic messaging and media relations. In this pivotal role, you will craft compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, manage a talented communications team, and drive innovative public relations campaigns. You'll be the voice of the organization, overseeing various communication channels and ensuring brand consistency. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the company's narrative and engage with key stakeholders while fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity. Join a forward-thinking company that values diversity and empowers its employees to make a significant impact.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in communications or public relations roles.
• Strong skills in copywriting and media relations.
• Leadership experience in managing communication teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee multi-channel communications strategies.
• Manage media relations and serve as company spokesperson.
• Lead a diverse communications team and ensure brand integrity.

Skills

Communications Strategy

Public Relations

Copywriting

Social Media Management

Crisis Communication

Media Relations

Team Leadership

Brand Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Communications or Marketing

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Suite

SharePoint

Job description

Description

About the Role:

The Director, Communications develops and oversees the flow of communication and information between the company, customers, dealers, investors/shareholders, suppliers, employees, state and local leaders, research partners, and the community. You will be responsible for developing effective messaging and communication strategies for internal and external audiences that support the company’s vision, long-term strategy, goals and values. You must create or oversee the creation of promotional and informative materials the company will send internally and externally. You will work with all forms of media, including press releases and digital campaigns, print materials, social media, audio and video. Your main duties include managing the communications team, serving as the “voice” of the organization, and directing public relations campaigns.

Your Responsibilities:

• Establish and drive a multi-channel communications strategy that builds and maintains a positive corporate brand among internal and external audiences (Commercial and Corporate communications).
• Oversee corporate communications in various online and print platforms, such as website, social media, trade and business publications, and internal channels (e.g., Intranet, Microsoft Viva, digital signage, etc.).
• Identify, write, and edit a broad range of communications for internal and external audiences, including presentations, speeches and talking points, op-eds/bylines, letters, management memorandums, client communications, social media posts, annual Corporate Responsibility Report, and employee-related news and information.
• Adhere to a brand voice and maintain brand integrity across all platforms.
• Manage media relations, serving as the company’s spokesperson and responding to members of the media in a timely manner; compose and distribute press releases.
• Develop and execute a crisis communications and preemptive plan.
• Develop and execute a PR and social media strategy aligned with commercial strategy.
• Develop a social media and PR strategy for executive leadership.
• Establish KPIs to measure engagement and performance across various platforms for social media, PR, external and internal communications, and executive communications.
• Lead and develop a diversely skilled communications team that manages and implements employee communications plans, social media plans, and PR plans.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key media outlets, journalists, and industry influencers.
• Lead the development of compelling content, including press releases, op-eds, and media pitches.
• Secure high-impact media coverage in top-tier global publications and industry-specific outlets.
• Develop thought leadership platforms for key executives, supporting Wabash's innovative disruptor positioning.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging media opportunities.
• Ensure quality control of all information released.
• Support regulatory and investor relations communications by collaborating with the Finance department to ensure clarity, brand consistency, and alignment with public filings.
• Collaborate cross-functionally on high-profile events, such as company-hosted events or conferences and Investor Day.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Remote position with 10% travel.

Let's Talk About Your Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree (Preferred Major: communications, marketing or a related discipline is preferred).
• Proven work experience as a Communications Director, Social Media Director, PR Director, or similar role in corporate or agency environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suites, SharePoint, and other communications technologies.
• Understand principles of copywriting, graphic design, layout and publishing.
• Experience working with a PR agency to successfully secure trade bylines/articles, speaking engagements and panels.
• Experience leading social media strategy across multiple different social media platforms.
• Impeccable copywriting and copy-editing abilities.
• Excellent organization and meticulous attention to detail.
• Able to work under short deadlines and adapt to changing priorities and plans.

Leadership Attributes:

At Wabash, we pride ourselves on being empowering, and there are some things we feel very strongly about:

• Embrace Diversity and Inclusion -- Solicit and respect the input of others, celebrate differences, and strive for transparency and inclusiveness.
• Seek to Listen -- Actively listen to reach the best solution and make the strongest decisions.
• Always Learn -- Strive to improve; do not quit or settle for the status quo.
• Be Authentic -- Demonstrate honesty, incredible energy, and grit in everything you do.
• Win Together -- Collaborate, seek alignment, and excel at cross-group communication to success as one team and One Wabash.

Join us in turning ideas into world-changing realities. Curate and build your high-impact professional career at Wabash!

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement:

Wabash is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for its associates and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or other protected class or activity under federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions must be based on neutral, legitimate criteria. All employment policies and rules shall be applied equally to similarly situated associates.