Director, External Enterprise Communication

Brunswick Corporation; Mettawa (IL); On-site; USD 148,300 - 250,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision

401(k) with up to 4% match

Paid vacation

Product purchase discounts

Job summary

Brunswick Corporation in Mettawa seeks a Director of External Enterprise Communication. This leader will drive the external communications vision and serve as an advisor to senior leadership during crisis management.

The role involves developing strategic communications, managing media relations, and enhancing Brunswick’s brand and reputation across all platforms. Candidates should have extensive leadership experience in communications and a proven track record of success.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of leadership experience in external communications, public relations, or media strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic communications plans.
• Proven success in earned media and issues management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a comprehensive external communications strategy.
• Manage reputational risk and high-impact issues.
• Lead the development of external messaging frameworks.

Skills

Leadership experience in external communications

Exceptional writing and editing skills

Strategic communications planning

Crisis response management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Strategic Marketing, or a related field

Job description

Job Description

The Director of External Enterprise Communication will be responsible for setting and executing Brunswick’s external communications vision alongside the Chief Communications Officer. As a senior leader for the organization, this role will drive enterprise‑wide strategy and execution for earned media, public relations, and reputation management across the enterprise, while serving as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on external positioning, messaging, and crisis response.

This role will protect and promote Brunswick’s brand and business, and thus requires a strong, proactive strategist who can think long‑term as well as act decisively in the moment, particularly during high‑stakes, high‑visibility moments. This leader will report to the Chief Communications Officer.

Position Overview

This director sets the external communications vision, aligns it with business goals, and leads a cross‑functional team to deliver on communication objectives.

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Develop and lead a comprehensive external communications strategy that aligns with Brunswick’s business goals, brand positioning, and executive priorities.
• Create and maintain long‑range communications plans with defined goals, audiences, KPIs, and resourcing needs.
• Anticipate trends, opportunities, and risks across the media and reputational landscape to inform strategic direction.
• Shape and drive narratives that reinforce Brunswick’s leadership in innovation, sustainability, and performance.

Media Relations & Thought Leadership

• Build and execute a proactive earned media strategy across consumer, trade, business, and innovation outlets.
• Identify and develop thought leadership platforms for Brunswick executives across relevant external stages—media, events, and speaking forums.
• Cultivate strong relationships with key media contacts, ensuring Brunswick is seen as a go‑to source for industry insight and leadership.

Crisis & Reputation Management

• Serve as the strategic lead for managing reputational risk and high‑impact issues, ensuring readiness and rapid response.
• Provide counsel to senior leaders during sensitive or crisis situations, including message development, scenario planning, and stakeholder communications.
• Partner with legal, HR, operations, and marketing to align on response strategies and protect Brunswick’s reputation.

Messaging & Executive Communications

• Lead the development of external messaging frameworks that unify corporate priorities with compelling storytelling.
• Draft or oversee creation of high‑impact communications including press releases, executive remarks, op‑eds, media statements, and issue responses.
• Ensure all content reflects Brunswick’s voice, values, and strategic narrative.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership

• Oversee communications strategy for major corporate activations (e.g., CES, industry showcases) to ensure alignment with business and brand goals.
• Manage strategic corporate partnerships and external communications alliances to expand reach and visibility.
• Collaborate closely with internal functions (e.g., Marketing, Government Affairs, Investor Relations) to align external messaging and outreach.

Measurement & Continuous Improvement

• Define success metrics and KPIs for all external communications initiatives.
• Use data, media analytics, and performance insights to continuously refine strategy and drive improvement.
• Create regular reports and strategic readouts for senior leadership.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of leadership experience in external communications, public relations, or media strategy. Newsroom experience is a plus.
• An accomplished wordsmith with exceptional writing and editing skills, showcasing the keen ability to translate business priorities into compelling narratives.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic communications plans at a global or enterprise level.
• Proven success in earned media, message development, and issues management.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Strategic Marketing, or a related field.

Skills & Competencies

• Executive presence and strong strategic advisory skills; comfortable working directly with the C‑suite.
• Exceptional strategic thinking with the ability to see the big picture while managing detailed execution.
• Deep understanding of media dynamics, crisis response protocols, and brand/reputation positioning.
• Collaborative leadership style; able to lead cross‑functional efforts with influence and diplomacy.
• Composure and sound judgment under pressure.

Key Attributes

• Visionary strategist and precise executor.
• Trusted advisor with high integrity and discretion.
• Natural storyteller with a strong sense for brand, tone, and timing.
• Proactive and solutions‑oriented with a focus on outcomes.

Travel Requirements

• Travel required for key events, media engagements, and enterprise initiatives.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated pay range for this position is $148,300 - $250,300 annually. The actual base pay offered will vary depending on multiple factors including job‑related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location. In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and a target award as part of Brunswick’s long‑term incentive program.

This position is eligible to participate in Brunswick's comprehensive and high‑quality benefits offerings, including medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, 401(k) (up to 4% match), Health Savings Account (with company contribution), wellbeing program, product purchase discounts, and more.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Brunswick is an Equal‑Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Brunswick participates in E‑Verify as part of our commitment to a lawful and transparent hiring process.