Senior Communications Manager

📋 Description

• • Drive the strategic vision and execution of public relations initiatives for Cars Commerce, a leading automotive retail technology platform, encompassing corporate, B2C, and B2B communications.
• • Develop and implement comprehensive PR plans designed to significantly enhance brand awareness and reputation among consumers, customers, and shareholders.
• • Cultivate and maintain robust relationships with key national and local media contacts, including journalists, editors, and influential social media personalities across all business segments.
• • Spearhead creative ideation and campaign development, crafting compelling narratives and high-impact communications strategies that resonate with target audiences.
• • Refine and manage the company's core messaging platform, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and alignment with strategic objectives across all external communications.
• • Leverage the company's proprietary data assets to identify and generate newsworthy stories, including contributing to monthly industry insights reporting and positioning Cars Commerce as a thought leader.
• • Initiate and manage innovative campaigns, programs, and media events to ensure Cars Commerce, its products, and its people remain top-of-mind for media and stakeholders.
• • Author and edit a wide range of external communication materials, including press releases, executive talking points, media pitches, and other critical content.
• • Demonstrate strong business acumen, enabling a deep understanding and clear articulation of the company's goals, performance metrics, and the broader automotive industry landscape.
• • Foster deep and effective cross-functional collaboration with Marketing, Legal, Product, and Executive leadership teams to ensure communication strategies are seamlessly integrated with overall business objectives.
• • Provide expert counsel and strategic guidance to senior executives on communications strategies, crisis management, and reputation protection.
• • Lead the press strategy and on-site management for 3-5 key industry events and auto shows annually, ensuring maximum media impact and positive coverage.
• • Identify and secure strategic speaking opportunities and other high-profile engagements for company leaders at relevant conferences and industry events.
• • Establish and implement robust measurement frameworks to track, analyze, and report on the effectiveness and ROI of all PR and communications activities.
• • Manage the day-to-day activities and performance of external PR agencies, ensuring alignment with company goals and maximizing their contribution.
• • Stay abreast of evolving media and PR landscapes, particularly the impact of AI and social-first storytelling, and adapt strategies accordingly.
• • Serve as a trusted advisor to the VP of Communications, contributing to the overall communications strategy and team development.
• • Ensure all communications adhere to company brand guidelines and legal requirements.
• • Proactively identify potential communication challenges and develop mitigation strategies.
• • Contribute to the development of internal communications as needed to ensure alignment with external messaging.
• • Support crisis communications efforts, acting as a key point person in sensitive situations.
• • Build and maintain a comprehensive media contact database.
• • Monitor media coverage and industry trends, providing regular updates and insights to the leadership team.
• • Develop and nurture relationships with key industry analysts and influencers.
• • Contribute to the company's thought leadership initiatives through various communication channels.
• • Ensure timely and accurate dissemination of company news and announcements.
• • Support investor relations communications as needed, ensuring consistent messaging with the financial community.
• • Champion the company's values and culture through all communication efforts.