Manager, Public Relations & External Commmunications - 21005443

Description

The Manager of Public Relations/External Communications will craft Big Lots public relations, and external communications strategy and collaborate with respective marketing counterparts and outside agencies. The Manager, Public Relations & External Communications is a key contributor to communicating the Big Lots brand story to media and customers in order to increase awareness and consideration in earned media applications including all PR and brand social media platforms. This position will report to the VP Marketing – Creative & PR.

• • Day-to-day contact for Public Relations activities done in-house and with agencies; drive innovative media coverage for all aspects of the Big Lots brand – including grand openings, product launches and key brand building and philanthropic activities.
  • Collaborate with Marketing channel owners and Integrated Marketing team to ensure PR and organic social is represented and topical in the annual marketing calendar, initiatives & budgets.
  • Work with PR agency to draft materials including press releases, pitches, fact sheets, messaging documents and talking points with a strong attention to detail and a professional, yet interesting, writing style.
  • Excellent communication, writing, proofreading and presentation skills with confidence to serve as the company's spokesperson and coordinate with cross functional subject matter experts and internal executives.
  • Using social media reporting tools and third party research, analyze Public Relations/marketing trends and act quickly to create buzz worthy opportunities in our owned channels including Influencer marketing.
  • Partner with VP of Marketing, Creative & PR on larger corporate initiatives and innovative brand building opportunities.
  • Update & maintain PR summary and hindsight decks in conjunction with external agencies.
  • Constantly bring proactive ideas to the table on ways to build brand awareness, engagement and consideration.
  • Ensures the brands mission, vision, values and diversity and inclusion are always front and center and included in our public facing efforts.
  • Lead crisis management communication and team member communication.
  • Work directly with CFO on development of any corporate or trade PR calendaring and activations to augment quarterly earnings statements.
    

Qualifications

• Hyper-connected in public relations, influencer, and social media outlets
• Minimum 7 years Experience in Public Relations & social media management preferably with a retail or fast-moving QSR brand
• Solid understanding of marketing strategies and familiarity with marketing management skills
• Financial acumen including strong analytical ability; solid profit and loss experience
• Prior experience managing outside PR agencies
• Strong leadership & team building skills; proven ability to work in cross-functional teams
• Excellent presentation, writing, communication and project management skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project) – experience working in social listening platforms (Sprinklr) a plus
• BA/BS in Business Administration, Marketing, or related field preferred
  

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.