Rockwell Automation is a global technology leader focused on helping the world’s manufacturers be more productive, sustainable, and agile. With more than 25,000 employees who make the world better every day, we know we have something special. Behind our customers - amazing companies that help feed the world, provide life-saving medicine on a global scale, and focus on clean water and green mobility - our people are energized problem solvers that take pride in how the work we do changes the world for the better.

We welcome all makers, forward thinkers, and problem solvers who are looking for a place to do their best work. And if that’s you we would love to have you join us!

Job Description

The Director, External Communications will be responsible for the development and implementation of the company's external communications strategy and objectives. They will be the principal contact for all external media relations and provide strategic counsel and support to executive management, global business units and regional sales leaders on external media activity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Under the direction of VP Government Affairs and External Communications, work with the Chief People and Legal Officer and CEO to define and execute an external communications strategy that supports the company’s strategy and business objectives
• Understand the company’s products, business, and strategy and be able to clearly articulate it to external audiences
• Provide media training for executives and serve as strategic advisor to senior executives on key message development and delivery
• Serve as executive editor for the development, production and issuance of the company's external communication vehicles
• Work with other company communications teams (internal communications, marketing, and investor relations) to develop and align messaging and appropriate support and execution of all communications plans
• Drive external message development, pitch and announcement strategies in-line with overall corporate messaging
• Contract-for and manage external public relations agencies and consultants; hire and train PR assistants and account executives as required
• Create and issue press releases, talking points and speeches for senior executives, white papers and web content, etc., on assigned subjects; refine messaging to ensure consistency and positive public impression and reputation
• Develop/enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences; identify and manage internal PR “Ambassadors” in assigned areas
• Seek out opportunities to feature RA in various media outlets including print, TV, radio, podcasts, and the internet or other relevant media platforms optimizing search engines
• Ensure that all external media opportunities for the CEO and other senior executives are fully vetted and recommended for their relevance to our overall strategy
• Identify significant media and public policy issues that can be leveraged to support company business objectives, and create and implement plans to exploit them
• Develop media delivery and packaging plans for company vertical industry messaging
• Assist in the development of internal publications such as newsletters, releases, email announcements, planned publications, on-line, intranet, video, special projects and other related assignments
• Additional duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of relevant work experience.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening.

Preferred Qualifications

• 12+ years’ experience in the field of corporate external communications with broad experience across media relations, journalism, crisis management, public affairs and/or marketing communications-preferably within the engineering, manufacturing or similar technical field
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, business, English or a related degree; advanced degree in communication, business and/or automation engineering preferred; foreign languages and international experience a plus
• At least 5 years of leading a PR team in a corporate setting
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, layout and design skills; previously published author highly desired. The ability to present concepts verbally is also essential
• Strong knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital media/social media
• Financially literate and commercially aware
• Must possess excellent organizational and planning skills
• Unquestioned ethics and integrity
• Strong executive presence and credibility; ability to influence executive management
• Ability to quickly assimilate relevant information in unfamiliar situations
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrable leadership competencies such as teamwork, creative problem solving, flexibility, results driven, interpersonal and negotiating skills
• Ability to influence, develop relationships, and work cooperatively with people from across the business and functions
• Must be a confident communicator and presenter
• Ability to work under pressure; superior project management and time management skills; able to work under time constraints and after normal work hours or over weekends as required
• Self-motivated with a positive and professional approach to management
• Profound understanding of the company’s value proposition to customers, differentiation, and strategy
• Exercise judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
• Implement and execute processes across business/function to achieve assigned goals.
• Partner with business leaders across the business and geographic boundaries to support and manage change, while balancing local and global perspectives in reaching decisions.
• Seek out and embrace relevant perspectives when assessing a situation or making a decision; demonstrate clear understanding of multiple viewpoints
• Leverage business insights in proposing solutions and facilitating change
• Manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously, ensuring stakeholder expectations are managed appropriately
• Prioritize competing demands, accept criticism and constructive feedback, while remaining adaptable
• Distill information from disparate data sources and the capability to tell the “story” behind it, as well as recommendations for next steps
• Demonstrate ability to act independently while also being a team player
• Work in an environment with a wide degree of creativity and latitude
• Works cooperatively across cross-functional teams
• Manages relationships with external public relations agencies and coordinates all media relations-related activities for the External Communications team
• Travel as required to make appearances and attend media, industry, government or other related meetings on behalf of the company

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We are an Equal Opportunity Employer including disability and veterans.

If you are an individual with a disability and you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact our services team at +1 (844) 404-7247.