KAR Global (NYSE:KAR) is a global Fortune 1000 company headquartered in the Indianapolis suburb of Carmel, Indiana, with approximately 10,000 employees across the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Europe. Our diverse team helps the world’s largest automotive manufacturers, financial institutions, dealer groups, fleet operators and rental companies buy, sell and trade used vehicles. In 2019, we sold nearly 3.8 million vehicles valued at approximately $40 billion through our physical, online, and digital/mobile auction marketplaces. We move quickly, and we’re looking for creative communicators with an entrepreneurial spirit to be part of our global expansion.

Never heard of us? Help us change that.

-------------

The Public Relations Director will be responsible for elevating the profile of KAR Global and our subsidiary brands and marketplaces, and promoting the company’s strategy, capabilities, technology, products and services across all markets and stakeholder audiences. Reporting to KAR’s VP Communications, the position will manage media relations and community relations while leveraging a variety of communications channels.

The incumbent will be hungry and energetic with a bias toward action and a start-up ethos—a creative storyteller who thrives in a fast-paced, roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-it-done environment. Automotive industry and tech experience aren’t requirements, but a strong interest in tech-driven transformation and making the obscure interesting absolutely is.

Key Responsibilities & Duties:

• Media Strategy: The position will be responsible for developing and executing an enterprise media strategy that elevates the profile of the company while effectively communicating. This includes working across the company’s business units to identify and cultivate newsworthy content and prioritizing pipeline content consistent with the company strategy, positioning and messaging.
   




• Media Relations: The position will be responsible for managing all day-to-day media relations activities, including: serving as the primary company spokesperson; responding to reporter inquiries; drafting and editing press releases; pitching stories and executives to local, national and international media; meeting with editors, reporters, bloggers and other journalists on background; and hosting small and large scale media events.
   




• Community Relations: The position will oversee execution of the company’s charitable giving strategy, including liaising with community partners.

Educational Requirements & Qualifications:

• 10+ years experience serving in increasingly senior public relations leadership roles in a large, international public relations agency or publicly traded company environment.




• Bachelors degree in communications, journalism or related field required; masters degree strongly preferred.




• Strong national media contacts in the automotive, technology and/or financial press desired; international contacts a plus.




• Experience and knowledge of the automotive and/or technology industry—including key trends, leaders, and emerging companies, technology, and markets—is a plus.




• Ability to effectively manage multiple, changing priorities in a high-intensity, fast-paced entrepreneurial environment; adaptability and ability to quickly pivot in an often-changing environment a must.




• Experience designing and executing multi-stakeholder local, national and international media campaigns.




• Strong executive presence and demonstrated experience supporting, interacting with, coaching and influencing communications with C-suite and senior leadership.




• Exceptional written communications skills including press releases, interview prep, Q&A, talking points, op-eds, speech writing, project communications and white papers.




• Exceptional interpersonal and teamwork skills and ability to work collaboratively across all communications disciplines supporting diverse operational areas.




• Ability to navigate large, operationally complex and geographically diverse organizations, including interacting with global team members, business partners, vendors and contractors.




• Ability to influence others in a matrixed organization.




• A keen eye for detail.




• Previous agency management and project management experience a plus.




• Ability to travel up to 25%, including international travel.

This is an individual contributor role.
 

#CB