Media Director Jobs in Mettawa, IL

Are you ready for what’s next?

Come explore opportunities within Brunswick, a global marine leader committed to challenging conventions and innovating next-generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond. Brunswick believes “Next Never Rests™,” and we offer a variety of exciting careers and growth opportunities within united teams defining the future of marine recreation.

Location: Mettawa, IL

Workplace Category: Hybrid

Travel Required: Approximately 15%

Pay Range: $103,200 - $144,000

Visa Sponsorship: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Innovation is the heart of Brunswick. See how your contributions will help transform vision into reality:

Position Overview:

The Manager, Public Relations & Media Relations is a Mettawa-based communications leader responsible for elevating and protecting Brunswick’s external reputation while serving as a strategic communications partner across the enterprise. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, this role will support Brunswick’s full portfolio across all four divisions — Boat Group, Navico Group, Mercury Marine, and Business Acceleration—through proactive storytelling, media engagement, executive communications, and reputation management. The ideal candidate brings exceptional writing and judgment, a strong understanding of today’s media landscape, and the ability to translate enterprise and divisional business priorities into clear, compelling narratives that strengthen stakeholder trust and reinforce Brunswick’s leadership in the marketplace.

At Brunswick, we have passion for our work and a distinct ability to deliver.

• Develop and execute integrated public relations and media relations strategies that strengthen Brunswick’s enterprise reputation and support business priorities across all four divisions.

• Create high-impact written content, including press releases, media materials, executive messaging, thought leadership, key messages, and other strategic communications that advance Brunswick’s narrative.

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, building strong relationships with key journalists, managing inquiries, and identifying opportunities to elevate Brunswick and its brands.

• Partner closely with leaders and stakeholders across Boat Group, Navico Group, Mercury Marine, Business Acceleration, and corporate functions to translate business priorities, product initiatives, and brand strategies into clear, consistent, and compelling communications.

• Support executive visibility and thought leadership through message development, media preparation, briefing materials, and strategic positioning.

• Monitor media coverage, industry developments, and competitive activity to identify risks, inform strategy, and surface opportunities that enhance brand visibility and reputation.

• Help manage sensitive, high-visibility, and issues-related communications with sound judgment, speed, and professionalism.

• Leverage AI-enabled tools and emerging communications technologies to improve content development, workflow efficiency, audience targeting, and measurement.

• Contribute to the continued evolution of Brunswick’s communications function by bringing strong counsel, fresh ideas, and a collaborative, enterprise mindset.

• Participate in key business events, media opportunities, launches, and organizational initiatives, with approximately 15% travel as needed.

Diversity of thought and experiences is fundamental when imagining the unimaginable. Certain skillsets/experiences are necessary; however, others can be developed along the way.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• 5–8+ years of experience in public relations, media relations, corporate communications, or a related communications discipline

• Exceptional writing, editing, and message development skills, with the ability to tailor communications to a range of audiences and platforms

• Demonstrated success managing proactive and reactive media relations and securing meaningful coverage

• Strong understanding of the evolving media landscape, digital communications, and reputation management

• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and work effectively across functions in a matrixed, fast-paced environment

• Strong judgment, executive presence, and the ability to manage sensitive or high-visibility communications with professionalism and discretion

• Experience using or partnering on AI-enabled communications tools, workflows, or strategies

• Willingness to be based in Mettawa, Illinois office with opportunities to work in our Chicago office as needed

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting a complex, multi-brand or enterprise organization, ideally with exposure to product-driven or consumer-facing businesses

• Background in corporate reputation, executive communications, crisis communications, or issues management

• Experience partnering closely with senior leaders and advising stakeholders on strategic communications approaches

• Ability to quickly synthesize complex business information and translate it into clear, compelling external narratives

• Experience supporting communications tied to launches, events, partnerships, or high-visibility business initiatives

• Familiarity with analytics, monitoring tools, and measurement approaches used to evaluate communications impact

• Experience in manufacturing, marine, consumer products, or another dynamic branded business environment preferred

The hiring range for this position is $103,200 to $144,000 annually. The actual base pay offered will vary based on multiple factors including job-related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidate’s qualifications and the business context.

In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. This position is eligible to participate in Brunswick's comprehensive and high-quality benefits offerings, including medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, 401k (up to 4% match), Health Savings Account (with company contribution), well-being program, product purchase discounts and much more. Details about our benefits can be found here.

Why Brunswick:

Whatever tomorrow brings, we’ll be at the leading edge. As the clear leader in the marine industry, we’re committed to our values and supporting our exceptional people. We offer and encourage growth opportunities within and across our many brands. In addition, we’re proud of being recognized for making a splash with numerous awards!

About Brunswick:

Brunswick Corporation is a leader in the marine industry, and we’re looking for people just like you to take part in the movement towards better boating for all. We rely on the thoughtful input of people from all backgrounds to create compelling, innovative products for our customers around the globe. As such, diversity, equity, and inclusion are priorities in the enduring culture of our company. As a world leader in emerging recreational products and technologies, when you join our team, you become part of some of the most innovative, forward-looking brands in the marine industry today.

Next is Now!

We value growth and development, recognizing that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying.

Brunswick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to innovation and inspiration and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hrsharedservices@brunswick.com for support.

For more information about EEO laws, - click here

Brunswick Corporation participates in E-Verify as part of our commitment to a lawful and transparent hiring process. For additional information click here: https://www.brunswick.com/e-verify.

Brunswick and Workday Privacy Policies

Brunswick does not accept applications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors. For help, please contact our support team at: hrsharedservices@brunswick.com or 866-278-6942.

All job offers will come to you via the candidate portal you create when applying through a posted position through https:///www.brunswick.com/careers. If you are ever unsure about what is being required of you during the application process or its source, please contact HR Shared Services at 866-278-6942 or HRSharedServices@brunswick.com.