📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications Manager
🔹 Company: Swift Transportation
🔹 Location: Tysons Corner, Virginia
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (2 days/week in office)
🔹 Category: Communications, Public Relations
🔹 Date Posted: April 7, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing global strategic communication plans to enhance Swift’s reputation in the Americas
- Managing media relations, content creation, and crisis communications
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including public affairs, marketing, business development, product teams, and PR agencies
- Coordinating external speaking engagements and ensuring company representatives are aligned with corporate messaging
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in communications, media relations, public affairs, and content development, with the ability to work closely with various teams in a fast-paced environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Developing and implementing integrated communications strategies that align with company objectives and enhance brand identity
✅ Managing media relations, including developing relationships with key media outlets, pitching story ideas, coordinating interviews, and managing press releases
✅ Creating and editing external communications materials, such as press releases, blogs, social media posts, and talking points
✅ Managing communications during crisis situations to ensure a consistent and effective message is delivered to customers and other stakeholders
✅ Collaborating with various teams to ensure cohesive messaging and promote the company's initiatives and goals
✅ Coordinating external speaking engagements and ensuring company representatives are prepared and aligned with corporate messaging
✅ Juggling multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience working in a corporate environment, government agency, or PR agency, with a strong sense of accountability and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field
Experience: 5+ years of experience in communications or public relations, with a focus on media relations and content development
Required Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a strong sense of accountability
- Experience with crisis communications and media relations
- Experience in technology or financial services communications
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with media monitoring tools
Preferred Skills:
- Understanding of business and political issues impacting the global financial community
- Experience working with a globally distributed team
- Proficiency in a second language, preferably Spanish
ASSUMPTION: The preferred skills are not strictly required but would be beneficial for success in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $85,820 - $159,380 per year (estimated based on role, experience level, and location)
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance with no premium costs for employees and their families
- Retirement plan plus matching 401k
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a Communications Manager role in Virginia. Benefits are based on the information provided in the job listing.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Transportation/Trucking/Railroad
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (global)
Founded: 1966
Company Description:
- Swift Transportation is the largest full-truckload motor carrier in North America
- Based in Phoenix, Arizona, with over thirty full-service facilities in the United States and Mexico
- Offers a full line of service solutions, including linehaul, flatbed, intermodal, refrigerated, dedicated, and logistics management
Company Specialties:
- Full Truckload
- Linehaul
- Intermodal
- Dedicated
- Temperature Controlled
- Flatbed
- Logistics Brokerage and Full Managed Trans.
- Expedited / Teams
- Cross Border Mexico and Canada
- Swift Express
- Trade Show
- Owner Operators
- Heavy Haul
Company Website: http://www.swifttrans.com
ASSUMPTION: Swift Transportation is a large, established company with a diverse range of services and a global presence. This role is part of their corporate communications team, focusing on enhancing the company's reputation in the Americas.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior, with the potential for growth and leadership opportunities
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Head of Communications or a similar senior-level position
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with two days per week required in the Tysons Corner office
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a senior communications role or management position within the company
- Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and initiatives
- Chance to develop and refine skills in strategic communications, media relations, and crisis management
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the company, as well as the chance to work on high-impact projects and initiatives.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate office environment
Office Location(s): Tysons Corner, Virginia
Geographic Context:
- Tysons Corner is a suburban area located in Fairfax County, Virginia, near Washington, D.C.
- The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options
- Tysons Corner is home to many corporate headquarters and businesses, providing ample networking opportunities
Work Schedule: Full-time, with two days per week required in the office and the remaining days working remotely
ASSUMPTION: The Tysons Corner office is a modern, professional environment with easy access to amenities and networking opportunities. The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility while still fostering collaboration and teamwork.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final interview with senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and ability to craft clear, concise, and compelling messages
- Experience with crisis communications and media relations
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work in a fast-paced environment
- Cultural fit and alignment with Swift's values and mission
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your work, such as press releases, blog posts, or social media campaigns, to showcase your communication skills
- Research Swift Transportation and the transportation industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
ATS Keywords: Strategic Communications, Media Relations, Content Creation, Crisis Communications, Collaboration, Public Affairs, Marketing, Business Development, Product Teams, PR Agencies, Networking, Written Communication, Verbal Communication, Project Management, Technology Communications, Financial Services Communications
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, so it's essential to tailor your application materials and prepare thoroughly for interviews to showcase your qualifications and fit for the role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Media monitoring tools (e.g., Muck Rack, Agility PR Solutions, or similar)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, or similar)
ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies for this role are standard for communications professionals and can be easily adapted by candidates with relevant experience.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Safety
- Integrity
- Respect
- Excellence
- Teamwork
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Fast-paced and results-driven
- Adaptable and responsive to change
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
- Are you comfortable managing multiple projects and priorities?
- Do you have experience working with a globally distributed team?
ASSUMPTION: Swift Transportation values a strong work ethic, collaboration, and adaptability. Candidates who are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and can manage multiple projects effectively will be well-suited to this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Working with a globally distributed team and coordinating with various time zones
- Adapting to changes in priorities and workload
- Developing and implementing effective communication strategies for a large, complex organization
ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges for this role are primarily related to the fast-paced, dynamic nature of the work environment and the need to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other communications roles, this position has a broader scope and requires more strategic thinking and collaboration with various teams
- This role is unique in its focus on enhancing Swift's reputation in the Americas, with a specific emphasis on the transportation and trucking industry
- Career progression in this role could lead to senior communications or management positions within the company
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a specific industry and focus on enhancing the company's reputation in a particular region, with potential for growth and development within the organization.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a strategic communications plan to launch a new service or product offering
- Managing media relations for a high-profile crisis or issue, including coordinating with internal stakeholders and external partners
- Creating and editing external communications materials, such as press releases, blog posts, or social media campaigns, to promote the company's initiatives and achievements
ASSUMPTION: The sample projects for this role are designed to showcase the candidate's ability to develop and execute strategic communications plans, manage media relations, and create engaging and effective external communications materials.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics for this role?
- How does this role fit into the broader communications strategy for the company?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the company's communications efforts, and how can this role address them?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the company?
- How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?
ASSUMPTION: The key questions to ask during the interview are designed to provide insight into the role's dynamics, the company's communications strategy, and the opportunities for professional growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your work, such as press releases, blog posts, or social media campaigns, to showcase your communication skills
- Research Swift Transportation and the transportation industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and reiterate your interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
