Director, Corporate Communications in Schaumburg, Illinois at Wheels, Inc.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Director of Corporate Communications is responsible for leading the development and execution of Wheels’ corporate communications strategy. This role oversees the creation, alignment, and delivery of messaging across key stakeholder groups to ensure consistency, clarity, and alignment with business objectives.

This position serves as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on communication priorities and supports the organization in managing complex and sensitive communications. The role also maintains hands-on responsibility for content development and execution, ensuring high-quality, timely communications that support organizational effectiveness and brand integrity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Corporate Communications
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive corporate communications strategy that is aligned with business objectives.
  • Oversee and manage the company’s messaging, voice, and positioning across multiple channels.
  • Ensure consistency of brand and tone across internal and external communications.

• Executive & Leadership Communications
  • Serve as a trusted communications advisor to the executive team.
  • Draft and manage executive communications, including speeches, talking points, presentations, and company-wide messages.
  • Support leadership visibility and thought leadership initiatives.

• Internal Communications
  • Lead internal communications strategy to engage, inform, and align employees.
  • Partner with HR and leadership on change management, culture initiatives, and company updates.
  • Oversee internal channels, including intranet content, newsletters, town halls, and employee communications.

• External Communications & Public Relations
  • Provide oversight for external communications.
  • Identify and pursue opportunities to elevate company visibility and credibility with external stakeholders and in the market (in partnership with the Marketing).

• Content & Storytelling
  • Oversee creation of high-impact corporate content, including company narratives, messaging to support strategic business initiatives, company announcements, and thought leadership materials.
  • Translate complex B2B services and ideas into clear, compelling stories for multiple audiences.

• Issues & Crisis Management
  • Lead communications planning and response for issues, risks, and crisis situations.
  • Develop messaging frameworks, FAQs, and response protocols, as needed.

• Team & Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Build, mentor, and manage internal communications team members and/or external agencies.
  • Partner closely with Marketing, Client Management, Sales, HR, Legal, and Operations to ensure alignment.
  • Manage budgets, vendors, and agency relationships, as applicable.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Number of Direct Reports

Number of Indirect Reports

Budget/PNL Responsibility

Up to 5

Leadership Responsibilities Strategy

• This position is a on the Marketing and Communications leadership team and must have experience leading and developing a high-performing team. This leader must be comfortable providing counsel to and presenting to executive leaders and working effectively cross-department and cross-organization to manage and coordinate programs and provide guidance to peers and leaders.

COMPETENCIES - SKILLS

• Experience in B2B services, professional services, fleet management and mobility or similar complex offerings.

• Strong business acumen and ability to align communications with strategic goals.

• Calm, confident presence with sound judgment under pressure.

• Hands-on mindset with the ability to move seamlessly between strategy and execution.

• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving, and private-company environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

• 10+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications, PR, or related roles, preferably in B2B or services-based organizations.

• Proven experience advising senior leaders and managing executive-level communications.

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with exceptional attention to detail.

• Experience managing media relations and handling sensitive or high-stakes communications.

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and collaborate across functions.

CORE VALUES

At Wheels, we believe in fostering a culture that is built on our Core Values and Guiding Principles. We cultivate a culture of excellence and innovation by upholding these values, driving our collective success and growth.

• Integrity – Always act with integrity and honesty.
• One Team – Treat others with dignity and respect; act as a cohesive, inclusive and accountable team that is making a difference.
• Innovation – Drive continuous improvement, spark creativity and embrace next generation thinking.
• Customer Success – Ensure that customer and driver success is at the heart of everything we do.

CULTURAL ATTRIBUTES

At Wheels, leaders are expected to model and champion our cultural attributes through their actions:

• Discipline Drives Quality – Plan the Trip: Think proactively, hold a high bar, follow through by leveraging experience and systems. To produce quality outcomes, we must be intentional and deliberate in everything we do, from big bets to daily execution.
• Intellectually Curious – Fuel Your Minds: Be bold, challenge assumptions, think differently, look outside the box. Strive to unlock your own thinking and create new possibilities.
• Commit and Deliver – Own It: Take responsibility for your work, from start to finish, and be accountable for the results. Think and act like an owner of the business.
• Relationships Matter – Share the Ride: Trust is central, both with key internal and external stakeholders. Relationships are not a side effect of work but a driver of success.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work Environment: This hybrid position is in Schaumburg, IL where work is performed in an office environment.

Positions Type/Standard Schedule: This is a full time position, Monday thru Friday

Travel: Occasional travel up to 10% industry conferences, events, meetings, etc.

Physical Demands: The role is primarily sedentary, involving prolonged periods of sitting and extensive use of a computer and other office equipment.

DISCLAIMER

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Wheels recognizes benefits are a significant part of your employee experience, and we've created a robust benefits package that is market-leading, competitive offerings so you and your family can receive outstanding care. Please click here for an overview of the benefits available to you and your family.

Pay Range:

The base salary range for this position is listed above. This position is eligible to participate in the annual incentive plan which is based on company performance and individual performance. Compensation ranges are based on several factors including job function, level, and geographic location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate experience, education, certifications, skill level and expertise, and may vary from the amounts listed here.

As one of the largest fleet management companies in North America, Wheels features a portfolio of 900,000+ vehicles under management across the continent, a global alliance in 61 countries, and a client base that consists of some of the best-known businesses in the world. No matter the industry type or business size, we’re proud to work across sales and service fleets, trucks and equipment, and last mile delivery to ensure we power your potential.

The culture at Wheels is the secret to our 80+ years of success. And the reason people choose to join — and stay with — our team.

When you join the team, you'll work with professionals who are passionate, friendly and smart. We foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all, combined with the encouragement to continuously learn and grow. From day one, we invest in your long-term development through annual performance goals and reviews, educational and wellness programs, awards and celebrations, and more.

Ready to experience the Wheels culture for yourself?

• 10 years average employee tenure

• 10 times recognized as one of Chicago's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For

• 50+ health, wellness and engagement benefits

• 2,500+ online learning programs

Diversity: Wheels deeply values the strength of diversity both in the communities we serve and our own employee base. This includes treating everyone as equal, respecting and valuing diversity, providing equal opportunity and fostering a safe space to work.

Community: We are heavily involved in the communities where we operate. We offer opportunities for employees to make a positive impact through mentorship and tutoring elementary school students, participating in blood drives, donating to United Way and other charitable organizations in the greater Chicagoland and Toronto areas.

Sustainability: Wheels is actively committed to becoming a cleaner fleet management company through recycling programs, public transportation support and more.

We Are Dedicated to the Safety and Health of our Employees

Our employees are critical to delivering on our commitment to client success, which is why we offer a variety of programs focused on the health and wellness of our people.

We hire people who have a customer-focused mindset and a strong collaborative nature. Because at Wheels, customer service and teamwork don't just happen in the office. It is during the informal moments when employee trust is strengthened and friendships are made. We value these moments, which is why we host departmental contests, summer gatherings, family events, holiday celebrations and more.

At Wheels, your well-being is our priority. As part of our commitment to your health and well-being, we’re proud to offer access to the Advocate Health Care Wellness Portal—a personalized platform designed to help you take charge of your health journey.

The 2026 Wellness Program is designed to support you in achieving your personal health goals. Best of all, it’s flexible and fits into your busy lifestyle.

This program is designed to support your overall well-being—physically, emotionally, and financially—by providing tools and incentives that encourage healthy living.