Lead Consultant, Media and Issues Management

The Lead Consultant, Media and Issues Management will oversee strategic communications efforts focused on reputation management, media relations, and crisis preparedness. This role will partner with internal stakeholders to anticipate risks, manage issues, and create opportunities for impactful storytelling. Key responsibilities include:

• Serve as a communications expert for regional markets by partnering with local teams to understand business priorities, news opportunities, and potential reputation risks.
• Develop and execute media strategies, messaging plans, and communication approaches for local and regional initiatives.
• Identify proactive storytelling opportunities and support teams in preparing for challenging topics and conversations.
• Build crisis and issues preparedness plans to strengthen response capabilities and protect organizational reputation.
• Enhance reputation monitoring processes by identifying emerging risks, analyzing trends, and developing response strategies.
• Manage media relationships with key reporters and outlets across assigned markets to encourage accurate and balanced coverage.
• Lead communications planning and execution during major events and crisis situations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to communicate organizational responses and customer support initiatives effectively.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze sentiment, and provide insights to leadership to improve communication strategies.
• Identify and address inaccurate or misleading reporting through timely and strategic media engagement.
• Partner with measurement and insights teams to evaluate communication effectiveness and track reputation outcomes.
• Provide strategic counsel to senior leaders and cross-functional partners on complex communication matters.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate is an experienced communications professional with strong media relations expertise and the ability to manage sensitive issues in a high-pressure environment. Required qualifications and skills include:

• 5+ years of experience in communications, public relations, media relations, or a related field.
• Proven experience managing crisis communications, reputation management, or complex public relations initiatives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to create clear, compelling messaging.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with local and regional media contacts.
• Experience advising senior leaders and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of media landscapes, current events, and evolving social issues.
• Ability to assess situations quickly, make informed decisions, and remain effective under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and build trust.
• Familiarity with media monitoring tools, digital communication platforms, and reporting processes.
• Strategic thinking skills with the ability to connect communications activities to broader organizational goals.
• Experience working independently while managing multiple priorities in a remote environment.

Benefits:

The position offers a competitive compensation package and remote flexibility, including:

• Fully remote work opportunity within the United States.
• Competitive annual base salary range of $80,000–$124,600 depending on experience and qualifications.
• Potential eligibility for additional incentive compensation.
• Comprehensive technology setup, including laptop, monitors, headset, keyboard, and mouse.
• Monthly connectivity reimbursement to support remote work expenses.
• Access to employee benefits and programs designed to support overall wellbeing.
• Opportunity to influence high-visibility communications initiatives and reputation strategy.
• Collaborative environment with experienced communications, business, and leadership teams.
• Professional growth opportunities within a large, established organization.