JOB OVERVIEW:
The Communications Manager leads the planning, organization and implementation of external and internal communication programs to achieve goals for assigned brands and/or business units across the Brand and Corporate Communications functions. This includes all media relations, employee communications and reputation management functions. The role involves translating business objectives into comprehensive communication campaigns that drive ongoing media relations and engage team members. The candidate must be comfortable interacting with media, community, agencies, and operators; including the representation and consideration of enterprise-wide interests. This position requires strong partnership to provide strategic counsel and support to operations, marketing, HR and executive/functional leadership. The Manager leads any required public relations agencies and is responsible for all aspects of their projects and development. Additionally, the Manager supports the direction of content, frequency and the most effective delivery channels for various communications to reinforce the culture, employment proposition and brand promise with each communication initiative.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

• Oversees and leads interactions with national and local media, PR agencies, thought leaders, and community; ensuring messages support brand promise and alignment
• Manages resources, tasks, contract agreements, scope, budgets and invoicing for assigned internal clients
• Plans, organizes, monitors and controls all aspects of communications campaigns, including strategy development, messaging alignment and reporting KPIs
• Regularly interacts with senior leadership to ensure alignment and provide counsel
• Provides executive communications (e.g. speeches, letters, etc.) guidance, involving content development and ensuring effective frequency and delivery methods
• Develops and employs public relations tools (pitches, media kits, news releases, etc.) and publicity techniques to raise brand awareness among consumers; coordinates the management of interactions with journalists
• Drives actionable and compelling internal communications strategy in support of various initiatives, including HR strategy, change management and training.
• Manages issues, crisis and risk matters for the company and its brands, including identifying potential issues and developing appropriate response plans
• Remains current on industry and consumer trends and developments; leverages such knowledge to promote the brand
• Supports individual and team performance through actions demonstrating strong team orientation and feedback

REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Public Relations and Media Management: Demonstrates the capability to develop and manage a variety of public relation techniques for brand-building publicity with a strong emphasis on national and local media relations programs
• Issue and Reputation Management: Demonstrates the capability to anticipate and effectively address issues affecting the brand or enterprise
• Executive Communications: Demonstrates the capability to write on behalf of key executives, maintaining a consistent tone and narrative over time
• Employee Communications: Demonstrates the capability to drive effective communications to a diverse and dispersed team member audience
• Corporate Communications: Demonstrates the capability to drive compelling communications on behalf of various corporate functions
• Integrated Communications: Demonstrates the capability to identify opportunities for programs that can be leveraged across communication channels, including public relations, employee communications and social media
• Brand Strategy Development: Demonstrates the capability to develop and create a clear and compelling brand strategy and evolve and support that strategy over time
• Project Management: Demonstrates the capability to balance multiple priorities and achieve desired outcomes on time and within budget
• Client Service: Demonstrates the capability to embed and support various internal clients with individualized objectives
• Strategic Counsel: Demonstrates the capability to provide communications counsel to partners and executives

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s Degree (Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field)

OTHER KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of communications, public relations, agency or journalism experience
• Proven professional writing and editing expertise across all communication mediums and knowledge of AP Style
• Passion for food and hospitality
• Some travel required

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• National media relations contacts and expertise
• Proven experience facilitating, aligning and coordinating proactive issue and reputation management
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach and hold team members accountable for performance