Public Affairs Manager

Job Summary

We are seeking apublic affairs professional withstrong writingand strategic communicationsskillstoposition Caterpillar’sinnovation story across earned and paid media, thought leadership, executiveplatformsand external recognition. This role will focus on shaping and amplifying narratives thatdemonstratehow Caterpillar is solving our customers’ toughest challenges – through customer-driven innovation, strong intellectualpropertyand our talented people. 

This new position will go beyond traditional media relations and will partner closely with engineering, technology, HR, legal, segment and communications stakeholdersand our government affairs team. This role will be part of the Enterprise Media team and is open to candidates inIrving or Peoria. 

Key Job Responsibilities

• Develop apublic affairsplan aligned to our corporate narrative thatpositions Caterpillar’sadvanced technologystoryto key stakeholder audiences

• Developcontent focused on innovation andadvancedtechnology leadership, including op‑eds, contributed articlesand for owned channels, including web and social, as well as othermaterials 

• Identifyand developopportunities andstories that highlight Caterpillar’s intellectual property,patentsand innovation pipeline, as well as highlighting the people behind those stories

• In partnership with legalandour engineering team, lead development of innovation‑focused awards submissions, including researching opportunities, draftingsubmissionsand securing approvals

• Identifyspeaking and thought leadership opportunities, developing talking points, briefing materials and messaging for executivesandsubject matterleaders

• Identifyand engage with media,influencersand stakeholders to help amplify Caterpillar’s innovation stories

• Draft proactive and reactive statements and supporting materials as needed

• Serve as ageneralmediacontact for a variety ofCaterpillar-related stories and issues as needed, including supportingevents andmedia engagements as needed

• Collaborate with the enterprise media team to ensure innovation narratives are integrated into broader media and communications efforts

• Measure and present Caterpillar’s results, as well as those of our competitors 

Basic Qualifications

• Proven, exceptional writing and editing skills; ability to produce clear, compelling, executivelevelcontent

• Experience in communications, public relations, corporate affairs, journalism, or a relateddiscipline

• Abilityto simplify complex or technical topics intoclear, audience-appropriatemessaging

• Strong collaboration skills and comfort working across functions and with senior leaders

• Soundjudgmentanddiscretion, with theability tooperateeffectivelyin sensitive or high‑visibility situations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing integrated public affairsand mediastrategies across paid,earnedand owned channels

• Abilityto distill complex topics into easily understandable narrativesacross formats (op-eds,bylined articles,advertorials,speechesand media statement)

• Experience incrisis communications or issues management; proven ability to remain composedand deliver clear communications under pressure

• Abilitytonavigatea complex, matrixedorganization

• Familiarity with content strategy