AutoNation Headquarters Position Summary: At AutoNation, our top priorities are motivating our Associates and enhancing collaboration throughout the enterprise. As the Director of External Communications, you will be critical in executing a strategic communications plan that builds AutoNation’s profile and protects and elevates the Company’s reputation. You will lead our organization in crafting and disseminating compelling messages to external stakeholders, including the media, community members, partners, and the public. You will possess strong communication skills, a deep understanding of media relations, and a passion for building positive relationships with diverse audiences. Your professional demeanor, excellent interpersonal skills, and high responsiveness and urgency make you a valued teammate when interacting with senior-level executives. You’ll also have opportunities to work on cross-functional teams, driving key initiatives and providing assistance related to external communications and community involvement. Organizational Relationships: Reports directly to the Vice President, Communications. Interacts daily with other departments, including Operations (Sales, Service, and Marketing), Finance Operations, Human Resources, Benefits, Investor Relations, and key Corporate Executives. Main contact for vendor partners. Job Responsibilities: Develop and execute comprehensive external communications strategies to enhance the organization's reputation and visibility. Establish a vision with measurable goals, increasing brand awareness and driving a high performing, streamlined product Lead a team of communication, social media, and design professionals. Develop and mentor external communications team members. Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, building and nurturing relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers. Write and distribute press releases, media advisories, and other materials to promote organizational initiatives, events, and accomplishments. Proactively pitch stories and secure media coverage across various platforms, including print, broadcast, online, and social media. Prepare organizational spokespeople for media interviews and public appearances, providing messaging guidance and media training as needed. Monitor media coverage and industry trends, analyzing key metrics and sentiment to inform communications strategies and tactics. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging and brand alignment across all external communication channels. Identify and pursue thought leadership and executive visibility opportunities through speaking engagements, bylined articles, and other platforms. Develop relationships with key stakeholders, including community leaders, advocacy groups, and industry partners. Manage crisis communications and reputation management efforts, respond to negative publicity, and mitigate potential risks to the organization's reputation. Qualifications: Minimum of 7 years of experience in external communications, media relations, or corporate communications, with a track record of success in securing media coverage and managing high-profile campaigns. A minimum of three years of responsible leadership experience in management or supervisory positions. Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor and develop staff, including the ability to delegate responsibility, manage performance and provide regular feedback. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences. Strong media relations skills, including experience pitching stories, cultivating relationships with reporters, and managing press events. Proficiency in media monitoring and analysis tools, social media platforms and digital analytics. Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to develop and implement innovative communications strategies that align with organizational goals. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels. Experience managing budgets and resources for communications initiatives, ensuring efficient allocation and measurable results. Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Ability to travel (up to 20%) *The interview process for this role may include an exercise relevant to the work for this position. We may also request qualified candidates to provide samples of their work. Company Overview AutoNation is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, offering innovative products, exceptional services, and comprehensive solutions, empowering our customers to make the best decisions for their needs. With a network of dealerships nationwide strengthened by a recognized brand, we offer a wide variety of new and used vehicles, customer financing, parts, and provide expert maintenance and repair services. Through DRV PNK, we have raised over $40 million for cancer-related causes, demonstrating our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our Associates, Customers, and the communities we serve. Benefits Click here to learn more about our Benefits. Join us as we pave the way to moving our company, our communities and our industry forward. Apply today at a location near you or wherever you dream the road will take you. AutoNation is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.