Senior Specialist, South Carolina and Production Center Communications

Scout Motors   

Here at Scout Motors, we're carrying forward the heritage of one of the most iconic American vehicles in history. A vehicle dating back to 1960. One that forged the path for future generations of rugged SUVs and will do so once again.

But Scout is more than just a brand, it’s a legacy steeped in a culture of exploration, caretaking, and hard work.

Scout is all about respect.  Respect for the environment by developing electric vehicles with the capability to get you to any location.  Respect for the past and the future by taking an iconic American brand that hasn’t been around for a while, electrifying it, digitizing it, and loading it with American innovation.  Respect for communities by creating a company that stands for its people and its customers.  And respect for both work and play, with vehicles that are equally at home at a camp site, a job site, or on a Tuesday commute. 

At Scout Motors, we empower our talented, inclusive, and entrepreneurial teams to innovate. What makes a Scout? Someone who is a visionary and a leader, who seeks new paths and shares lessons learned. A knowledgeable doer who collaborates across the company to build better. A go-getter with unrivaled passion. 

Join us at Scout Motors and be part of shaping the future of transportation. If you're ready to drive change and make history, apply now!

What you’ll do

As the Senior Specialist, South Carolina and Production Center Communications, you will become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace. You will be the key communication lead for our growing team in South Carolina, overseeing internal communication, media relations, crisis communication and issues management, and change management with the support of the Corporate Communications Manager. Your communication expertise will enable Scout Motors to continue to increase our brand awareness, reach, and impact in South Carolina and ensure communication strategies are effectively implemented at our Production Center.

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

• Assist in shaping and executing impactful communication strategies that drive measurable results across several stakeholder groups, including employees, external partners, community members, and media
• Discover, create, and distribute internal communication materials to keep employees informed and engaged, including newsletter articles, blog posts, presentations, and other communication materials
• Act as the primary contact for media inquiries related to our investment and growing presence in South Carolina
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with local media outlets
• Coordinate and manage media interactions, including interviews and press announcements
• Develop and distribute press releases, articles, and other media materials to enhance visibility
• Craft key messages and communication materials for executives
• Provide media training for executives and other spokespersons as needed
• Ensure consistent corporate messaging and branding across all communication channels
• Partner with Community Relations and Government Affairs to support South Carolina community-engagement activities
• Support the Corporate Communications Manager in developing and executing a crisis communication strategy in partnership with Scout Security team
• Serve as the communication point of contact for crisis communication and issues management at the South Carolina Production Center

Additional responsibilities:

• This role requires occasional travel to support media engagements and corporate and community events
• May require work outside regular business hours during crisis situations or major events

Location & Travel Expectations: The responsibilities of this role require attendance at in-person meetings and events regularly. This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Columbia, SC. Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time.

What you’ll bring 

We expect all Scouts to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You’ll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You’ll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring: 

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field. Advanced degree is a plus
• 8+ years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field
• Experience in media relations and crisis communications
• Strong understanding of key community and media stakeholders in South Carolina and the Midlands region is required
• Knowledge of current communication trends and best practices
• Excellent writing and editing skills with the ability to create compelling and clear content
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with media and internal stakeholders
• Familiarity with the automotive or manufacturing industry is desirable
• Ability to travel to support media engagements and corporate and community events occasionally 
• Flexibility to work outside regular business hours during crisis situations or major events as needed

What you'll gain

The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up.  This is a chance to create something new and lasting – with an iconic brand at its foundation.  In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:

• Competitive insurance including:
  • Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
• 401(k) program with:
  • An employer match and immediate vesting
• Generous Paid Time Off including:
  • 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
  • 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
  • Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
  • Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave

Pay Transparency

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.

Initial base salary range = $120,000-$135,000

Internal leveling code: IC8

Notice to applicants:

• Residing in San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 
• Residing in Los Angeles: Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. 
• Residing in New York City: This role is not eligible for remote work in New York City.

Equal Opportunity

Scout is committed to employing a diverse workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, or any other characteristics protected by law. Scout is committed to compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws.