Communications and Engagement Specialist

Ford

Posted 1 day ago

Full Time

Chicago, Illinois

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

The Communications and Engagement Specialist serves as a strategic partner to plant leadership, managing internal communications, community engagement, and local media strategies. They act as the primary storyteller for the Chicago Assembly Plant, bridging the gap between corporate vision and local workforce action.

Qualifications

We are seeking a Communications and Engagement Specialist with a Bachelor's degree in journalism, PR, Communications, or a related field, and 1-2 years of experience. The ideal candidate will possess strong writing and communication skills, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite for content creation, and experience in media and community relations. This role requires excellent organizational abilities, a self-starter attitude, and a solid understanding of social media's role in business.

Job Description

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.

As part of our Manufacturing team, you’ll help build the world-class, state-of-the-art smart vehicles we're known for. In our plants around the world, we’re constantly developing new technologies and processes to further increase our efficiency. You'll get the satisfaction of making great products people use and love.

In this position... 

As the Communications and Engagement Specialist at the Chicago Assembly Plant, you will serve as a strategic partner to plant leadership, driving comprehensive communications, community engagement, and local media strategies. In this high-impact role, you are the primary storyteller and a vital bridge-builder, functioning as a key member of the plant operating committee. You will be responsible for translating corporate vision into local action, ensuring our workforce remains informed and inspired while simultaneously strengthening Ford’s reputation within the Chicago community. From managing onsite media relations to fostering deep roots with local stakeholders, you will be the onsite face and voice of Ford communications.

What you'll do...

  • Function as an integral part of the plant operating committee and the communications subject matter expert for the plant
  • Lead the development and execution of multifaceted communications strategies for the Chicago Assembly Plant involving storytelling, workforce engagement, events, signage and other methods 
  • Operate as the onsite representative of the Ford communications team at your plant
  • Act as a liaison between plant, union and corporate leadership and be the first line of communication to the employees 
  • Report on and write articles about major cost and quality wins, innovations, events, and activities taking place at local plant for company-wide distribution
  • Write, format and distribute internal monthly newsletters 
  • Write and/or film leadership messages and presentations to address emloyees with company and location-specific information as needed
  • Manage the local social media group(s) and digital presence, and help employees to engage across various channels 
  • Continuous personal development of functional competencies and leadership agilities
  • Create and nurture relationships with key local media, and serve as a liaison between those contacts and the communications team as needed
  • Help to deepen Ford’s connection with your local community by fostering relationships with local stakeholders, such as dealers, arts organizations and small businesses
  • Play a leadership role in planning and executing major events at your site like bi-annual Family Open Houses, Spirit Days, press conferences, executive visits and more
  • Stay connected to major company and industry news 
  • Serve on communications agile teams as needed 

You'll have...

  • Bachelor’s degree in journalism, PR, Communications or related field 
  • 1-2 Years of experience in communications, media relations or journalism 
  • Experience in community relations, media relations and stakeholder advocacy
  • Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop/InDesign/Premiere and creativity to generate original content 
  • Strong writing and communication skills
  • Top-notch organizational and multi-tasking abilities 
  • Self-starter attitude 
  • Personal experience with social media and an understanding of its role in business 
  • Ongoing awareness of local or regional events and media environment 
  • Professional and interpersonal maturity with a proven track record of successful relationship building 

Even better, you may have...

  • Passion for the automotive industry 
  • Manufacturing communications experience 

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage

• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more

• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more

• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases

• Tuition assistance

• Established and active employee resource groups

• Paid time off for individual and team community service 

• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day 

• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time. 

This position is a salary grade 5 - salary grade 8 and ranges from $65,100-$166,200.     

Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: New Hire Benefits

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

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Ford

We don't just make history -- we make the future. Ford put the world on wheels over a century ago, and our teams are re-inventing icons and creating groundbreaking connected and electric vehicles for the next century. We believe in serving our customers, our communities, and the world. If you do, too, come move the world and make the future with us. Ford is a global company with shared ideals and a deep sense of family. From our earliest days as a pioneer of modern transportation, we have sought to make the world a better place – one that benefits lives, communities and the planet. We are here to provide the means for every person to move and pursue their dreams, serving as a bridge between personal freedom and the future of mobility. In that pursuit, our 186,000 employees around the world help to set the pace of innovation every day. Privacy Policy: https://www.ford.com/help/privacy/

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