External Communications Lead

At Brightspeed, we are reimagining how people live, work, play and connect by providing fast, reliable internet connections and an awesome customer experience in twenty states throughout the Midwest and South. Backed by funds managed by Apollo Global Management, our vision is to accelerate the upgrade of copper to fiber optic technologies, bringing faster and more reliable internet service to many rural markets traditionally underserved by broadband providers, while delivering best-in-class customer experience.   Be a part of the team that will make this vision a reality….designing and building a world class fiber network and creating a customer experience second to none. Check us out on the web!   We are looking for an External Communications Lead to join our growing team! In this role, you will develop and execute public relations strategies that support Brightspeed’s reputation, brand visibility, and business priorities. Reporting to the Director, Enterprise Communications, you will partner with internal leaders, external agencies, and other stakeholders to position Brightspeed for success through proactive communications, media engagement, executive visibility, and reputational risk management.   As an External Communications Lead, your duties and responsibilities will include: Support the development and execution of external communications strategies aligned with company objectives, brand positioning, and business priorities Build and maintain relationships with national, trade, and local media outlets to secure coverage that supports Brightspeed’s communications priorities and enhances brand visibility Develop and execute media relations plans, including support for national placements and localized campaigns that strengthen community engagement Monitor the competitive and external landscape to identify public relations opportunities and emerging reputational risks Manage day-to-day relationships with public relations agency partners to ensure alignment with company goals, deliverables, and performance expectations Partner with internal teams, including Marketing, Sales, Finance, Technology, Human Resources, and other functions, to align public relations initiatives with broader business strategies Support executive communications efforts, including development of messaging, press materials, talking points, and other external communications content Assist in developing and maintaining crisis communications plans, messaging, and response Review and coordinate external speaking engagements involving executives and subject matter experts to ensure message consistency and alignment with company priorities Partner with the social media team to align corporate messaging across social channels and support content planning Draft and manage press releases, media briefings, executive materials, and other public-facing communications Track, analyze, and report on media coverage and public relations campaign performance, providing insights and recommendations for improvement Support team members and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing communications environment WHAT IT TAKES TO CATCH OUR EYE: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, English, Public Relations, or a related field  7+ years of progressive experience in public relations, corporate communications, or related functions Experience developing and executing media relations and public relations strategies in a complex organization Experience managing agency partners and supporting cross-functional communications initiatives  Strong data Analysis and data management skills Strong knowledge of media relations, public relations strategy, corporate messaging, and reputation management Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with leaders, media representatives, and internal stakeholder Proficient using generative AI and related tools to draft, edit, tailor, and accelerate communications across audiences and channels, while ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, brand alignment, and appropriate human review Exceptional writing and editing skills for press releases, talking points, executive messaging, and public-facing materials. Working knowledge of Associated Press Style Strong strategic and critical thinking skills and ability to align public relations efforts with business priorities Experience handling crisis communications and sensitive messaging situations Experience coordinating messaging across multiple traditional, digital and social media channels Strong project management and organizational skills Experience using media monitoring, measurement, and analytics Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills across internal teams and external partners Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively in a team environment BONUS POINTS FOR: Experience in the telecommunications, internet service provider, cable, or related industry Experience supporting executive visibility and spokesperson preparation Experience with community relations or local market public relations initiatives Familiarity with integrated communications planning across PR, social media, and corporate communications #LI-SS1 WHY JOIN US? We aspire to contemporary ways of working. Recognized as a Top Workplace by the Charlotte Observer, Brightspeed HQ is located on the 7th floor of the new Vantage South End - East Tower in Charlotte, NC. We prioritize hiring talent in the Charlotte area, whenever possible, to make it a truly vibrant destination for our hybrid workforce. At Brightspeed, we have roles that are designated as remote, hybrid, office or field-based, depending on the position, business needs and individual circumstances. We also invest in technology that enables our entire team to stay connected. Why? Because Brightspeed recognizes the value of finding the best talent for the job, wherever they may be. We o