Media Relations and Content Strategy Manager

The Media Relations and Content Strategy Manager is responsible for executing and evolving the company’s external communications across owned, earned, paid, and social channels. This hands‑on role plays a critical part in shaping and activating content and thought leadership that highlights the company’s expertise, services, and market leadership. Working closely with internal business leaders and external partners, this role ensures consistent messaging that supports brand awareness, demand generation, and reputation‑building within a complex B2B services environment. The ideal candidate can balance creativity, strong execution, and strategic instincts – contributing to broader strategy, creating content and supporting external communication programs. Key Focus Areas Develop and execute external communications programs across PR, social media, paid media, and owned channels Develop and manage content that supports thought leadership, brand differentiation, and industry credibility Support executive and subject‑matter expert visibility through bylines, speaking opportunities, and social amplification Measure performance and optimize content and channel effectiveness Key Responsibilities - Essential Functions External Communications & Media Relations Build relationships with business and industry media and secure earned coverage. Support executive and subject‑matter visibility through bylines, speaking opportunities and industry events. Write and edit content for external communications (press releases, articles, pitches, statements). Ensure all external communications align with brand messaging and tone. Develop and place paid media that effectively communicates the value of Wheels. Develop and maintain the social media strategy and maintain the calendar. Create, schedule, and publish posts across LinkedIn and other relevant platforms. Monitor engagement and respond to comments/messages in alignment with brand voice. Partner with internal stakeholders to amplify key campaigns, announcements and thought leadership. Content Ideation & Thought Leadership Development Generate ideas for content such as blogs, articles, thought leadership and other market‑facing content. Collaborate with subject‑matter experts and other content developers to source insights and support content creation as needed. Help translate complex services, data, and perspectives into completing narratives for external audiences. Monitor industry conversations, media coverage, social signals, and competitor activity. Provide insights and recommendations that inform content plans, messaging, and channel strategies. Analytics & Optimization Track and analyze performance metrics to optimize strategies. Use insights to refine strategies and improve engagement. Ensure that all content pieces are current and easily retrievable. Manage timelines, agencies, freelancers, and internal review processes as needed. Qualifications 5-7 years of progressive experience in marketing, communications, PR, social media, preferably in B2B and/or professional services Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field Demonstrated results in growing content engagement, increasing earned media placements and in consistent delivery of thought leadership content aligned to, and consistently delivering thought leadership content aligned with priority services and markets Ability to plan and deliver integrated communications across PR, social, digital and owned platforms Strong editorial and writing skills with experience producing insight‑driven content Skilled at translating complex services, insights and perspectives into clear, compelling narratives for stakeholders including external audience Working knowledge of social media platforms and management tools, (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social), content distribution, and media engagement best practices Ability to track engagement, reach and effectiveness and apply insights to improve future programs Strategic thinker, with strong business acumen, ability to navigate ambiguity and understand complex topics Strong organizational and project management skills, comfortable managing timelines, agencies, and internal review processes Core Values Integrity – Always act with integrity and honesty. One Team – Treat others with dignity and respect; act as a cohesive, inclusive and accountable team that is making a difference. Innovation – Drive continuous improvement, spark creativity and embrace next generation thinking. Customer Success – Ensure that customer and driver success is at the heart of everything we do. Cultural Attributes Discipline Drives Quality – Plan the Trip: Think proactively, hold a high bar, follow through by leveraging experience and systems. To produce quality outcomes, we must be intentional and deliberate in everything we do, from big bets to daily execution. Intellectually Curious – Fuel Your Minds : Be bold, challenge assumptions, think differently, look outside the box. Strive to unlock your own thinking and create new possibilities. Commit and Deliver – Own It: Take responsibility for your work, from start to finish, and be accountable for the results. Think and act like an owner of the business. Relationships Matter – Share the Ride: Trust is central, both with key internal and external stakeholders. Relationships are not a side effect of work but a driver of success. Job Specifications, Physical Demands and Work Environment Work Environment: This is a hybrid position (3 days onsite - Tue-Thu) and can be in either Alpharetta, GA or Schaumburg, IL and operates in a professional office environment. Position Type: This is a full‑time position, Monday through Friday. Travel: Minimal travel might be required. Physical Demands: Sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Reach above head to pull paper attachments. Disclaimer Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. #J-18808-Ljbffr