A Manager, External Communications is a strategic leadership role responsible for shaping, protecting, and promoting an organization's public image and narrative. Professionals in these jobs sit at the intersection of public relations, corporate storytelling, and reputation management, acting as the primary architects of how the outside world perceives their company. They move beyond simple publicity to build meaningful connections with the media, key stakeholders, and the broader public, ensuring all external messaging is cohesive, authentic, and aligned with business objectives. The core responsibility of a Manager, External Communications is to develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies. This involves crafting compelling narratives that translate complex corporate initiatives—such as sustainability goals, financial performance, community impact, or product innovations—into accessible and engaging stories for diverse audiences. A typical day might include drafting press releases, pitching stories to journalists, preparing briefing materials for executives facing media interviews, and managing communications during a crisis to mitigate reputational risk. They are often the organization's frontline for media relations, building and maintaining relationships with reporters, bloggers, and industry influencers to secure positive and accurate coverage. Furthermore, this role requires extensive cross-functional collaboration. Managers frequently partner with marketing to align brand messaging, with Human Resources to promote employer branding and recruitment efforts, with sustainability or CSR teams to communicate social impact, and with government affairs on public policy issues. They are also responsible for content leadership, overseeing the editorial calendar for owned channels like the corporate website, LinkedIn, and annual reports. In today's landscape, a significant focus is on purpose-driven storytelling, highlighting the organization's values, ethics, and contributions to society. Typical skills and requirements for Manager, External Communications jobs include a bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field, coupled with 7-10 years of progressive experience in corporate communications or PR. Essential competencies include exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for different platforms and audiences. Strategic thinking, strong project management, and the ability to navigate complex, fast-paced environments are crucial. Candidates must demonstrate experience in media relations, stakeholder engagement, and issues management, along with the professionalism to counsel senior executives and represent the organization externally. For those skilled in weaving narrative and strategy, Manager, External Communications jobs offer a dynamic career path with significant impact on an organization's public standing and success.
