External Relations Professional, Government, U.S.

Introduction

For over a century, IBM has been at the forefront of technological innovation. Our mission is to be a catalyst that makes the world work better — through business ethics, environmental commitment, and responsible technology.

Our Marketing, Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility (MCC) team tells that story — defining IBM's brand, capturing the market's attention, and articulating our point of view for clients, partners, media, and IBMers around the world.

Your Role And Responsibilities

External communications at IBM is not about operating in silos – it’s about shaping how the company shows up across its most important audiences, including policymakers, government agencies and clients, media, and industry partners. It requires understanding the business environment in which IBM operates – how it creates value, competes, and wins – its goals, differentiators, clients, and competitive position – and translating that into clear, credible narratives that resonate externally.

This role sits at the intersection of government, business, policy, and high-profile issues, helping shape how market dynamics, policies and industry trends influence IBM’s ability to grow and lead.

As a member of IBM’s Global Issues and Government Communications team, you will support the development and execution of communications strategies that position IBM as a trusted partner to government and a leader in critical technology areas such as AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and hybrid cloud. You will also be expected to apply AI tools in your day to day work, enhancing how you develop insights, shape and deliver high-impact messaging, and operate with speed and precision.

This is a hands on role for someone who wants to operate at the center of government, business, policy, and high-profile issues, and who can connect the dots between Washington, the marketplace, and IBM’s broader narrative.

What You’ll Do

• Support IBM’s external narrative. Contribute to the development and execution of communications strategies across government business, policy, and corporate priorities – reviewing and drafting messaging, talking points, media materials, and digital content that translate complex issues into clear, business aligned stories.
• Operate across the IBM ecosystem. Partner closely with GRA, Corporate Affairs, marketing, business units, and R&D to ensure IBM’s external messaging to government stakeholders is aligned, consistent, and responsive to today’s dynamic policy and regulatory environment, market dynamics, and emerging issues.
• Support media engagement. Bring an informed view of the Washington media landscape –tracking reporters, outlets, narratives, government business activities, and policy developments across agencies and Capitol Hill – to help identify angles, contribute to storylines, and inform engagement with key media.
• Build thought leadership. Contribute to longer term storytelling that positions key IBM government business and public policy executives and the company as credible voices on technology, innovation, and the policy and government business environment.
• Support high visibility issues. Assist with communications around fast moving developments – particularly where policy, government business, and reputation intersect – working with the Issues and Crisis team to monitor key media, draft materials and backgrounders, and help drive timely responses and consistent messaging.
• Stay ahead of the landscape. Track policy, government, business, and regulatory developments, and media coverage, identifying emerging risks and opportunities and connecting them to IBM’s business priorities and external positioning.
• Learn and apply AI as a strategic tool. Use AI tools as part of your daily workflow to research, draft, refine, and strengthen communications – while applying judgment to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with IBM’s voice and objectives.
• Think beyond traditional audiences and channels. Bring creative ideas to how IBM shows up externally – across earned, owned, social and emerging platforms – to reach key audiences and third-party stakeholders where they are.
  
  

Preferred Education

None

Required Technical And Professional Expertise

• 2–4 years of experience in DC-based corporate communications, public affairs, media relations, or related field.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with strong focus on clarity, impact and precision.
• Experience translating complex topics into clear, audience focused messaging.
• Strong interest in the intersection of technology, public policy, government, and business.
• Ability to learn quickly and grow in a fast paced, high visibility environment.
• Experience using AI tools to enhance productivity, content development, and strategic thinking
• Ability to exercise sound judgment on sensitive or high visibility topics, with guidance.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work across diverse teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  
  

Preferred Technical And Professional Experience

• Experience supporting DC-based media relations, issues management, or high visibility external moments.
• Familiarity with public policy, government stakeholders, and/or regulated industries.
• Understanding of technology areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum, or cloud.
• Experience supporting DC-based executive communications or thought leadership.
• Exposure to DC-focused social and digital communications strategies.
  
  

Note: No specific education requirement — relevant experience is what counts.