External Relations Professional

Introduction At IBM, we believe technology shapes the world, and we are a catalyst for that innovation and creativity. We are on the forefront of groundbreaking change – improving businesses, society, and the human condition. As a leader in Hybrid Cloud and AI, we are leading the charge in a world-wide digital transformation.

Our Marketing, Communications & Corporate Social Responsibility (MCC) team tells this story and is responsible for positioning IBM in the market. We define and optimize IBM’s brand, capture the market’s attention, and articulate our point of view for clients, partners, the media, and even other IBMers. As part of our team, you'll be surrounded by bright minds and keen collaborators – always willing to help and be helped – as you apply passion to work that will compel our audience to choose IBM's products and services.

When you join IBM, you join a culture of openness, collaboration, and trust. You join a team of IBMers who are helping technology support a positive global transformation. So join us and experience a place where you can co-create your learning and opportunities. A place where teamwork and unique ideas are treasured. A place where you can bring innovation to life.

Your Role And Responsibilities We’re seeking a results-driven communications professional to shape and amplify client and partner storytelling across IBM’s Technology and Services organizations through external communications. The ideal candidate is a self-starter, strong collaborator, creative thinker, and skilled writer who can engage account teams across IBM Consulting and IBM Sales.

This is a client-facing role is responsible for driving conversations with external audiences to build awareness of IBM as a leader in hybrid cloud and AI.

The right candidate brings strong media instincts and enthusiasm for storytelling. You will help elevate the innovative ways we work with clients and partners by developing media strategies, cultivating relationships with journalists and influencers, securing coverage and speaking opportunities, creating content, executing announcements, and supporting press events and briefings.

Our team brings together backgrounds in journalism, startup PR, public affairs, marketing, and influencer relations. We move quickly, think creatively, and work with purpose to tell IBM’s AI story.

Responsibilities

• Build trusted relationships with lead client partners, account leads and communications leaders within client and partner organizations to strengthen coordinated storytelling and elevate IBM’s role as a trusted innovation partner.
• Identify media movements and trends across key subject areas for IBM Consulting for potential relationship building and proactive outreach opportunities.
• Contribute to and execute communication strategies that position IBM across a broad partner ecosystem, including strategic alliances, channel partners, and emerging generative AI players.
• Develop and refine external-facing content including bylines, press releases, media statements, talking points, and event materials.
• Identify and execute earned media visibility opportunities for senior executives and for IBM clients partnering effectively across External Relations and Marketing and Communications to drive alignment and measurable impact.
• Demonstrate strong judgment, accountability, and collaboration in managing priorities and engaging senior stakeholders.
• Partner with Corporate Affairs colleagues, geographic communications teams, internal communications experts, social media colleagues, and others across the company to maintain cohesive messaging in support of IBM’s global strategy.
• Collaborate with marketing, content, and social teams to drive communications around integrated campaigns.
• Monitor, measure, and report periodically on media coverage resulting from campaigns and outreach.
• We offer a dynamic blend of personal flexibility and a thriving in-office environment. This role requires three days of in-office presence per week, with two days for remote work.

Preferred Education Bachelor's Degree

Required Technical And Professional Expertise

• 3+ years in technology media relations, marketing communications, or similar experience in-house or in an agency setting.
• Solid writing skills for thought leadership, media, and social media. Aptitude for planning and executing integrated and scalable media campaigns.
• Hands-on experience building and driving stories with reporters and producers.
• Experience in presenting to and offering strategic guidance to business leaders and executives.

Preferred Technical And Professional Experience

• Ability to synthesize complex technologies, products, and market challenges.
• Expanded and timely knowledge of emerging and enterprise technologies and key industry players.
• Experience in building out concepts and content with supporting creative, social and internal communications teams.