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Automotive Journalism Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Be Part of What's Next Are you passionate about automotive journalism and archival storytelling? As a key contributor to MotorTrend's editorial operations, the Content Manager will lead the charge in ...

Be Part of What's Next Are you passionate about automotive journalism and archival storytelling? As a key contributor to MotorTrend's editorial operations, the Content Manager will lead the charge in ...

Be Part of What's Next Are you passionate about automotive journalism and archival storytelling? As a key contributor to MotorTrend's editorial operations, the Content Manager will lead the charge in ...

Be Part of What's Next Are you passionate about automotive journalism and archival storytelling? As a key contributor to MotorTrend's editorial operations, the Content Manager will lead the charge in ...

Be Part of What's Next Are you passionate about automotive journalism and archival storytelling? As a key contributor to MotorTrend's editorial operations, the Content Manager will lead the charge in ...

Be Part of What's Next Are you passionate about automotive journalism and archival storytelling? As a key contributor to MotorTrend's editorial operations, the Content Manager will lead the charge in ...

This is an opportunity to redefine how trusted automotive journalism connects to real-world decisions in an evolving search landscape. About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?) Hearst Magazines is one of the ...

This is an opportunity to redefine how trusted automotive journalism connects to real-world decisions in an evolving search landscape. About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?) Hearst Magazines is one of the ...

This is an opportunity to redefine how trusted automotive journalism connects to real-world decisions in an evolving search landscape. About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?) Hearst Magazines is one of the ...

Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, or a related field * Minimum 3 years of experience in technical writing, preferably in the automotive industry * Strong understanding of automotive ...

Perform other job-related duties as assigned, including driving an automobile for company business ... Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or related field preferred. Related experience ...

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Automotive Journalism information

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$24

$40

How much do automotive journalism jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive journalism in the United States is $24.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automotive Journalist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Journalist, you need excellent writing and research skills, a strong understanding of the automotive industry, and often a degree in journalism or communications. Familiarity with content management systems, multimedia tools, and SEO best practices is typically required. Creativity, curiosity, and the ability to communicate complex technical information clearly are standout soft skills in this field. These skills are crucial for producing engaging, accurate content that resonates with readers and maintains industry credibility.

What are some common challenges automotive journalists face when balancing objectivity with manufacturer relationships?

Automotive journalists often need to maintain objectivity while testing vehicles provided by manufacturers, which can create challenges around impartial reporting. It's essential to provide honest reviews, even if it means critiquing a sponsor's product, to build credibility with readers. Navigating press events, embargoes, and managing relationships with PR teams while upholding journalistic integrity is a key part of the role. Most reputable publications have editorial guidelines to help journalists address these situations transparently and professionally.

What is automotive journalism?

Automotive journalism is a specialized field of reporting that focuses on cars, the automotive industry, and related topics. Automotive journalists review new vehicles, cover industry news, attend car shows, and provide analyses on trends and technologies in the automotive world. Their work appears in magazines, newspapers, websites, and broadcast media, helping consumers and enthusiasts stay informed about the latest developments in automobiles. They often test-drive vehicles, interview industry experts, and write feature articles or produce multimedia content.

What is the difference between Automotive Journalism vs Automotive Content Creator?

AspectAutomotive JournalismAutomotive Content Creator
CredentialsTypically requires journalism or media-related education, writing skills, and industry knowledgeNo formal credentials required; skills in content creation, video editing, and social media are essential
Work EnvironmentOften works for media outlets, magazines, or online publications, reporting on industry news and reviewsCreates content independently or for brands, using platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok
Industry UsageUsed by traditional media, automotive magazines, and news outletsPopular among influencers, brand ambassadors, and independent creators

Automotive journalism focuses on reporting, reviewing, and analyzing vehicles for media outlets, requiring journalism skills and industry knowledge. Automotive content creators produce engaging videos and posts for social media platforms, often with a focus on entertainment and personal branding. While both roles involve automotive content, journalism emphasizes reporting and credibility, whereas content creation centers on audience engagement and digital media skills.

More about Automotive Journalism jobs
What cities are hiring for Automotive Journalism jobs? Cities with the most Automotive Journalism job openings:
What states have the most Automotive Journalism jobs? States with the most job openings for Automotive Journalism jobs include:
Infographic showing various Automotive Journalism job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 66% Physical, 17% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,214 per year, or $24.1 per hour.
Account Director, Automotive

Account Director, Automotive

Interdependence

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

*This is a contractor role*

WHO WE ARE

The PR industry hasn't really changed in fifty years. Relationships, lunches, luck, and a clip report at the end of the month.

