Manager, Public Affairs (External Communications)

Company

Cox Communications, Inc.

Job Family Group

Communications

Job Profile

Manager, Regional/Local Communications

Management Level

Manager - People Leader

Flexible Work Option

Hybrid - Ability to work remotely part of the week

Travel %

Yes, 15% of the time

Work Shift

Day

Compensation

Compensation includes a base salary of $88,300.00 - $147,100.00. The base salary may vary within the anticipated base pay range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include an incentive program.

Job Description

The Manager of External Communications will serve as the main media contact in Arizona markets (Phoenix, Southern Arizona).  This person will be responsible for building and cultivating a positive image with community leaders and consumers through earned media, acting as a media spokesperson and overseeing media messaging and management. This role drives strategic external communications around Cox Communications in key areas (Internet Satisfaction, Cox Mobile, Cox Business, MET/Cox Communities, Digital Equity and Community), and leads crisis and issues response efforts, helping to mitigate the impact of an event on the company’s reputation.

Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions

• This position develops and executes external communications strategies that positively impact the business and its external reputation.
• Has and continues to build strong media relationships that can be leveraged to positively position Cox’s reputation and drive business results through earned media opportunities.
• Serves as point of contact with local media in Phoenix and Southern Arizona and collaborates with PA/GA team and Market Vice Presidents on media opportunities.
• Develops proactive and reactive messaging/talking points and preps spokespersons.
• Serves as a liaison to public affairs in Atlanta to collaborate on and execute national corporate communications strategy in the field.
• Drafts and distributes talking points, social media copy, media advisories and press releases in connection with community relations and government affairs programming; helps support a positive company image as a strong community partner; supports the company's business goals; and showcases/raises awareness of Cox's residential and commercial products and services. 
• Develops and implements tactical plans that supports public affairs goals, including priorities, objectives, and timelines to meet goals.
• Collaborates with boundary partners on storytelling opportunities, focusing on earned coverage, but also managing contractor (if applicable) to generate advertorial and other content.
• Works closely with all functions, including government affairs and community relations, ensuring Cox is well positioned in the community with proper messaging.
• Stays current on relevant market and industry news and regularly shares with leadership articles that may or may not include Cox but could be impactful to the business or community.
• Responsible for external communications/media budget; staying on budget, submitting invoices and expense reports in a timely manner.
• Motivates and coaches others to achieve department and company goals.

Qualifications

Minimum: 

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline and 6 years' of experience in journalism/communications. The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as a master's degree and 4 years' experience; a Ph.D. and 1 years experience; or 10 years' experience in a related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as strong presentation skills
• Experience in external communications, including successful media pitching, social media, writing, and copyediting
• Experience working collaboratively to deliver upon company and department initiatives
• Team player; experience managing team projects and collaborating cross-functionally
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to travel to AZ markets multiple times per month, as needed, for events and relationship building.

Preferred: 

• BS/BA in Communications, Journalism, Business, Public Affairs, etc.
• Existing media relationships in AZ markets
• Experience leading and managing teams
• Experience in telecommunications industry

Benefits

The Company offers eligible employees the flexibility to take as much vacation with pay as they deem consistent with their duties, the company’s needs, an