Manager, Public Affairs (External Communications)

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 - External
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

USD 88,300.00 - 147,100.00 per year
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.
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, and its obligations; seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year; and up to 160 hours of paid wellness annually for their own wellness or that of family members. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, parental leave, and COVID-19 vaccination leave.
Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship.
About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is the largest private telecom company in America, serving six million homes and businesses. That's a lot, but we also proudly serve our employees. Our benefits and our award-winning culture are just two of the things that make Cox a coveted place to work. If you're interested in bringing people closer through broadband, smart home tech and more, join Cox Communications today!
About Cox
Cox empowers employees to build a better future and has been doing so for over 120 years. With exciting investments and innovations across transportation, communications, cleantech and healthcare, our family of businesses - which includes Cox Automotive and Cox Communications - is forging a better future for us all. Ready to make your mark? Join us today!
Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page .
Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual's age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Statement to ALL Third-Party Agencies and Similar Organizations: Cox accepts resumes only from agencies with which we formally engage their services. Please do not forward resumes to our applicant tracking system, Cox employees, Cox hiring manager, or send to any Cox facility. Cox is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited resumes.