Interdependence is rebuilding it from the ground up. Interviewed, our proprietary platform, analyzes 300,000+ stories every day across a network of 250,000 journalists. We turn earned media into something measurable, repeatable, and worth paying for — and apply the same data and discipline across paid, social, content, and brand. Integrated marketing run by one team, on one system, accountable to one result.

Forbes named us one of America's Best PR Agencies. Our 100+ person team works with brands, CMOs, founders, and entrepreneurs across consumer, healthcare, tech, B2B, travel and entertainment.

We move fast. The best argument wins. We hire for sharp thinking, real craft, and ownership from day one. If you want comfortable, this isn't the place. If you want to win, build with us.

THE ROLE

Interdependence is seeking a strategic, well-connected, and entrepreneurial PR Account Director – Automotive (Contractor) to lead high-profile client programs across the automotive sector, with a strong emphasis on luxury and high-end automotive brands. The ideal candidate has deep agency experience, an established network across automotive media, events, influencers, and celebrity talent, and a passion for storytelling that drives cultural relevance and brand desirability.

This is a contract role combining hands-on client leadership, strategic planning, experiential activation, and influencer/celebrity engagement. The Account Director will serve as the senior day-to-day client contact, responsible for delivering measurable outcomes, orchestrating premium events and product launches, and shaping narratives that elevate our clients' presence in competitive automotive and luxury lifestyle markets.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Leadership & Strategic Counsel

  • Serve as senior lead for automotive account – 20 to 30 hours per week - providing high-level strategy, vision, and counsel to brand, marketing, and executive stakeholders.
  • Build trusted partnerships with client executives, aligning PR and integrated programs to drive measurable business and brand impact.
  • Oversee integrated communications programs, including product launches, executive visibility, lifestyle storytelling, and brand positioning within the luxury and performance automotive landscape.
  • Anticipate challenges and provide proactive solutions to ensure long-term client success.

Events & Experiential Activation

  • Lead the strategy, planning, and flawless execution of high-touch automotive events, including vehicle launches, ride-and-drive programs, auto shows, concours events, press previews, and VIP experiences.
  • Manage event logistics, vendor partners, talent coordination, and on-site execution to deliver brand-defining moments.
  • Develop experiential concepts that connect automotive clients with luxury, lifestyle, fashion, and entertainment audiences.

Influencer & Celebrity Engagement

  • Leverage existing relationships with top-tier influencers, tastemakers, and celebrity talent to drive brand visibility and cultural cachet.
  • Lead influencer and celebrity seeding, partnerships, and integrations across product launches and tentpole moments.
  • Oversee talent vetting, contracting, and on-site management at events, drives, and brand experiences.
  • Identify culturally relevant moments and personalities that align with each client's positioning.

Media Strategy & Thought Leadership

  • Lead development of integrated media relations programs that secure meaningful, business-impacting coverage across automotive, lifestyle, luxury, and business outlets.
  • Shape executive narratives and messaging frameworks for complex automotive stories — including design, performance, innovation, heritage, and lifestyle angles.
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with top automotive journalists (Motor Trend, Car and Driver, Road & Track, Robb Report, duPont REGISTRY, etc.) as well as luxury lifestyle and consumer media.
  • Oversee production of strategic content including press releases, bylines, and feature pitches.

Team & Project Management

  • Direct cross-functional internal teams and external partners to deliver high-quality work with efficiency and precision.
  • Provide direction and feedback to account staff and contractors supporting the business.
  • Manage program budgets, timelines, and staffing allocations across concurrent initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • 10+ years of PR or communications experience, with significant agency experience supporting automotive clients; experience with luxury or high-end automotive brands is a strong plus.
  • Proven track record leading integrated PR programs that include large-scale events, influencer partnerships, and celebrity engagement.
  • Established relationships with automotive and lifestyle media, as well as influencer and talent networks.
  • Deep understanding of the automotive landscape, including key trends across luxury, performance, EV, and emerging mobility.
  • Exceptional writing, pitching, and storytelling abilities.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams, budgets, and client portfolios.
  • Strong presentation, negotiation, and client relationship-building skills.
  • Comfortable working cross-functionally in a fast-paced, all-remote environment with frequent travel to events and on-site activations.
  • Available to work on a contract basis – 20 to 30 hours per week - with flexibility to scale hours around client programs and event cycles.

THE ENGAGEMENT

This is a contract position with competitive project- or retainer-based compensation, flexible remote work, and the opportunity to work alongside a top-tier agency team on premier automotive and luxury brand programs.