Jobs · Marketing · Illinois

Director, External Enterprise Communication

Brunswick Corporation · Mettawa, IL · 3 wk ago
Marketing$148k–$250k/yrFull-time

Position Overview

The Director of External Enterprise Communication will set and execute Brunswick’s external communications vision alongside the Chief Communications Officer. This role will drive enterprise-wide strategy and execution for earned media, public relations, and reputation management across the enterprise, while serving as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on external positioning, messaging, and crisis response.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic Communications Leadership: Develop and lead a comprehensive external communications strategy that aligns with Brunswick’s business goals, brand positioning, and executive priorities. Create and maintain long-range communications plans with defined goals, audiences, KPIs, and resourcing needs. Anticipate trends, opportunities, and risks across the media and reputational landscape to inform strategic direction. Shape and drive narratives that reinforce Brunswick’s leadership in innovation, sustainability, and performance.

  • Media Relations & Thought Leadership: Build and execute a proactive earned media strategy across consumer, trade, business, and innovation outlets. Identify and develop thought leadership platforms for Brunswick executives across relevant external stages—media, events, and speaking forums. Cultivate strong relationships with key media contacts, ensuring Brunswick is seen as a go-to source for industry insight and leadership.

  • Crisis & Reputation Management: Serve as the strategic lead for managing reputational risk and high-impact issues, ensuring readiness and rapid response. Provide counsel to senior leaders during sensitive or crisis situations, including message development, scenario planning, and stakeholder communications. Partner with legal, HR, operations, and marketing to align on response strategies and protect Brunswick’s reputation.

  • Messaging & Executive Communications: Lead the development of external messaging frameworks that unify corporate priorities with compelling storytelling. Draft or oversee creation of high-impact communications including press releases, executive remarks, op-eds, media statements, and issue responses. Ensure all content reflects Brunswick’s voice, values, and strategic narrative.

  • Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership: Oversee communications strategy for major corporate activations (e.g., CES, industry showcases) to ensure alignment with business and brand goals. Manage strategic corporate partnerships and external communications alliances to expand reach and visibility. Collaborate closely with internal functions (e.g., Marketing, Government Affairs, Investor Relations) to align external messaging and outreach.

  • Measurement & Continuous Improvement: Define success metrics and KPIs for all external communications initiatives. Use data, media analytics, and performance insights to continuously refine strategy and drive improvement. Create regular reports and strategic readouts for senior leadership.

Required Qualifications

  • 8+ years of leadership experience in external communications, public relations, or media strategy.

  • An accomplished wordsmith with exceptional writing and editing skills, showcasing the keen ability to translate business priorities into compelling narratives.

  • Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic communications plans at a global or enterprise level.

  • Proven success in earned media, message development, and issues management.

  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Strategic Marketing, or a related field.

Skills & Competencies

  • Executive presence and strong strategic advisory skills; comfortable working directly with the C-suite.

  • Exceptional strategic thinking with the ability to see the big picture while managing detailed execution.

  • Deep understanding of media dynamics, crisis response protocols, and brand/reputation positioning.

  • Collaborative leadership style; able to lead cross-functional efforts with influence and diplomacy.

  • Composure and sound judgment under pressure.

Key Attributes

  • Visionary strategist and precise executor.

  • Trusted advisor with high integrity and discretion.

  • Natural storyteller with a strong sense for brand, tone, and timing.

  • Proactive and solutions-oriented with a focus on outcomes.

Travel Requirements

Travel required for key events, media engagements, and enterprise initiatives.

Pay Range

The anticipated pay range for this position is $148,300 - $250,300, annually. The actual base pay offered will vary depending on multiple factors including job-related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location.

Benefits

  • Annual discretionary bonus.

  • Eligible for Brunswick's comprehensive and high-quality benefits offerings, including medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, 401k (up to 4% match), Health Savings Account (with company contribution), wellbeing program, product purchase discounts, and much more.

Why Brunswick

Whatever tomorrow brings, we’ll be at the leading edge. As the clear leader in the marine industry, we’re committed to our values and supporting our exceptional people. We offer and encourage growth opportunities within and across our many brands. In addition, we’re proud of being recognized for making a splash with numerous awards!

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Brunswick Corporation Participation in E-Verify

Brunswick participates in E-Verify as part of our commitment to a lawful and transparent hiring process.

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