Senior Communications Lead — Media, Internal & Executive

Walbridge; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Walbridge, based at its Detroit headquarters, seeks a Senior Communications Associate to lead internal and external messaging, elevating the Walbridge brand. The role collaborates with marketing and comms teams to support media relations, executive communications, internal comms, and crisis response.

The ideal candidate has strong writing, PR, and journalism background. The position is onsite in Detroit, with occasional travel for events and jobsite visits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related role.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing both internal and external communications strategies.
• Media relations experience, including pitching stories, managing press inquiries, and building relationships with journalists and industry contacts.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.

Responsibilities

• Builds and manages relationships with journalists, editors, and industry contacts; proactively identifies and pitches stories to secure earned media coverage.
• Drafts, edits, and distributes press releases and media statements; manages media inquiries and interview logistics and prepares key messages for spokespeople.
• Writes executive communications, including talking points, and briefing documents, and helps prepare leadership for speaking engagements and public appearances.
• Manages internal communications planning and execution, including leadership messages, change communications, and content for internal channels.
• Serves as a backup on issues and crisis communications, drafting holding statements and helping coordinate rapid response alongside the Senior Corporate Communications Manager.
• Partners with the Senior Marketing Communications Associate and Social Media Manager to align messaging across press, social, internal, and marketing channels, and to elevate media stories across multiple platforms.
• Tracks and reports on media coverage and the performance of communications initiatives, using data to inform strategy and recommendations.
• Leads or supports special projects, presentations, and other communications, marketing and special events and initiatives.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Media relations

Press writing

Editing

Public speaking

Project management

Leadership

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/PR/Journalism

Tools

PR Newswire

Cision

Business Wire

Microsoft Office

Canva

Generative AI tools

Job description

Walbridge, based at its Detroit headquarters, seeks a Senior Communications Associate to lead internal and external messaging, elevating the Walbridge brand. The role collaborates with marketing and comms teams to support media relations, executive communications, internal comms, and crisis response.

The ideal candidate has strong writing, PR, and journalism background. The position is onsite in Detroit, with occasional travel for events and jobsite visits.