Senior Communications Manager | IABC

This position oversees, plans and executes communications, public relations, social media and media relations programs designed to create and maintain a favorable public image for PetSmart Charities Inc. (PCI) and PetSmart Charities of Canada (PCCI).?? Builds brand awareness as well as leads and executes all communication strategies and plans in support of cause-related campaigns.? Additionally, this position is responsible for the direction and management of the Public Relations agency as well as other contracted vendors/service providers. Responsibilities include developing and implementing strategic communications via print, web and other electronic-based media and leveraging those technologies both internally and externally.? Position serves as communications consultant to various business teams including fundraising, grants, programs, in-store promotions, events and marketing.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages three associates:? Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organizations? policies and applicable laws.? Manages external public relations firm.? Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Creates and executes communications strategies and plans designed to increase awareness of PCI and PCCI programs, accomplishments, or point of view, among various target audiences, including, but not limited to the public, animal welfare groups, PetSmart associates and the media.
• Creates, leads and executes communication strategies and plans to support cause-related campaigns as well as manages and participates with the Public Relations agency to ensure visibility and awareness of the cause campaign on a national level to the public, animal welfare groups, PetSmart associates and the media.
• Serves as organizational spokesperson.? Represents PCI and PCCI during community projects at public, social and animal welfare gatherings.
• Responsible for creating national public relations programs and driving media impressions for PCI and PCCI programs, services, events and campaigns.
• Responsible for developing major national media partnership programs that drive visibility and exposure for PCI and PCCI programs.
• Responsible for creating broader awareness and identity for PCI programs.
• Oversee and/or creates collateral materials including the annual report, promotional brochures, newsletters and works with inside resources and outside suppliers for layout and printing as needed.
• Creates messages, talking points, fact sheets, news releases, executive presentations, pitch letters and other collateral material to support various PCI and cause-related programs, events and crisis communications for PCI and PCCI.
• Develops and maintains positive relations with key media reaching PCI and PCCI constituencies.? Directs press relations including such activities as preparation of news releases and feature articles relating to grants, sponsorship funding, key milestones, major events and cause-related campaigns.
• Coordinates advertising and promotional material with PetSmart Inc.?s marketing and advertising departments? to keep with the public relations objectives of PCI and PCCI.
• Serves as communications consultant to internal teams, helping develop effective communications to all stakeholders.? Solicits feedback from cross-functional groups to improve communications.
• Develops and executes paid advertising programs as needed, (e.g. Endorsement Radio)
• Directs outside PR agencies, freelancers and other external business partners.
• Develops and manages budgets for communications and public relations.
• Hires, leads and develops staff.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

Bachelor?s degree in Journalism, Public Relations or Communications from a four-year college or university and 10+ years related experience in Communications or Public Relations.? Non-profit experience and knowledge of the animal welfare field is strongly preferred.

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY

This position has direct responsibility that clearly impacts the budget.? Coordinates public relations budget with department directors.

BUDGET DIMENSIONS

Selects and manages outside consultants and resources.? Executes and manages to contracts.?? Makes payroll decisions.? Plans and manages against a current budget of more than $1 million.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Possesses and applies a broad knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of particular field of specialization to the completion of difficult assignments.? This position is a fully competent professional.

MAJOR CHALLENGES

Position will handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, implementing some plans while at the same time developing others.? Will require the ability to coordinate with other people/department at all levels in both planning and implementing initiatives.? The ability to effectively communicate the unique nature of the organization and its accomplishments as well as cause-related campaigns to a broad spectrum of constituents will challenge the person in this position.? A strong understanding of the animal welfare field will be required by the person in this position in order to represent the organization accurately and appropriately.? Assignments can sometimes have a degree of ambiguity that requires problem solving skills and good judgment. Must have the ability to lead and collaborate effectively with diverse teams and various business units

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Advanced understanding in writing and editing skills with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively to diverse audiences.
• Ability to effectively interpret, negotiate and review legal contracts
• Advanced understanding of application of Associated Press writing style
• Advanced ability to work in an environment of constant change and deal with ambiguous issues
• Strong customer service skills to effectively maintain positive relationships with both internal and external constituents. Strong collaboration skills are required.
• Ability to demonstrate diplomacy and negotiating tactics.
• Project management and communication planning skills are mandatory
• Ability to coach, motivate and inspire others to perform.
• Proven ability to work with all levels of staff and management.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Access, Outlook, and Excel.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

None required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics are representative of those found in typical office environment.? Reasonable accommodations maybe made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.? May require handling of average weight objects, up to 35 pounds, and/or standing, walking, bending, and/or reaching for more than 50% of the day.? Some events may require evening or weekend assignments and the potential of standing or walking for 80% of rare days. Participation in annual events outside of normal business hours is periodically required.

Apply at: www.PetSmartJobs.com

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