Senior Manager, Communications - Earned Media

Altria Client Services LLC; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 133,000 - 202,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Remote-friendly options

401(k) matching

Deferred Profit Sharing

Professional development stipends

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vis

Paid parental/bonding leave

Job summary

Altria Client Services LLC in Richmond, VA seeks a Senior Manager, Communications - Earned Media to shape proactive outreach, respond to high-visibility issues, and serve as an official spokesperson across print, digital, broadcast, and emerging channels. The starting salary is based on experience, with a range of $132,500.00 - $202,100.00.

You will develop earned media strategies aligned with enterprise priorities, counsel executives for media engagements, manage crisis communications, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Business, or a related field.
• 10+ years of communications experience across media relations, public relations, journalism, public affairs, or corporate communications.
• Strong knowledge of print, digital, and broadcast journalism; established reporter or media outlet relationships preferred.
• Demonstrated experience developing earned media strategies, proactive outreach plans, and external communications materials.
• Experience serving as an on-the-record spokesperson and preparing senior leaders for media engagements preferred.
• Experience counseling business partners on sensitive, high-visibility, reputational, regulatory, or crisis-related issues.
• Strong judgment, executive presence, relationship-building skills, and accuracy under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Develop earned media strategies and outreach plans aligned with enterprise priorities, business objectives, stakeholder strategies, and company positions.
• Build trusted reporter relationships and identify proactive opportunities that expand understanding of Altria's business, priorities, and perspectives.
• Serve as an official spokesperson across print, digital, broadcast, emerging media channels, and related external events.
• Counsel select business areas on media engagement, including issue response, reputation matters, crisis communications, and consumer-facing public relations.
• Prepare executives for media interviews and external engagements through messaging, Q&A documents, briefing materials, and interview coaching.
• Partner across Corporate Communications and manage external consultants, agencies, and credible third parties supporting earned media plans.

Skills

Earned media strategy

Media relations

Crisis communications

Spokesperson experience

Executive counsel

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications/PR

Job description

Can you turn complex business issues into credible stories, trusted media relationships, and clear company perspectives? We are seeking a Senior Manager, Communications - Earned Media to shape proactive outreach, respond to high-visibility issues, and serve as an official spokesperson across print, digital, broadcast, and emerging channels. Richmond, VA is the preferred location for this position, with a hybrid work model. We will also consider remote candidates whose experience and qualifications closely align with the role's requirements. In this role, you will develop and implement earned media strategies that support Altria's Vision, enterprise narrative, business objectives, and company positions. You will counsel business partners, prepare executives for media engagements, manage crisis communications plans, and engage agencies and credible third parties to help build understanding of key issues and company perspectives.

What you will be doing:

• Develop earned media strategies and outreach plans aligned with enterprise priorities, business objectives, stakeholder strategies, and company positions.
• Build trusted reporter relationships and identify proactive opportunities that expand understanding of Altria's business, priorities, and perspectives.
• Serve as an official spokesperson across print, digital, broadcast, emerging media channels, and related external events.
• Counsel select business areas on media engagement, including issue response, reputation matters, crisis communications, and consumer-facing public relations.
• Prepare executives for media interviews and external engagements through messaging, Q&A documents, briefing materials, and interview coaching.
• Partner across Corporate Communications and manage external consultants, agencies, and credible third parties supporting earned media plans.

We want you to have:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Business, or a related field.
• 10+ years of communications experience across media relations, public relations, journalism, public affairs, or corporate communications.
• Strong knowledge of print, digital, and broadcast journalism; established reporter or media outlet relationships preferred.
• Demonstrated experience developing earned media strategies, proactive outreach plans, and external communications materials.
• Experience serving as an on-the-record spokesperson and preparing senior leaders for media engagements preferred.
• Experience counseling business partners on sensitive, high-visibility, reputational, regulatory, or crisis-related issues.
• Strong judgment, executive presence, relationship-building skills, and accuracy under pressure.

The starting salary is based on but not limited to experience, knowledge, and qualifications in determining compensation decisions. The Salary Range for this position is: $132,500.00 - $202,100.00.

Why You'll Love Building Your Career at Altria

At Altria, we believe a great career starts with feeling supported - both at work and in life. Here's what you'll find here:

• Work where connection and flexibility meet - enjoy the benefits of in-person collaboration three days a week (Tuesday - Thursday), while maintaining the flexibility to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays. Our hybrid approach empowers you to stay connected, collaborate with colleagues, and manage your schedule in a way that works best for you.
• Own your time - start with 15 days of paid time off, 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, and a 37.5-hour workweek so you can recharge and live fully.
• A place where you belong - where your ideas are welcomed, your growth is encouraged, and your impact is real.
• Get recognized for your work - annual merit increases and performance bonus.
• A future you can count on - 401(k) matching from day one; plus Deferred Profit Sharing, an annual company contribution in an amount equal to 13%-17% of your base salary.
• Help with your goals - get help with student loan repayment assistance, attend a conference, or gain a new certification with professional development stipends.
• Support for what matters most - comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Celebrating your milestones - paid parental and bonding leave for life's biggest moments.
• Wellness that goes beyond work - programs that care for your whole well-being at whatever stage you are in your life.
• A culture that gives back - paid volunteer days and a shared commitment to making a difference.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.