Brief Role Description

This position is Career Level 20P located in Chattanooga, TN, with a Role Classification of Hybrid.

Role Summary

The Senior Specialist of Internal, Corporate & Plant Communications serves as a strategic communications leader for Volkswagen Chattanooga, reporting to the Director of Workforce Communications.

This role drives high-impact messaging across plant operations, internal communications, media relations, and community engagement. With a seat at the leadership table, the Senior Specialist advises executive stakeholders, manages crisis communications, and contributes to enterprise-wide initiatives. The role requires a seasoned communicator with deep experience in manufacturing environments, capable of navigating complex stakeholder landscapes and delivering integrated communications strategies that support business continuity, employee engagement, and brand reputation.

Role Responsibilities

Plant Operational Communications (40%)

• Lead strategic internal communications for Chattanooga-based employees, aligning messaging with plant priorities and enterprise goals.
• Partner with plant leadership to communicate safety, quality, and production milestones.
• Own and optimize site-specific channels, ensuring timely and transparent information flow.
• Act as a strategic advisor to plant leadership on employee engagement and change communications.

Local Media Relations (30%)

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for VW Chattanooga, managing media inquiries and government affairs communications.
• Develop and pitch media assets including press releases, speeches, and executive statements.
• Coordinate media visits and press events in collaboration with VW NAR PR teams.
  Maintain the plant’s digital media archive and ensure consistent brand representation.

Community Engagement (25%)

• Lead communications for the plant’s charitable giving and community outreach programs.
• Build and sustain relationships with local organizations, stakeholders, and officials.
• Collaborate with Employee Engagement Events team to execute high-visibility community initiatives.
• Position VW Chattanooga as a responsible corporate citizen through strategic storytelling and engagement.

Corporate Communications Contribution (5%)

• Bridge Chattanooga-based initiatives with broader corporate narratives.
• Develop content that supports enterprise-wide communications and executive visibility.

Strategic Competencies

• Trusted Advisor: Provides credible counsel to senior leaders, fostering trust and alignment.
• Business Driver: Leverages insights to shape communications that support strategic goals.
• Strategic Communicator: Crafts persuasive messaging that reflects business priorities and adapts to evolving contexts.
• Leadership & Integrity: Champions VW values, drives change, and cultivates high-performing teams and partnerships.

Scope & Magnitude

This role influences plant-wide communications strategy serves as a spokesperson for VW Chattanooga and contributes to enterprise-wide initiatives. It requires high-level stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and execution across internal, external, and community channels.

Qualifications

Years of Experience:

7–10 years of progressive experience in internal communications, media relations, and stakeholder engagement.

Required Education:

Bachelor’s Degree Public Relations, Journalism, or related field

Desired Education:

Master’s Degree

Skills:

• Proven success in manufacturing or industrial environments, thriving in fast-paced, high-stakes settings
• Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation abilities for internal and executive communications
• Self-driven and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple projects and deliver high-quality results on time
• Highly motivated, persuasive, and collaborative, with a talent for building cross-functional relationships
• Strong analytical skills and sound judgment to plan and accomplish individual and team goals
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Project, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

Required Skills:

• Expertise in internal communications strategy and execution
• Crisis communications and business continuity planning experience, including executive-level counsel
• Skilled in planning and executing media-facing and executive-level events
• Experience serving as an organizational spokesperson for media and government affairs
• Advanced writing skills for external-facing content: press releases, speeches, fact sheets, and corporate statements

Desired Skills:

• Experience working in manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with Chattanooga or greater Tennessee community
• Established relationships with local media in the greater Tennessee community.
• Experience with video and/or photo production, direction

Work Flexibility:

Occasional time outside of normal hours/work week due to manufacturing environment and weekend events