Communications Specialist

External Communications Manager
+ Month Contract 

Remote

Pay Range - - /hr, W



Client is based in TX. Will need to be able to work a possible CST schedule. Day shift, Monday - Friday. 



Looking for a talented External Communications Manager. Candidates must have a strong background in PR and Media Relations, with a good network of contacts in the North American market. The person will be responsible for developing and executing a strategic communications program that drives high visibility and value externally, specifically for the FCC and LR divisions. Establishing connections with the financial and compliance-focused press are vital for success.



Client is a global leader in professional information services. The company combines deep domain knowledge with specialized technology, and its portfolio offers software tools coupled with content and services that customers need to make decisions with confidence. Every day, our customers make critical decisions to help save lives, improve the way we do business, and build better judicial and regulatory systems. We help them get it right.



You will serve as a key partner to the divisional executive team, helping them to deliver effective and impactful external communications that influence key, targeted external audiences – primarily the media and relevant analysts. As a direct report to the Manager External Communications, you will be tasked with protecting and promoting the company’s reputation, contributing to growth and profitability.



Essential duties & responsibilities:



Develop and execute comprehensive external communications/media relations strategies, plans, and activities in support of the FCC and LR divisions in the USA – and its full range of solutions.

Manage and develop externally focused communications materials to include but not be limited to: press releases, stand-by statements, news alerts, media briefings, targeted emails to editors/reporters, FAQs, blog and social media posts, by-lined articles, media training of divisional spokespersons, and Annual Report material that relates to the FCC and LR divisions.

Proactively pitch and engage with targeted reporters and media outlets to educate them on the FCC and LR journeys and create greater visibility (via attributions) for the division and its business units.

Leverage insights for stories to build external awareness, typically with media/analysts/influencers, ensuring integrated approach with Internal Communications.

Build and maintain strategic partnerships with key media outlets, industry publications and other influencers - pitch stories to key publications with a planned and regular cadence.

Create media/analyst meeting opportunities for executives and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), in support of strategic divisional plans and goals.

Define desired outcomes of external communications initiatives, including quantitative and qualitative measures.

Identify and ensure participation and success in relevant industry recognition programs in close collaboration with divisional Communications VP. Manage award pitches and relevant analyst rankings/nominations.

Anticipate important industry trends along with potential issues and implement appropriate actions to both promote and protect the company and its reputation; mitigate any negative news.

Monitor media and notify internal stakeholders of time-sensitive issues, events or coverage.

Maintain and manage PR review / approval processes and governance; drive continuous improvement of processes, practices and impact of communications and public relations activities.

Utilize external PR/Media Monitoring agency partners to ensure the provision of high impact, consistent and effective messaging.

Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders (including HR, Internal Communications and Brand) to ensure the sharing of important external communications content that supports the wider business strategy and promotes as a “great place to work.”



Minimum Qualifications:



BA/BS degree in communications, journalism, English or related field preferred

Advanced degrees or certifications in external comms and marketing are a plus.

At least years of media relations/external communications experience (all within a corporate or public relations agency environment)

Existing set of strong North American contacts across Tier media, trade publications, and broadcast

Proficient in quickly assessing situations and developing customer messaging and talking points for internal employees.

Experience with crisis communications, including legal, investor and public relations implications.



Preferred Qualifications:



Superb writing and editing skills and a strong sense of narrative and storytelling.

Excellent creative thinker, with an ability to quickly understand a breadth of information and simplify the communication.

Ability to verbally relay concepts, goals, project plans to all parties involved in the execution of said plans.

Ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams as well as working in long-distance situations.

Ability to read and understand industry-specific documents and/or presentations.

Ability to author routine reports and correspondence.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate with all levels of management.

Experience with AI prompting and use of genAI tools in communications.

Other Knowledge, Skills, Abilities or Certifications:



Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where limited standardization exists.

Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Meticulous, able to work independently and as a contributor in a team environment.

Strong organizational, time management and interpersonal skills

Flexible and responsive to change.