Sr. Manager, External Communications - Remote

U.n.f.i • Providence, RI

91d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Manager, External Communications plays an important role in shaping public perceptions of UNFI's retail business segment, with a focus on the Cub brand in Minnesota. As a trusted advisor and strategic partner, this individual collaborates closely with the retail leadership team and key stakeholders to develop both proactive and reactive communications strategies to promote and protect the Cub brand. This includes partnering with the Retail Marketing team on strategic PR initiatives to drive positive media coverage for the Cub brand and working closely with the Retail Operations team to develop appropriate response strategies to periodic store-level or labor-related issues. Reporting to UNFI's Director of External Communications, this individual will also contribute to UNFI's broader integrated communications strategy, uniting the company's retail growth story with its broader external narrative and customer value proposition.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Organizational Development, Change Management, or related field (master's degree preferred).
• 8+ years of experience in public relations, media relations and/or corporate communications, preferably in a complex, matrixed organization.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex information.
• High level of creativity, with a knack for driving impactful PR campaigns and cutting through the clutter with news media.
• Track record of building mutually beneficial media relationships; confidence speaking with media regularly.
• Ability to maintain calm under pressure and provide sound counsel to senior leaders in times of crisis.
• Proven ability to influence and build trust with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and experience with media monitoring and tracking platforms such as Meltwater.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strategic mindset and comfortable working with ambiguity.
• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic 360 communication plans to support UNFI's Retail business segment and help drive the growth of the Cub brand in Minnesota.
• Build and cultivate productive relationships with key media in the Twin Cities, as well as UNFI's broader grocery industry trades, to foster improved quality of news coverage over time.
• Create high-quality communication materials to tell the Cub brand's evolution and growth story, including key messages, press releases, media statements, spokesperson talking points, FAQs, UNFI newsroom stories, and other resources as needed.
• Recommend appropriate communications tactics based on audience to ensure delivery of timely and relevant information.
• Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess communication effectiveness with target media channels and other brand touchpoints.
• Track and analyze media sentiment and use data to inform senior management on key opportunities and threats.
• Develop and manage a bank of pre-approved responses to potential Retail-related issues and crises; activate these messages as needed with media and stakeholders in response to real-time issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive 401k
• Flexible PTO
• Remote work options
• Health benefits - first of the month following 30 days of employment
• Mentorship program/developmental opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree