Product & Technology Communications Manager
Date: Dec 1, 2024
Location: Detroit, Michigan, US
Company: Kia America, Inc.
At Kia, we’re creating award-winning products and redefining what value means in the automotive industry. It takes a special group of individuals to do what we do, and we do it together. Our culture is fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative. Our people thrive on thinking differently and challenging the status quo. We are creating something special here, a culture of learning and opportunity, where you can help Kia achieve big things and most importantly, feel passionate and connected to your work every day.
Kia provides team members with competitive benefits including premium paid medical, dental and vision coverage for you and your dependents, 401(k) plan matching of 100% up to 6% of the salary deferral, and paid time off. Kia also offers company lease and purchase programs, company-wide holiday shutdown, paid volunteer hours, and premium lifestyle amenities at our corporate campus in Irvine, California.
Status
Summary
Under the direction of the National Manager, Product Communications, this position will develop and implement key messaging and oversee and execute Kia US communications efforts pertaining to product, lifestyle and technology. The position requires primary management of media efforts throughout Kia’s Central, Eastern and Southern regions and works to cultivate and manage media relationships and secure media coverage for Kia’s products and initiatives with automotive, lifestyle, technology and other media as determined by business and communications goals. In addition, this role will be hands-on with media evaluation loans with the overarching goal of obtaining positive impressions of Kia’s products. The Product, Lifestyle & Technology Communications Manager is a focus brand ambassador for Kia and will attend Kia, national industry and media events throughout the year as required. A primary responsibility will be to strategize, organize and execute small ‘boutique’ ride and drives and other brand experience activities to entice and introduce new media to Kia and its lineup of vehicles.
Major Responsibilities
1st Priority - 30%
Develop and maintain relationships with all media who regularly report on automotive product, consumer lifestyle and vehicle technology. Main point of PR contact for Kia’s product communications team on the East Coast and with automotive, lifestyle and technology media. Manage regional media association relationships for East Coast/Midwest to identify opportunities to demonstrate product; recommend high-value sponsorships and secure speaking opportunities for Kia staff where appropriate.
2nd Priority - 30%
Conceive, develop and execute small, high-touch-point ride and drives and brand experience programs to entice and introduce new media (lifestyle, automotive, content creators, etc.) to the Kia brand and its entire range of vehicles.
3rd Priority - 20%
Support Corporate Communications at auto show and launch events, including, but not exclusive to, SEMA, CES, all major auto shows within Kia’s Central, Eastern and Southern Regions and select national and regional initiatives.
4th Priority - 10%
Research, produce, edit, and circulate (for official approval) new product, lifestyle and technology press releases, vehicle debut press materials, coordinate photo/video shoots, internal validation and program reporting documents, weekly reports, and other published Corporate Communications documents.
5th Priority - 10%
Provide supplemental press fleet and vendor relationship support, including vetting new media requests, approved driver roster, and official driver license/record tracking as needed.
Education/Certification
- Bachelor’s in communications, public relations or journalism, or equivalent professional experience required
Overall Experience
- 6-10 years of communications experience required, preferably within the automotive (or related) industry
Directly Related Experience
- 3-5 years’ experience in the automotive industry or related field is preferred
Position Requirements:
- Frequent travel will be required domestically and/or internationally
- May need to work additional hours outside of normal business hours as required by the job, including weekends or holidays
- Perform other duties as assigned
Skills
Competencies
Pay Range
$84,364 - $117,304
Pay will be based on several variables that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to, job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, etc.
Equal Employment Opportunities
KUS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, including pregnancy and childbirth and related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, legally protected physical disability or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. KUS complies with applicable law governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which KUS has offices. The KUS EEO policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.
Disclaimer: The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and for this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
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Brand Ambassador, PR, Corporate Communications, Marketing Communications, Marketing, Automotive