Senior Manager, Communications - Earned Media

Job Description Job Title: Senior Manager, Communications - Earned Media Req Id: 3353 Work Model: Hybrid Company: Altria Client Services State/Province: Virginia Job Description: Can you turn complex business issues into credible stories, trusted media relationships, and clear company perspectives? We are seeking a Senior Manager, Communications - Earned Media to shape proactive outreach, respond to high-visibility issues, and serve as an official spokesperson across print, digital, broadcast, and emerging channels. Richmond, VA is the preferred location for this position, with a hybrid work model. We will also consider remote candidates whose experience and qualifications closely align with the role's requirements. In this role, you will develop and implement earned media strategies that support Altria’s Vision, enterprise narrative, business objectives, and company positions. You will counsel business partners, prepare executives for media engagements, manage crisis communications plans, and engage agencies and credible third parties to help build understanding of key issues and company perspectives. What you will be doing: Develop earned media strategies and outreach plans aligned with enterprise priorities, business objectives, stakeholder strategies, and company positions. Build trusted reporter relationships and identify proactive opportunities that expand understanding of Altria’s business, priorities, and perspectives. Serve as an official spokesperson across print, digital, broadcast, emerging media channels, and related external events. Counsel select business areas on media engagement, including issue response, reputation matters, crisis communications, and consumer-facing public relations. Prepare executives for media interviews and external engagements through messaging, Q&A documents, briefing materials, and interview coaching. Partner across Corporate Communications and manage external consultants, agencies, and credible third parties supporting earned media plans. We want you to have: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Business, or a related field. 10+ years of communications experience across media relations, public relations, journalism, public affairs, or corporate communications. Strong knowledge of print, digital, and broadcast journalism; established reporter or media outlet relationships preferred. Demonstrated experience developing earned media strategies, proactive outreach plans, and external communications materials. Experience serving as an on-the-record spokesperson and preparing senior leaders for media engagements preferred. Experience counseling business partners on sensitive, high-visibility, reputational, regulatory, or crisis-related issues. Strong judgment, executive presence, relationship-building skills, and accuracy under pressure. The starting salary is based on but not limited to experience, knowledge, and qualifications in determining compensation decisions. The Salary Range for this position is: $132,500.00 - $202,100.00. Why You’ll Love Building Your Career at Altria At Altria, we believe a great career starts with feeling supported — both at work and in life. Here’s what you’ll find here: Work where connection and flexibility meet — enjoy the benefits of in-person collaboration three days a week (Tuesday - Thursday), while maintaining the flexibility to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays. Our hybrid approach empowers you to stay connected, collaborate with colleagues, and manage your schedule in a way that works best for you. Own your time — start with 15 days of paid time off, 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, and a 37.5-hour workweek so you can recharge and live fully. A place where you belong — where your ideas are welcomed, your growth is encouraged, and your impact is real. Get recognized for your work — annual merit increases and performance bonus. A future you can count on — 401(k) matching from day one; plus Deferred Profit Sharing, an annual company contribution in an amount equal to 13%–17% of your base salary. Help with your goals — get help with student loan repayment assistance, attend a conference, or gain a new certification with professional development stipends. Support for what matters most — comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family. Celebrating your milestones — paid parental and bonding leave for life’s biggest moments. Wellness that goes beyond work — programs that care for your whole well-being at whatever stage you are in your life. A culture that gives back — paid volunteer days and a shared commitment to making a difference. At Altria, we offer more than benefits — we offer a career that fits your life, rewards your ambition, and celebrates your impact. This position is not eligible for sponsorship. Altria is a Fortune 500 company that has a leading portfolio of products for U.S. adult tobacco and nicotine consumers 21+. For decades we’ve been leaders in the tobacco industry, but the industry is evolving - and so are we. Our Vision is Moving Beyond Smoking™. At Altria, we celebrate the power of diverse teams working together to shape our future. Each Altria company is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing individuals with criminal records, including formerly incarcerated individuals and individuals with conviction records, a fair chance at employment. Join us as we work together to shape a better future for adult tobacco consumers, our employees, and our shareholders. Altria is the parent company of Philip Morris USA, John Middleton, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, Helix Innovations, and NJOY. Altria complements its tobacco portfolio with equity investments in Anheuser-Busch InBev and Cronos Group. Learn more about Altria at www.altria.com and follow us on LinkedIn .