Director, Corporate Affairs

Harley-Davidson Motor Company; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 191,000 - 305,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus programs

Health insurance

401k program

Onsite fitness centers

Employee stores

Employee discounts

Job summary

Harley-Davidson Motor Company in Milwaukee seeks a Director, Corporate Affairs to execute the corporate affairs strategy, strengthen the company’s reputation, and advance its enterprise narrative. The role covers corporate communications, media relations, executive thought leadership, digital communications, and issues management.

You will partner with the Head of Government & Corporate Affairs to develop external messaging, manage emerging issues, and support financial communications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree in related field preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public relations, corporate affairs, media relations, or related field.
• Experience advising senior executives and developing executive communications and thought leadership.
• Strong background in media relations, reputation management, and crisis communications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of Harley-Davidson's corporate affairs strategy and align with brand priorities.
• Drive executive visibility and thought leadership to strengthen reputation.
• Develop a compelling enterprise narrative for external stakeholders.
• Oversee corporate digital communications and GEO across platforms.
• Advise the Head of Government & Corporate Affairs on reputation and issues.
• Lead corporate media relations, interviews, and media inquiries.
• Support issues management and crisis communications with risk plans.
• Create strategic communications plans for major initiatives.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Crisis communications

Executive communications

Public relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Business Administration

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Auto req ID: 63131 Title:Director, Corporate Affairs Job Function:Legal Location:JUNEAU Workplace Category: Onsite Company:Harley-Davidson Motor Company Full or Part-Time:Full Time Shift:SHIFT1

In 1903, out of a small shed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, four young men lit a cultural wildfire that would grow and spread across geographies and generations. Their innovation and imagination for what was possible on two wheels sparked a transportation revolution that would make Harley-Davidson the most recognizable motorcycle brand in the world. Today, we continue to define motorcycle culture, evoking soul-stirring emotion reflected in every product and experience we deliver - like we have for well over a century and will for generations to come. Are you ready to ride with us?

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, founded in a humble Milwaukee backyard shed in 1903, still calls the city home. Today, its Corporate Campus includes a 4.8-acre public park-a welcoming greenspace open to all. Join our team as aDirector, Corporate Affairs.

Job Summary

The Director, Corporate Affairs is responsible for executing Harley-Davidson's corporate affairs strategy to strengthen the company's reputation, enhance executive visibility, and advance its enterprise narrative. This role provides strategic leadership across corporate communications, media relations, executive thought leadership, corporate digital communications, and issues management to ensure consistent and impactful messaging aligned with the company's business objectives.

Reporting to and partnering closely with the Head of Government & Corporate Affairs, the Director supports the development and execution of communications strategies that protect and enhance Harley-Davidson's reputation among key stakeholders. The Director works collaboratively with peers and cross-functional partners to develop compelling corporate narratives, manage emerging issues, and support financial communications. This position plays a critical role in shaping external perceptions of Harley-Davidson, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and ensuring communications strategies support the company's long-term business priorities.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of Harley-Davidson's corporate affairs strategy, ensuring alignment with enterprise priorities, business objectives, and brand positioning.


• Drive executive visibility and thought leadership initiatives that strengthen the company's reputation and position senior leaders as influential voices within the industry.


• Support the development and maintenance of a compelling enterprise narrative that communicates Harley-Davidson's business strategy, performance, values, and long-term vision to external stakeholders.


• Oversee corporate digital communications strategies, including content development, digital storytelling, and executive communications and GEO across relevant platforms.


• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Head of Government & Corporate Affairs on corporate reputation, external communications, and emerging issues.


• Lead corporate media relations, including proactive media engagement, relationship management, executive interviews, and responses to media inquiries.


• Support issues management and crisis communications by identifying reputational risks, developing response strategies, and coordinating communications across key stakeholders.


• Develop strategic communications plans and messaging frameworks that support major business initiatives, organizational changes, and enterprise priorities.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field required.

Education Specifications

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration, Public Affairs, or a related field.


• Professional development or certifications in strategic communications, crisis management, public relations, or executive leadership.

Experience Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public relations, corporate affairs, media relations, or a related field.


• Demonstrated experience developing and executing corporate communications strategies within a large or complex organization.


• Experience advising senior executives and developing executive communications, thought leadership, and external engagement strategies.


• Strong background in media relations, reputation management, and issues or crisis communications.


• Experience developing enterprise messaging and translating complex business strategies into compelling communications for diverse audiences.


• Strong executive presence, strategic thinking, and exceptional written and verbal communication skills.


• Experience managing multiple high-priority initiatives in a fast-paced environment while exercising sound judgment and discretion.


• Experience managing communications agencies, external partners, budgets, and project resources.

The pay range shown represents the national average pay range for this role. Your pay may be more or less than the stated range and is dependent on your geographic location and level of experience.

We offer an inclusive compensation package for all full-time salaried employees including, but not limited to, annual bonus programs, health insurance benefits, a 401k program, onsite fitness centers and employee stores, employee discounts on products and accessories, and more. Learn more about Harley-Davidson here.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Direct Reports: Yes Travel Required: 10 - 25% Pay Range:$190,700 - $304,900 Visa Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or visa transfer Relocation: This position is eligible for domestic relocation assistance (within posted country)