Head of Corporate Communications (P1-1385330-1)

Panda Express•Rosemead, CA

47d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Head of Corporate Communications is a strategic thought leader and expert communicator, responsible for the development, integration and implementation of a broad range of communications and stakeholder management strategies that support the company's vision, culture, and business plans. This position translates these strategies into clear, consistent, and effective messaging across multiple channels for Panda guests, associates, and community, in partnership and in service to executive leadership. This leader also provides strategic and tactical communications support for other internal functions and departments as needed. The Head of Corporate Communications is responsible for leading the entire communications team for the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing or a related field; MBA or other graduate degree preferred
15+ years of experience in progressively senior Marketing roles related to communications, marketing, or public relations representing an organization to guests and in the community, preferably in a retail/hospitality environment
Demonstrated experience providing direct counsel and guidance to executive leadership, including scripting for internal/external speaking engagements, written correspondence/memos and company presentations; preferred experience working in privately held family-owned businesses
Successful completion of initial and periodically required trainings.
Obtaining a valid Food Handler's Card within 30 days of employment is a requirement of this position.

Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning: Creates annual and long-term corporate communications and public affairs strategies and plans that proactively support PRG's vision, culture, and brands.
Internal Communications: Leads teams to communicate the best of our people-first mission and culture through companywide events and podcasts. Guides construction of clear and compelling content creation and channel management to provide critical direction and timely instruction for “one team” operations.
Issues Management: Anticipates brand reputation issues. Plans for liability prevention or mitigation and help to lead crisis navigation and communications response. Provides guidance and counsel to senior leadership on critical issues.
Public Relations: Amplifies PRG brands through strategic acumen and earned media to further establish Panda Express as a restaurant industry leader and a company that cares about its associates and the communities we serve. Creates strategy and plans that promote company visibility and industry leadership consistent with brand equity and values. Directs external public relations and communication agencies.
Executive Communications: Builds high trust relationships with executive stakeholders, magnifying thought leadership externally and boosting associate confidence and engagement internally through 1:1 key message development, speechwriting, and presentation preparation.
Community Relations: Develops community partnership strategies for the company, build relationships with new and existing partners, and overseeing charitable giving that meets community needs, aligns with PRG values, and creates community advocacy.
People and Function Development: Systematically builds a best-in-class communications function for PRG by recruiting, developing, and supporting a high-performing team. Coaches and inspires the team to deliver communications content, counsel, processes, and programs that enhance the mission and values of the company while supporting the company's strategic, financial and growth objectives.