Brand Public Relations Specialist

Essential Functions

• Public Relations Activities and Support
  • Lead earned media support of the brand grand opening process to execute targeted media relations in local markets (broadcast, print, online).
  • Develop a local media toolkit and collaborate with field teams to uncover stories to increase brand awareness at the local level (sponsorships, promotions, cause marketing, etc.)
  • Identify brand spokespeople at the local level to drive brand key messages; find media opportunities to tell their stories and provide media training of spokespeople.
  • Manage media trackers for each brand by updating all results secured locally.
  • Manage restaurant brands online press offices by keeping content up to date, maintaining brand asset libraries and posting press releases
  • Work with PR Newswire on any press release postings.
  • Assist with national PR campaigns and activations by working with the brand teams to organize content and create press materials, media lists and pitching and manage projects as assigned.
  • Helps to execute major communications and strategic communications initiatives.
  • Manage internal communications for all restaurant brands by writing communications, as needed.

• Vendor, Internal, and External Relationships
  • Develops and maintains positive business relationships with associates, vendors, agencies, media, stakeholders, franchise partners, and industry professionals which fosters an environment for mutual respect, understanding, and support.
  • Interacts with internal stakeholders to provide consultation on communications, PR, and related topics.
  • Supports management of PR agency and vendor relationships (e.g., print shops, video team, etc.) to ensure consistency, to manage expectations (e.g., high level of service, accountability, etc.), and to maximize cost efficiency, quality, timeliness, and responsiveness.
  • Interfaces with industry, media, and professional organizations to increase awareness of the brand/organization, to expand networking opportunities, and to remain knowledgeable of communications and PR strategies.
  • Researches industry communications and public relations trends and best practices to assess the organization's performance.
  • Media monitoring and reporting.
  • Manages and grows relationships with media, key influencers, and industry professionals.

Job Summary

The PR Specialist, Brand Communications, helps to execute key integrated communications initiatives, projects and activities that grow, promote, and elevate the brands within the category. This position also helps to identify and streamline local media relations and leads earned media support of the grand opening processes across all brands.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree, Public relations, communications, journalism, business, marketing, advertising, or other related field of study , Req
• Law, in Public Relations, Pref

Work Experience

• 2 to 5 years' experience in media/public relations and communications, Req
• Retail, restaurant, food, or beverage experience, Pref

Skills & Abilities

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to think and pitch stories on their feet
• Ability to communicate complex concepts in clear concise language; to demonstrate active listening while engaging others; and to establish, implement, and clearly communicate strategies that align with business needs and objectives to gain buy-in from stakeholder
• Ability to develop and maintain positive business relationships (e.g, senior management, stakeholders, other departments, etc.) and foster an environment of mutual respect, understanding, trust, and support
• Ability to anticipate and respond to the needs of stakeholders (e.g, internal and external customers, etc.) in a timely manner
• Ability to work under time constraints to ensure critical deadlines are met; to professionally deal with non-routine situations and exceptions; and to effectively prioritize work