Public Affairs Specialist

The Role

As Public Affairs Specialist, you’ll become part of the team that is set to reimagine the iconic Scout brand and disrupt the American pickup truck and rugged SUV marketplace. Reporting to the Manager of Public Affairs, you will support the company’s external engagement with the media, public officials, community leaders, industry partners, and other key stakeholders across the country. 

In this role, you’ll help shape and deliver public affairs strategies that build trust, strengthen Scout Motors’ reputation, and advance the company’s business objectives. You'll work at the intersection of communications, government affairs, community engagement, and corporate strategy – supporting everything from media relations and executive communications to stakeholder outreach and public policy initiatives. A key area of focus will be supporting external engagement related to Scout Motors' direct-to-consumer retail model and other policy issues affecting the future of automotive manufacturing and retail. 

Beyond the Strategy & Brand organization, you'll collaborate closely with colleagues across Legal, Commercial Operations, Production, Human Resources, and Administration to drive cross-functional initiatives and ensure Scout Motors is a trusted partner in the communities where we live and work. 

What you’ll do

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

• Support the development and execution of public affairs strategies at the local, state, and federal levels that advance Scout Motors' business and corporate objectives. 
• Develop briefings, talking points, presentations, and other materials for media engagements, executive appearances, and meetings with public officials and other external stakeholders. 
• Help cultivate relationships with local, state, and federal government stakeholders, regulatory bodies, news media, and community leaders. 
• Support the Communications team in crafting and delivering messaging that reinforces Scout Motors' reputation and values across public and policy audiences. 
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and political developments impacting the EV, automotive, and manufacturing sectors. 
• Collaborate cross-functionally with legal, administration, marketing, and site operations teams to ensure message consistency and proactive stakeholder engagement. 
• Partner with the communications team on proactive media relations and storytelling related to public policy, sustainability, and community initiatives. 
• Support public affairs initiatives related to Scout Motors' direct-to-consumer retail model, including stakeholder engagement, message development, issue monitoring, and public policy efforts that advance consumer choice and modern vehicle retailing. 
• Serve as a key public affairs resource for Scout Motors' operations in North Carolina and South Carolina, supporting government engagement, workforce development initiatives, community partnerships, media outreach, and local storytelling efforts. 
• Travel to support Scout Motors’ public affairs priorities at in-person meetings, conferences, brand activations, and other events across the country. 

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role may be based out of the Scout Motors corporate headquarters in Charlotte, NC. 
• This role requires 4-5 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events. 
• Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time. Valid driver's license required.

What you’ll bring 

We expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You’ll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You’ll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Political Science, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Policy, Business, or a related field. 
• 5+ years of experience in public affairs, communications, government relations, community relations, or a related role. 
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. 
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. 
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy in fast-paced, high-visibility work. 
• Ability to work effectively across teams, influence without direct authority, and build strong working relationships. 
• Desire to contribute to a growing public affairs function that serves as a strategic advisor to company leadership. 
• Ability to represent Scout Motors professionally with external stakeholders. 
• Experience working with government entities, economic development organizations, or community groups. 
• Experience using metrics and reporting to evaluate performance and improve operational efficiency. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Background in manufacturing or automotive sectors. 
• Established relationships with the media, government, community, or industry stakeholders in the Carolinas region and/or automotive industry are a plus. 
• Understanding of relevant public policies impacting the automotive retail and manufacturing industries.

What you'll gain

The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up.  This is a chance to create something new and lasting – with an iconic brand at its foundation.  In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:

• Competitive insurance including:
  • Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
• 401(k) program with:
  • An employer match and immediate vesting
• Generous Paid Time Off including:
  • 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
  • 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
  • Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
  • Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave

Pay Transparency

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.

Initial base salary range = $85,000.00 - $105,000.00

Internal leveling code: IC9