Public Affairs Manager

Job Summary 

We are seeking a public affairs professional with strong writing and strategic communications skills to position Caterpillar’s innovation story across earned and paid media, thought leadership, executive platforms and external recognition. This role will focus on shaping and amplifying narratives that demonstrate how Caterpillar is solving our customers’ toughest challenges – through customer-driven innovation, strong intellectual property and our talented people.  

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

Key Job Responsibilities 

• Develop a public affairs plan aligned to our corporate narrative that positions Caterpillar’s advanced technology story to key stakeholder audiences  

• 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  

• 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 

• In partnership with legal and our engineering team, lead development of innovation‑focused awards submissions, including researching opportunities, drafting submissions and securing approvals 

• Identify speaking and thought leadership opportunities, developing talking points, briefing materials and messaging for executives and subject matter leaders 

• Identify and engage with media, influencers and stakeholders to help amplify Caterpillar’s innovation stories 

• Draft proactive and reactive statements and supporting materials as needed 

• Serve as a general media contact for a variety of Caterpillar-related stories and issues as needed, including supporting events and media 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, 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, with the ability to operate effectively in sensitive or high‑visibility situations 

Preferred Qualifications 

• 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