Product Communications Specialist (LA)

About Subaru

Love. It's what makes Subaru, Subaru®. As a leading auto brand in the US, we strive to be More Than a Car Company®. Subaru believes in being a positive force in the communities in which we live and work, not just with donations but with actions that set an example for others to follow. That's what we call our Subaru Love Promise®.

Subaru is a globally renowned automobile manufacturer known for its commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability. With a rich history dating back to 1953, Subaru has consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering to deliver vehicles that offer not only exceptional performance but also a unique blend of utility and adventure.

Subaru's company culture is built on collaboration, diversity, and a shared passion for our product. We foster an inclusive environment that encourages employees to bring their unique perspectives and talents to the table. Our team members are driven by a common goal: to create exceptional vehicles that inspire and delight our customers.

Position Summary

Primary source for media relations via press fleet, as well as product-specific press release and media kit creation. Interfaces with journalists by providing opportunities for them to experience the Subaru brand through test drives and delivers product information. Reviews articles and product reviews and responds as needed to statements that relate to Subaru and the positioning of its products. Oversees national press vehicle fleet, including product placement fleet and placement proposals for non-paid vehicle appearances in TV, movies, etc. Maintains active relationships with automotive media located on the West Coast.

Major Responsibilities

• New Media Relations: Coordinate SOA's media relations, including the monitoring of Subaru media and coverage on the internet and social media. When appropriate, works with SOA Corporate Communications and various departments to actively respond to comments and issues within policy guidelines.
• Public Relations (PR): Acts as SOA's national press information contact along with the Subaru Product PR Department focusing on the West Coast.
• Media Contact: Establishes and maintains relationships and serves as a media contact for Subaru on the West Coast and as needed nationally. Attends press functions, meets journalists, and performs walk-arounds to help promote Subaru brand and products.
• Press Kit Fulfillment: Coordinates media requests in conjunction with Product PR Manager and works with Product Management Department on press information accuracy. Develops and produces the press materials along with Product PR Manager. Assists with writing and proofreading. Edits photos as needed. Press Coverage: Forwards relevant, noteworthy or important coverage or commentary to the Product PR manager for review.
• Special Events: Assists with development and implementation of public relations events both regionally and nationally. Maintains and updates media event invitation list.
• Press Fleet Management: Serves as SOA's press fleet administrator and provide the administration, logistics, and management of Subaru's press fleet. Monitors press fleet activity to track progress throughout the model year. Makes recommendations to adjust the size of the press fleet to appropriate levels to operate in a cost-effective manner. Arranges shipment of vehicles to and from media events and press fleet vendors.
• Media Contact Database: Maintains and updates Subaru's database of active media contacts for purposes of test drive scheduling and press kit distribution. Strategic Media Placement: Establishes regional guidelines for targeting test drives by model for each journalist, per Subaru's communications strategy.
• Coordinates with the Corporate Vehicle Administration Department to order the appropriate cars for the press fleet, product placement fleet, regional media drive events, competitive comparisons, etc.

Additional Responsibilities

• Oversees multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Efficiently and frequently communicates with media, as well as various SOA departments.

Required Skills & Personal Qualifications

• Will need to be outside in weather conditions delivering vehicles.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain a driving record that is acceptable or probationary under the SOA Driving Record Evaluation Criteria Policy. Must be approved as an "Authorized Driver" by Risk Management to operate company vehicle prior to vehicle operation.
• 6 Years Automotive PR experience with a degree in a related field.
• Required to maintain detailed knowledge of Subaru products and corporate philosophy in addition to general automotive industry knowledge.
• Able to drive automatic and manual transmission vehicles.
• Ability to actively monitor Subaru and industry media coverage the internet and social media.
• Press release creation and database management. Strong journalism skills including proofreading, editing, etc.
• High degree of adaptability to frequent and sudden changes in events, plans, and processes.

Education/Experience Requirements: BA/BS with 6 to 8 years of relevant experience.

Work Environment

• Remote Role: Fully remote position, based on the west coast.
• Travel Required: 40% (national and international)
• FLSA STATUS: Exempt

Compensation: The recruiting base salary range for this full-time position is $81,300 - 110,000 / year. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. (Internal Job Grade: P3) In addition to competitive salary, Subaru offers an amazing benefits package that includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Plans
• Pension, Profit Sharing, and 401K Match Offerings
• 15 Vacation days, 9 Company Holidays, 5 Floating Holidays, and 5 Sick days.
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Vehicle Discount Programs
• See our Careers landing page for additional information about our compensation and benefit programs.