External Communications Lead

Silgan Dispensing Systems; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Silgan Dispensing Systems is seeking an External Communications Lead to bring our story to life across key audiences, strengthening brand reputation and trust with customers, media, stakeholders, communities, and the public.

You will translate priorities into clear external communications plans, develop integrated campaigns, and manage media relations, executive visibility, and crisis communications in a hybrid work structure with travel up to 30%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, public relations, or related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in external communications, public relations, public affairs, corporate communications, or marketing communications.
• Strong integrated communications planning and execution.
• Excellent storytelling, writing, and editing skills, including simplifying complex topics for various audiences.
• Strong media relations and messaging experience.
• Professional proficiency in English; second language is a plus.
• Strategic, collaborative and adaptable with global teams.

Responsibilities

• Translate organizational priorities into external communications plans and messaging.
• Develop and execute integrated communications campaigns aligned with business objectives.
• Create and align messaging across media relations, events, digital channels, executive communications, and marketing collateral.
• Build and nurture media relationships, develop pitches and press materials, and support thought leadership and executive visibility.
• Support crisis and issues communications, including risk monitoring and external crisis communications plans.
• Define and track communications KPIs and metrics, evaluate results, and recommend improvements.
• Oversee external communications vendor partnerships and budgets with a focus on ROI.

Skills

Storytelling

Writing & editing

Media relations

Messaging across channels

English proficiency

Bilingual (second language)

Strategic collaboration

Global cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

Job description

Silgan is seeking an External Communications Lead to help bring our story to life across the audiences that matter most.

In this highly visible role, you will contribute to and execute integrated external communications strategies that strengthen brand reputation, increase visibility, and build trust with customers, media, stakeholders, communities, and the public.

What You’ll Do

• Translate organizational priorities into clear, effective external communications plans and messaging.
• Develop and execute integrated communications campaigns that support business objectives and strengthen the company’s image and reputation.
• Create and align messaging across media relations, events, digital channels, executive communications, and marketing collateral.
• Build and nurture media relationships, develop pitches and press materials, and support thought leadership, speaking opportunities, executive visibility, and media interviews.
• Support crisis and issues communications, including proactive risk monitoring and preparation of external crisis communications plans.
• Define and track communications KPIs and metrics, evaluate results, and recommend improvements.
• Oversee external communications vendor partnerships and associated budgets, with a focus on high-quality deliverables and strong ROI.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, public relations, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in external communications, public relations, public affairs, corporate communications, or marketing communications.
• Strong integrated communications planning and execution skills, with experience supporting business outcomes.
• Excellent storytelling, writing, and editing skills, including the ability to simplify complex topics for a variety of audiences and channels.
• Strong media relations skills and experience developing company-wide messaging.
• Professional proficiency in English; fluency in a second language is a strong asset.
• A strategic, collaborative, and adaptable approach, with the ability to work effectively across global teams and shifting priorities.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in manufacturing, engineering, or B2B environments.
• Experience with thought leadership, reputation management, and leadership positioning.
• Knowledge of public relations and communications measurement tools.

Work Arrangement & Travel

This role follows a hybrid work arrangement with 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home. Domestic and international travel is expected to range from 15% to 30%, depending on business needs.

Why Join Silgan?

This is an opportunity to make a direct impact within a global manufacturing organization. You’ll work closely with senior leaders and cross-functional partners while helping shape the reputation and visibility of a company whose products are used by consumers around the world every day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Silgan Dispensing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Silgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or the presence of a disability, which would not prevent the performance of essential job duties.

Silgan is a drug-free workplace.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis. Silgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or the presence of a disability, which would not prevent the performance of essential job duties with, or without reasonable accommodation of any other protective status.

The anticipated annual starting salary for this position is $ 80,000. Final compensation may be higher and will be commensurate with the selected candidate’s experience, qualifications, and overall value they bring to the organization.