Communications Specialist

External Communications Manager, Intelligent Devices Group, Fixed Term Contract
Based in Morrisville (Raleigh-Durham), U.S. Campus or U.S. Remote or Europe| Public Relations (Full-time Fixed Term Contract)
Are you a tech enthusiast who looks forward to the latest technology innovations? Do you enjoy crafting compelling stories for a sophisticated IT and consumer audience? Do you have experience working with the press and landing earned media stories that make an impact? If this sounds like you, we may have an opportunity for you on our global communications team.
The Role
For a fixed term contract duration of twelve months, we are looking for a talented Communications Manager and writer with a strong understanding of enterprise technology, passion for storytelling, and experience in media relations. The right candidate will drive content communications across a number of focus platforms, in launching and promoting devices and solutions across our Intelligent Devices Group (IDG)’s Commercial Product Center (CPC) and Small-and-Medium-Sized Business (SMB) portfolio including ThinkBook, B2B accessories, and workstation solutions as well as driving strategic and tactical thought leadership storytelling within those areas covering media-targeted content and executive social media activation.
The Communications Manager will be part of a seasoned, diverse and lean team of global PR professionals committed to strategizing and executing external communications – reporting into the IDG Global Product Communications Team Lead within the business unit. The role can be based in Morrisville (Raleigh-Durham), U.S. headquarters, with an option to be remote in the U.S. This Communications Manager will collaborate closely with teams across North America, Asia, Europe and Latin America with travel opportunities.
Specifically, the role will focus on:
In-house content development for key SMB, CPC and workstation products/solutions including simplifying complex tech concepts into succinct, memorable, press-friendly narratives that resonate with both individual and enterprise target audiences, in written communications such as PR messaging and press releases, executive talking points, issues management, and executive social media content, as well as partnering with creative teams to develop visually-compelling content like videos and infographics
Collaboration with functional teams including global marketing, product, design, engineering, user experience, corporate and local communications teams, and external partners to align and implement communications strategy and messaging
Opportunity to help manage external communications agency partners on creative ideation, press outreach, and executive social media management, including budget and project management for select products/projects and thought leadership (in close collaboration with global marketing and local PR teams)
Characteristics
The successful candidate must:
Demonstrate superb written and verbal communications (writing samples will be required)
Have strong project management skills in multitasking multiple priorities and take end-to-end ownership of projects
Be able to make strategic, prudent decisions (at times without full information), without leaning on agency support
Be able to course-correct and influence stakeholders in a fast-paced environment against fast-breaking developments and timelines
Be a strategic thinker as well as a practical doer, comfortable with rolling up your sleeves to get things done with limited resources
Constantly challenge the status quo and be entrepreneurial in pursuing new communications ideas and better ways of storytelling – with a sharp eye for great creative and detail
Be articulate, confident and tactful in interacting with senior leadership, from presenting an internal PR plan to facilitating executive press interviews
Be flexible to travel domestically and internationally to key launches and meetings
Be respectful and effective in communicating across cultures and flexible to accommodate working with teams across different time zones
Qualifications
BA/BS degree and a minimum of 10 years of experience in an in-house PR or agency role, preferably in the tech sector
Native English writer, with an understanding of Mandarin Chinese a plus (not required)
Intermediate to advanced PowerPoint and Excel skills, with the ability to summarize details quickly and sell ideas through decks