Corporate Communications Specialist (Retail) - Matthews, NC

Created 11-1-2017

SUMMARY

Work closely with Communication Manager to enhance and protect Harris Teeter reputation and elevate the company’s unique story. Manage external and internal communication. Promote a positive public image and control the dissemination of information on company’s behalf. Do all of this with quality, service, speed and innovation while demonstrating Service Excellence principles.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Develop effective corporate communication strategies
• Manage internal communications (memos, Associate newsletter – It’s My Harris Teeter)
• Draft content (e.g. press releases) for mass media or company website
• Organize initiatives and plan events or press conferences
• Manage special event planning including public relations aspects of store grand openings, including Taste of Teeter
• Attend all grand openings – store & fuel center
• Coordinate with media and handle requests for interviews, statements etc.
• Establish and maintain favorable relationships with consumer, professional and business related organizations. Develop contacts with consumer advocacy groups, build relationships with relevant governmental agencies and foster a working relationship with appropriate industry and trade association representatives.
• Collaborate with Marketing team to produce/edit copy for advertisements, when needed
• Serve as a back-up to Communication Manager as strategic communications leader, spokesperson and crisis communications coordinator
• Execute crisis communication plans for the company, including development & dissemination of crisis communication messages
• Communicate strategies or messages from senior leadership
• Serve as alternate member of company’s Special Situations Team to direct company in times of crisis regarding messages to the media and general public
• Serve as company’s liaison for sustainable efforts
• Develop, execute and manage store tour/field trip program
• Manage fundraising event requests as submitted by nonprofit organizations
• Execute/accelerate corporate contribution strategies & programs (i.e. in-store donation campaigns)
• Respond to community organizations regarding contribution requests
• Manage administration of contribution budget – requesting & mailing checks; processing invoices; providing per period variance reporting
• Foster corporate-wide partnerships with various non-profit groups to build image of Harris Teeter as good corporate citizen
• Develop plan to share nonprofit partnership messages through new and available in-store mediums
• Develop and communicate strategy for store donation certificates to align with corporate giving guidelines
• Train and oversee any third-party support personnel and/or interns
• Connect store operations with local community relations efforts
• Manage annual Associate Giving Campaign
• Develop/manage Class 1 Recall procedures
• Serve as resource to other departments on associate communication issues and how best to communicate with associates.
• Serve as HT Daily backup
• Assist in distributing communication through government relations portal to encourage Harris Teeter associates to write appropriate members of Congress and regulatory agencies about how their vote may affect our company, industry and associates.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Consumer Affairs, Business Administration, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or related field with at least two years on-the-job experience, preferably in retail and/or food industry; or a minimum 3-5 years of on-the-job experience in Public Relations or Communications field.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Excellent written and oral communication skills, in-depth business knowledge, ability and skill to influence needed change in company without confrontation. Style necessary for managerial acceptance and credibility and respect in the company, leadership skills, knowledge of computer systems. Exemplary people skills, problem solving ability and good decision making skills.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office – specifically, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Preferably experience with Public Relations/Media analytics platform.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

AVAILABILITY & TRAVEL

Ability to be on call on weekends and after hours. Ability to travel overnight.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate