External Affairs & Communications Specialist 2

The External Affairs & Communications Specialist II helps create the local voice of LG Energy Solution Arizona, Inc. This role coordinates day-to-day communications activity and is a key figure in sustaining community partnerships.  Working with local leadership, as well as counterparts in the North America regional office and global headquarters, the Specialist II supports internal & external communications including media outreach to ensure our employees and the local community are engaged with company plans,  signature events and community impact programs.  This is an individual contributor role working closely with the External Affairs and Operations lead, as well as cross-functional teams across the site.

Key Responsibilities

1. Stakeholder & Community Relations

• Build and maintain relationships with local government agencies, elected officials, community organizations, educational institutions, and neighbors surrounding the manufacturing site.
• Coordinate site tours, open houses, town halls, VIP visits and corporate events
• Track community commitments, inquiries, and follow-up actions in a centralized engagement system.

2. Internal & Site Communications

• Act as the day-to-day coordinator for the plant’s communication systems including internal and social media applications, partnering with key stakeholders in human resources and other cross-functional colleagues.
• Partner with site leadership to craft all-hands announcements, milestone updates, operational changes, and executive messaging.
• Ensure internal messaging aligns with corporate brand standards, visual guidelines, and overarching company strategy.

3. Media Relations & Public Affairs

• Working in conjunction with external affairs team members from regional and corporate headquarters, assist with local media inquiries, draft press releases, develop media kits, and support site spokespeople during plant announcements or events.
• Monitor local news, industry trends, and public policy issues that could impact site operations or brand reputation.

4. Crisis Communications & Operations Support

• Support site emergency response planning, drills, and active incident/outage communications alongside cross-functional teams (Operations, HR, EHS/Safety, and Legal).
• Help triage and manage incoming community or media concerns with high discretion and quick turnaround.

5. Administrative & Project Management

• Manage project workflows, editorial calendars, vendor/agency relationships, and budget tracking for site communications and external events.
• Track and report program outcomes and impact metrics; prepare content for internal reporting and external storytelling

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Affairs, English or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in public relations, corporate communications, government affairs, community relations, or a related role (agency, corporate, public sector, or nonprofit).
• Hands-on experience handling media inquiries and drafting press releases, statements, messaging and Q&A documents.
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing events from concept to completion, including budgets and vendor management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with strong editing and proofreading ability.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously and to respond quickly to time-sensitive media or stakeholder needs.
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive or confidential information.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends for events and media needs.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing relationships with Arizona media outlets and reporters, particularly in the Phoenix metro and East Valley.
• Experience in a manufacturing, energy, utility, or industrial environment or communications for a large capital project.
• Familiarity with the East Valley community landscape: municipalities, chambers of commerce, school districts and nonprofit networks.
• Experience designing or managing a corporate giving, sponsorship or volunteer program.
• Experience coordinating communications with a global or overseas headquarters across time zones.
• Experience supporting VIP or government-official visits, including protocol.
• Working knowledge of social media management, basic graphic design (e.g., Canva, Adobe Express) and media monitoring tools.
• Korean language proficiency or experience working in a Korean or Asian corporate environment is a plus, not a requirement.

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based at the Queen Creek site, with regular time at community locations and event venues.
• Occasional access to manufacturing and construction areas; must follow all site safety rules and wear required personal protective equipment.