Integrated Marketing Communications & PR Manager

Company Description

Since 1940, Dairy Queen® has been one of the world’s best known and loved brands. Based in Minneapolis, MN, International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. As a leading franchisor, there are more than 7,000 independently owned and operated restaurants in the U.S., Canada and more than 20 countries around the world. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges.

Job Description

As a key member of the Integrated Marketing Team, the Integrated Marketing Communications & PR Manager oversees Public Relations and Influencer Marketing efforts for International Dairy Queen (IDQ), from ideation through execution. The Manager develops a strategic vision that drives awareness, affinity and equity for the Dairy Queen brand, products, charitable programs and strategic initiatives. Additionally, the Manager collaborates with integrated marketing staff and cross-functional teams to develop campaigns, and ensures these campaigns are effectively communicated across the Dairy Queen system.

Responsibilities include building and managing a Public Relations calendar and budget to drive traffic into our 4,500+ U.S. franchisee locations; planning and executing campaigns that ensure our brand maintains relevance among key audience targets; and leading publicity-driving events with measurable value, which garner positive impressions for Dairy Queen. This individual partners with celebrities, content creators, Dairy Queen Crew and other influencers to tell the Dairy Queen story in creative, innovative ways. The Manager provides direction to an external PR firm, develops a media relations strategy, builds relationships with key members of the media, manages PR-related media inquiries, and occasionally serves as brand spokesperson.

Primary Accountabilities: 

Develop related strategies and plans:

• Oversee Public Relations and Influencer Marketing efforts for International Dairy Queen (IDQ).
• Partnering with the Director, Campaign & Advertising as well as the Vice President of Marketing Communications, develop a public relations strategic vision, goals and plans. Build and manage a year-round Public Relations calendar and campaign budget to promote the Dairy Queen brand and drive traffic into our 4,500+ U.S. franchisee locations.
• Establish launch and publicity strategies for timely and culturally-relevant product initiatives. Drive strong sales during key seasonal periods.
• Work closely with other members of the Integrated Marketing Communications team and the larger U.S. Marketing team to complement and support mutual projects, plans and goals. Champion and lead integrated campaign projects as needed.
• Develop media relations strategy, seeking high-level placements in print, broadcast and online media. Build and strengthen relationships with key members of the media.
• Work with a range of influencers to create content, generate editorial coverage, and garner third-party endorsements and credibility for DQ products and campaigns.

Other duties:

• Create and execute multi-media public relations events and campaigns with measurable value.
• Run a production shoot related to content creation for various marketing and earned media activations, upholding the DQ Brand throughout all copy, content, design and product standards.
• Manage media inquiries and interview requests other than those related to Crisis Management and Brand Protection matters, which will be addressed by the Director of Corporate Communications.
• Develop and deliver compelling messaging and proof points to use in publicity materials, franchisee presentations, executive updates, interview prep, and more.
• Lead and direct external PR firms to develop programs and activities to obtain positive brand impressions for DQ products. Challenge PR firms to strategically implement fresh, innovative public relations ideas and tactics.
• Lead and direct all press releases related to Public Relations initiatives, ensuring copy is positioned correctly and is creative, descriptive, ensuring as many media impressions as possible.
• As appropriate, speak on behalf of the IDQ Brand for public relation related purposes. Proactively prepare company executives for PR-related events in which they will participate, as well as PR-related speaking engagements.
• Monitor brand mentions in media. Monitor, analyze and communicate PR results on a quarterly basis.
• Maintain a keen understanding of industry trends affecting IDQ and our consumers.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Education/Experience:

• B.A in Advertising, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• PRSA a plus.
• 5-8+ years of progressively responsible Public Relations experience.
• Public Relations agency experience a plus.
• Proven track record of designing and executing successful public relations campaigns at the national level.
• Strong relationships with both local and national business and industry media outlets; proven placement results.
• Experience in acting as a company spokesperson; comfortable and skilled in both broadcast and print media interviews.
• Solid experience with social media including blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
• Strong experience and abilities leading/ project managing integrated MarCom projects.
• Experience working within a QSR, franchise business, or retail brand a plus. 
• Creative thinker who can quickly develop innovative ideas.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate PR strategies to a variety of audiences.
• Excellent writing skills. Demonstrated ability to create quality presentations, press materials, speeches and messaging, including the ability to develop these materials under tight timelines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment.
• Well organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Job requires travel within U.S. up to 10% of time.

The US national base salary range for this position is $102,987-$126,159. This position is also eligible for a bonus. The base salary range displayed reflects the targeted hiring range for positions across all US locations. Individual pay is determined by job-related skills, work location and relevant education or experience.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Benefits

Our benefit package supports the well-being of our employees and their families. Our comprehensive benefit package includes, medical, dental, 401K match, paid time off (including volunteer time as well as parental leave) and so much more! To learn more about our great benefit offerings, Click Here.

Work Environment

Most positions located out of our global headquarters in Bloomington, MN will work a hybrid work schedule where you will work 2 collaboration days a week. Additional in office time may be required to support team/project needs. Positions will be identified as “remote eligible” when consideration will be given to candidates outside of drivable distance to our Bloomington office.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion for all who touch DQ. We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work; where we recruit, engage and retain employees, franchise owners and suppliers with diverse background and identities; and where everyone feels welcome engaging with our DQ brand.

IDQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. IDQ participates in the US E-Verify program. You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.