Global Dealer Engagement Communications Manager

Ford - Montpelier, VT

Full-time - Manager

Montpelier, VT

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Global Dealer Engagement Communications Manager will lead the effort to deliver on the Ford+ plan by building advocacy and trust among our 10,000 global dealers, turning them into brand differentiators during an unprecedented time of industry disruption as Ford leads the strategic shift to EVs. This will involve developing and leading the internal and external communications strategy for the Chief Dealer Engagement Officer. The Manager will also create and execute a global dealer engagement communications strategy, defining key messaging and ensuring consistent execution. A consistent standard for dealer engagement at a community level will be established, aligning with the larger Ford Masterbrand campaign and promise. The Manager will leverage communications to create an empowered, inspired, and galvanized dealer body who trust in Ford's vision and commitment to the dealer network and are prepared to defend Ford's market share and realize profitable growth. This role will require strong cross-functional collaboration to drive message consistency across North America, South America, China, IMG and Europe. This role is eligible for remote work within the United States.

Responsibilities

• Lead all North American Dealer Engagement communications, including strategy, messaging, projects, launches, and campaigns, ensuring uniform execution and successful outcomes for the company.
• Lead communications and thought leadership opportunities for Elena Ford, both internally and externally, through partnerships, speaking engagements, social media, and philanthropy.
• Partner with the Dealer Community Engagement team to support the development of the community platform and lead its communications strategy.
• Spearhead community engagement among dealers across global markets, working collaboratively with market communications leads.
• Develop and implement a uniform voice and message to serve as a connective thread across key dealer engagement priorities, including the future of retail, sentiment, diversity, governance transformation, learning & development, community engagement, and the brand promise campaign.
• Lead alignment with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging across all dealer channels, including CX, Communications, Marketing, FCSD, Dealer Operations, Enterprise Connectivity, etc.
• Drive Dealer Engagement storytelling and content development across multiple channels to showcase Ford dealers and their individual and collective impact.
• Communicate a cohesive master brand promise and strong sub-brand identities among dealer partners.
• Align brand purpose with community engagement in partnership with Ford Fund.
• Create communication tools for dealers to meet and exceed customer needs.
• Manage media relations and story pitching to maximize exposure and opportunities, actively minimizing reputation risk.
• Play a key role in shifting the perception of Ford among dealers, positioning it as a trusted and preferred OEM partner.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of Communications experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge and experience in storytelling and the use of digital tools.
• Prior experience supporting C-Suite executives.
• Strong business acumen, be a strategic thinker, creative, collaborative, and have a high standard of excellence.
• Strong written and verbal communications and project management skills.
• Familiarity with the earned media landscape and prior experience working with the media.
• Customers and employee-centric decision-making process mindset.
• Passion and enthusiasm for the industry.
• Ability to foster a culture of belonging at Ford.
• Strong judgment, problem-solving, and relationship skills.
• A can-do attitude and a sense of urgency in this rapidly changing environment.
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills, with internal and external contacts.
• Attention to detail and consistency.

Benefits

• 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.