Senior Manager, Communications (Midwest)

The Communications department is responsible for developing and leading strategic communications efforts through storytelling, earned media, and social-focused engagement, utilizing marketing content creation to attract and connect with new consumers more frequently.

The Senior Manager of Communications will oversee strategy and implementation for communications across the region for their designated portfolios. This person will manage the positioning and delivery of impactful communication messages across all types of earned and owned media channels—including social media, websites, TV, radio, and print—to enhance the brand’s image and ensure Red Bull remains relevant to target audiences.

In this role, the Senior Manager of Communications acts as the "orchestra conductor," collaborating with cross-functional teams within the media network to lead and activate Paid, Earned, Managed, and Owned (PEMO) plans within sports, cultural projects, brand initiatives, content creation, and beverage product innovations. They will take full ownership of earned media initiatives by fostering relationships with traditional third-party media outlets and amplifying content through social-first strategies. Additionally, they will serve as Red Bull's voice to the consumer and ensure the brand’s representation across all Marketing, Media Network, and Communication activities remains cohesive and consistent.

Areas that play to your strengths

All the responsibilities we'll trust you with:

• Ensure that regional communication plans utilize the most effective and efficient media strategies to achieve earned media coverage—through traditional and social channels—reaching new consumers daily across the portfolios you manage.

  In most cases, the Communications team will act as the Media Network Lead for all marketing events and activations in the region, particularly for projects that rely significantly on earned outcomes. As such, the team will be responsible for coordinating the Media Captains table and developing the comprehensive media plan (PEMO Plan) for each project where the Communications team serves as the "Media Captain." This plan must be approved by the Santa Monica communications and programming teams. The Senior Manager of Communications will oversee specific portfolios within the region and will serve as the central point of contact for all media-related aspects of projects within their portfolio.

  The Communications team will also act as the primary contact for any media inquiries or needs from your regional field team. Part of your role will involve providing the field team with access to a roster of agencies, videographers, photographers, and media production companies to support small media executions. Coaching and guiding the field team will be a critical aspect of your responsibilities.

  Develop a deep understanding of local consumers' media consumption habits and the media landscape of the Midwest. Leverage this knowledge to create the most effective and comprehensive media plans for the region's marketing activities.

  Build and maintain a strong network of editors, journalists, freelance writers, social media producers, and photographers to effectively bring content to life.

• Possesses a strong understanding of the factors that drive ongoing storytelling across various channels, contributing to the development of a continuous internal news engine. This includes content featuring Red Bull athletes and partners, ensuring consistent engagement with consumers on a daily basis. Collaborates closely with production and creator marketing teams to maintain consistent outputs for the Media Network.

  The Communications team works in partnership with field marketing and regional marketing teams to identify and uncover ideas with strong media potential. The regional team collaborates with experts in Santa Monica to transform these ideas into fully developed projects or media products that can be integrated into strategy plans.

  Additionally, the Communications team oversees continuous activities such as athlete stories and year-long national campaigns. They work closely with media relations to identify relevant regional content for inclusion in pitches to key national media outlets, across both traditional and social platforms.

• Define objectives, goals, messages, and tactics for each project, whether serving as the Media Captain or the Media Network Lead; this will be your ongoing responsibility.

  Be a key partner to Content and Creator Captains during campaign execution by understanding their needs and planning details on behalf of the Media Network.

  Identify the appropriate media amplification channels for each project or campaign.

  Lead earned media strategies for your team, including conducting media outreach and executing campaigns for each program.

  Serve as the Red Bull Media Liaison in your region, identifying stories and media opportunities that resonate most with your target audience, whether they originate from your project or from across the WORB.

  Evaluate media outcomes by conducting mini PIR or FULL PIR reviews in consultation with Santa Monica functional leads. Communicate insights into what worked, what didn’t, and key learnings for all stakeholders in the Media Network and marketing departments.

  Keep SAMO informed of opportunities with the potential for broader national or global impact.

EXPERIENCE

Your areas of knowledge and expertise

that matter most for this role:

• 5+ years of experience in a communications role for a major brand, integrated agency, or media publishing company. A Bachelor’s degree in Communications or Journalism is preferred.
• Located in or willing to relocate to Chicago.
• Demonstrates exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Exhibits a talent for seeking compelling stories, thinking editorially, and approaching challenges with creativity.
• Proven ability to achieve results within tight deadlines.
• Possesses a robust background in creative strategy and project management.
• Successfully builds audience engagement by thinking strategically.
• Skilled at fostering relationships across all sectors of media, digital platforms, and entertainment.
• Strong familiarity with and connections within the Midwest media market, particularly in cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis.
• A flexible and collaborative team player with a strong work ethic.
• Shows passion for their work and inspires those around them.
• Deeply knowledgeable and passionate about the U.S. media industry.
• Demonstrates expertise in both traditional and digital media.
• Hands-on, curious, creative, and open-minded.
• Effective problem solver and mediator, adept at aligning interests and resolving conflicts.

• Travel 20-30%
• Permanent
• Benefits eligible