Deputy Communications Director, Partnership Communications
We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world together. At Ford, we're all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?
With a career on the Ford Communications team, you can bring the message of our exciting innovations to the world! You'll help build and protect our global reputation, build stakeholder trust, and further our mission of becoming the world's most trusted mobility company. You'll be part of a dedicated organization delivering best-in-class, high-impact communications programs that support our innovations, industry leadership and commitment to social responsibility. As a member of our Government and Community Relations team, you'll have the opportunity to help shape policy and legislation that advances our core business objectives. You'll also be able to partner with community leaders to advance education, community life and driving safety. If you're looking for the opportunity to make a real impact in the world, join us.
The Deputy Communications Director, Partnership Communications, is a pivotal leadership role within Ford Philanthropy. This individual will be responsible for developing and executing compelling communication strategies that elevate our mission through the strategic and vital partnerships with nonprofits, strengthen our vital partnerships with non-profit organizations and community leaders, and amplify the impact of our programs globally. This role requires a strategic thinker, a skilled storyteller, and a proactive leader capable of managing complex projects, providing critical executive communications support, and overseeing agency relationships and budgets.
Responsibilities
What you'll do...
Strategic Partnership Communications :
- Develop and implement integrated communications plans and initiatives for key philanthropic and community partners, including but not limited to Ford Building Together, ensuring alignment with Ford Philanthropy's mission and strategic priorities.
- Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with partner organizations, serving as the primary communications point of contact and ensuring mutual benefit from communications efforts.
- Identify and capitalize on proactive communications moments and storytelling opportunities involving partners to showcase shared impact, program successes, and community transformation.
- Manage joint communications calendars and ensure the timely execution of co-branded materials, campaigns, and announcements.
Executive Communications Support :
Provide direct support to Ford Philanthropy's senior leadership for external engagements.Prepare executives for media interviews, public appearances, and key stakeholder engagements.Media Relations & Earned Media :
Lead proactive earned media strategies to secure high-impact coverage that highlights Ford Philanthropy's work, its partners, and the positive change being created.Develop compelling pitches, press releases, media kits, and impactful narratives that resonate with target audiences and traditional / digital media outlets.Serve as a key media contact for inquiries related to Ford Philanthropy's partnerships and initiatives.Agency & Budget Management :
Oversee the performance, deliverables, and strategic direction of external PR agencies and consultants, ensuring they meet objectives, deliver high-quality work, and align with philanthropic goals.Manage and optimize the communications budget for partnership initiatives, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial guidelines.Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership :
Collaborate closely with internal Ford Philanthropy teams (e.g., program managers, grants team, employee engagement) and Ford Motor Company communications to ensure consistent messaging and integrated communications efforts.Contribute to the overall communications strategy for Ford Philanthropy and serve as a leader within the communications function.Qualifications
You'll have...
Required :
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, policy, or a related field.7-8+ years of experience in communications, with a significant focus on public / private partnerships and partnership communications, social impact programming, external relations, or public affairs.Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic communications plans that achieve measurable results and drive positive social impact.Proven track record of securing earned media placements and managing media relationships, particularly in the non-profit or corporate social responsibility space.Strong understanding of budget management principles and experience overseeing agency relationships.Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with keen attention to detail, a strong storytelling ability, and the capacity to tailor messages for diverse audiences.Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport and influence with diverse stakeholders, including non-profit leaders, community members, and corporate executives.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 builderor 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 coverageFlexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and moreFamily building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and moreVehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leasesTuition assistanceEstablished and active employee resource groupsPaid time off for individual and team community serviceA generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's DayPaid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.This position is a leadership level 6.
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.
This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.