About this role
Specialist, Communications
Job Purpose: A new communications/community liaison specialist position is required to focus on internal and external communications activities for the Progress Rail Manufacturing facility in Muncie, IN. Responsibilities will grow to include additional North American locomotive operations facilities. This role will support the development and execution of internal communications (25%), employee engagement (25 – 30%%) creative content (10-20%), and social responsibility/external community engagement (25 – 30%%) initiatives. The position is responsible for creating engaging internal content, supporting community programs, and producing multimedia materials that align with the organization’s brand and values. It also plays a key role in stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration.
Company Description: Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation—driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company’s products are in operation across more than 100 countries—powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail—they are making history every day.
Education / Training: • Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Graphic Design, Corporate Social Responsibility, Human Resources, Community Development, Nonprofit Management, Social Work, Workforce Development or equivalent experience.
Key Job Elements: Communications and employee engagement: • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and deliver effective employee communications and campaigns working closely with business unit leaders, HR, TA, and IT; • Develop and coordinate a weekly facility newsletter ; • Assist with producing facility videos by writing content, narrating and editing. • Assist with annual Employee Insights Survey (EIS) by facilitating employee access to survey and helping management team with action planning and implementation of action plans; • Assist with planning, scheduling and creating content for monthly all-hands meetings; • Create and distribute written, visual, and multimedia content across internal channels, i.e. SharePoint, Online Newsletters, LinkedIn, Digital Signage, Flyers, etc.; • Work closely with Talent development team in supporting local employee development and progression; • Ensure consistency in messaging and branding across all communication platforms; • Track and analyze communication metrics to assess effectiveness and inform improvements. Social Responsibility and community engagement: • Develop, support and grow key community programs such as annual United Way campaign, initially identify needs in the community, conduct outreach and establish programs that benefit the community; • Coordinate volunteer efforts and promote employee engagement in social responsibility initiatives; • Develop communication strategies to raise awareness and participation in community programs; • Support recruiting efforts and student programs; • Apply empathy and cultural sensitivity when engaging with diverse stakeholders; • Assist in promoting a culture of inclusion, collaboration, ethics, and compliance • Travel as required, < 5%.
Creative Design: • Produce graphic designs and multimedia content for print and digital communications; • Develop facility SharePoint site, identify data owners, ensure content remains current; • Interpret project needs into creative concepts and visual assets; • Ensure all creative work aligns with brand standards and appeals to target audiences.
Qualifications and Experience: • 2–4 years of experience in internal communications, community engagement, corporate social responsibility, or creative design; • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign); • Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills; • Experience with multimedia production (video, audio, photography) is a plus; • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines; • Passion for community involvement and social impact initiatives; • Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with individuals at all levels of a manufacturing organization; • Ability to travel as required.
Essential and Physical Activities Functions • Motion – Position regularly requires standard repetitive motions and hand/eye coordination associated with office communications. May require bending, lifting, standing, climbing, kneeling, crouching, walking. • Vision/Hearing Requirements – Constant verbal communications, including both talking and listening; • Work Environment – Position will require frequent visits to industrial environment, including potential for noise (85+ decibels), some exposure to cold and temperature changes, exposure to hazardous materials, heavy equipment, high levels of dust, and other hazardous working conditions. • Emotional Demands – Requires interpersonal skills and communication; • Safety – Position required to follow all safety guidelines and requirements.
The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required.
EEO: Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.
Benefits: Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.** • Competitive Salary • 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting) • Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance • Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money • Flexible Spending Accounts • Paid Vacation • Paid Holidays • Paid Time-Off (PTO) • Employee Assistance Plan • Education Assistance Program • Employee Recognition Programs • Site specific Production and Incentive Plans • Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans • Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs
*Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits. **Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines.