Senior Communications Manager

Be essential at Cars Commerce

At Cars Commerce, we’re fanatical about simplifying everything about car buying and selling. We do right by our customers and consumers to better connect the industry with simplified and tierless technology to enhance, measure and drive local automotive retail. Whether through our No.1 most recognized marketplace, Cars.com, our industry-leading digital experience, Dealer Inspire, our trade and appraisal technology, AccuTrade, our reputation-based digital wholesale auction marketplace, Dealerclub, or our new Cars Commerce Media Network, Cars Commerce is essential for success in the automotive industry.

No one ever travels alone here: at its core, Cars Commerce is collaboration. In fact, it’s built into the very fabric of our shared values. We like to say we Rise Together – putting people at the center of what we do, from consumer to customer to community. Life at Cars Commerce makes it easy when we share the ethos to be Open to All, encouraging open-minded communication because we know diverse thinking yields better outcomes. But critical to our success is Caring to Challengeand Taking Ownership, fueling a competitive spirit in a respectful environment where we think about tomorrow but act today. At our foundation, we have integrity, Doing the Right Thing, even when it’s hard. It’s our shared commitment to these values that makes Cars Commerce a place where growth becomes not only possible, but downright unavoidable.

But don’t take our word for it. As a U.S. News & World Report Best Company to Work For in 2024, we're obsessive about the employee experience. We are among the top 20% being declared “Best” of our industry based on six critical factors that are important to employee wellbeing, like quality of pay, benefits, work life balance and more.

The Company

Cars.com Inc. (NYSE:CARS) is a trusted audience-powered and data-driven technology platform that simplifies buying and selling cars. The flagship Cars.com marketplace connects millions of consumers to dealerships across the U.S., powering the car buying experience with AI shopping tools, comprehensive vehicle reviews and content, and personalized market insights. Our interconnected eco-system of products enables dealers and OEMs to sell more cars by efficiently leveraging our marketplace, dealer websites, trade and appraisal tools, wholesale and proprietary in-market media solutions.

The Role

Cars Commerce is seeking a Senior Communications Manager who manages the company’s public relations efforts across corporate, B2C and B2B. This role is a fit for a strategic and creative thinker with a proactive mindset who can operate at an accelerated pace and execute cross functionally to tell connected stories about the company, its products and its people. The Senior Communications Manager will be responsible for building the brand awareness and reputation of Cars Commerce locally and nationally, and the execution of the company’s message platform. This individual will manage the development, delivery, and measurement of corporate communications and public relations activities. 

The candidate should have strong national media relationships in place at top-tier outlets to effectively guide the business narrative in the right media outlets at the right time, a solid understanding of how the media and PR landscapes are changing due to AI and social-first storytelling, excellent written and verbal communications skills, and a proven ability to consistently make sound judgments.

This person will report to the VP of Communications.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute public relations plans and strategies that will enhance the brand awareness and reputation of Cars Commerce in the eyes of consumers, our customers, and our shareholders.

• Oversee all media relations efforts, including building and maintaining strong relationships with key national and local media contacts across corporate, B2C and B2B as well as social news influencers.

• Demonstrate creative ideation and thinking to develop compelling, high-impact stories and communications campaigns.

• Develop and refine the company's messaging platform, ensuring consistent and accurate communication.

• Identify and curate data-driven news stories from the company’s proprietary data, including monthly industry insights reporting. 

• Initiate creative campaigns, programs and media events that keep Cars Commerce, its products, and its people top of mind with the media and our stakeholders.

• Write and edit all external communications materials, including press releases, talking points, pitches, and executive communication.

• Exhibit strong business acumen to understand and articulate the company's goals, performance, and industry landscape.

• Collaborate deeply and effectively across functions (e.g., Marketing, Legal, Product, Executive Team) to align communication strategies with business objectives.

• Engage and build trust with senior executives, providing sound counsel on communications strategies and issues management.

• Attend and manage the press strategy for core auto shows and relevant media events throughout the year (3-5 events per year). 

• Develop strategic opportunities for speaking and other engagements for company leaders at conferences and events.

• Measure and report on the effectiveness of PR and communications efforts.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in a senior communications or public relations role, managing external communications efforts across corporate, B2C and B2B.

• Superlative written and verbal communications skills are essential.

• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and execution of proactive corporate communications and media relations campaigns.

• Understanding of how AI is impacting the future of PR and Communications. 

• Proven ability to consistently make sound judgments and manage complex, sensitive issues.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Deep understanding of the media landscape and proven ability to cultivate and maintain media relationships.

• Experience managing the day-to-day activities of a PR agency. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.

• Ability to comfortably and authoritatively interact with senior and C-level executives 

• A mix of agency and in-house experience strongly preferred 

• Experience with Cision, PR Newswire and other media tools

• Minimum 8-10 years leading public relations and external communications strategy.

In the spirit of pay transparency, we are excited to share the base salary range for this position. In addition to base salary, some roles are eligible for our bonus and/or equity programs, depending on level and role. Regular full-time positions are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package. If you are hired at Cars Commerce, your final base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills and/or experience. If the salary range is close to what you're seeking, then we encourage you to apply and learn more about the total compensation package for this position.

Salary Range

$118,600.00-148,250.00

Our Comprehensive Benefits Package includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Healthcare Plans

• New Hire Stipend for Home Office Set-Up

• Generous PTO

• Refuel - a service based recognition program where employees receive additional paid time away to learn grow and reset

• Paid Holidays, Floating Holiday, Volunteer Day, Recharge Day

Learn more about our Benefits, Perks, & Culture on our LinkedIn Life Pages!

For US-based Positions: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Please note that we are unable to sponsor employment visas at this time.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Applicants: Click here to review our Privacy Policy for Applicants. For current employees, please click here to review our California Privacy Policy for Employees.