Public Affairs Manager

Caterpillar · Industrial · Irving, TX +1

This role focuses on shaping and amplifying narratives around Caterpillar's innovation and advanced technology, positioning the company's customer-driven solutions and intellectual property through strategic communications, media relations, and thought leadership. It involves partnering with engineering, technology, and legal teams to highlight innovation stories and secure external recognition.

What you'd actually do

  1. Develop a public affairs plan aligned to our corporate narrative that positions Caterpillar’s advanced technology story to key stakeholder audiences
  2. Develop content focused on innovation and advanced technology leadership, including op‑eds, contributed articles and for owned channels, including web and social, as well as other materials
  3. Identify and develop opportunities and stories that highlight Caterpillar’s intellectual property, patents and innovation pipeline, as well as highlighting the people behind those stories
  4. In partnership with legal and our engineering team, lead development of innovation‑focused awards submissions, including researching opportunities, drafting submissions and securing approvals
  5. Identify speaking and thought leadership opportunities, developing talking points, briefing materials and messaging for executives and subject matter leaders

Skills

Required

  • exceptional writing and editing skills
  • ability to produce clear, compelling, executive level content
  • Experience in communications, public relations, corporate affairs, journalism, or a related discipline
  • Ability to simplify complex or technical topics into clear, audience-appropriate messaging
  • Strong collaboration skills and comfort working across functions and with senior leaders
  • Sound judgment and discretion
  • ability to operate effectively in sensitive or high‑visibility situations

Nice to have

  • Experience developing integrated public affairs and media strategies across paid, earned and owned channels
  • Ability to distill complex topics into easily understandable narratives across formats (op-eds, bylined articles, advertorials, speeches and media statement)
  • Experience in crisis communications or issues management
  • proven ability to remain composed and deliver clear communications under pressure
  • Ability to navigate a complex, matrixed organization
  • Familiarity with content strategy

What the JD emphasized

  • advanced technology story
  • innovation
  • intellectual property
  • innovation pipeline
  • engineering team
  • innovation-focused awards submissions
  • speaking and thought leadership opportunities