External Affairs Manager, West (California)

Company Information
Grainger is a global leading broad line supplier of facilities maintenance products serving businesses and institutions.

Our 18,000 employees are driven to serve customers and the community in exceptional ways focusing on delivering the highest level of service. The Grainger team works closely with customers to better understand their challenges and provide cost-saving solutions. Grainger's employees serve customers more than 115,000 times every day through multiple channels.
As part of a high-performing team, you'll be able to develop your talents, and make a difference. Grainger is a Fortune 500 company and a perennial member of Fortune magazine's Most Admired Companies list.

Position Description
This position will develop and execute communications programs to enhance the awareness, understanding and reputation of Grainger among customers, communities, public officials and other key external stakeholders.

Major responsibilities include:
Provide counsel and coaching to help local Grainger business leaders communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and ensure messaging is aligned with company#s overall brand and strategy.
Establish relationships with media outlets in targeted geographies to increase awareness and understanding of Grainger and its value proposition.
Develop collateral to support communications efforts including talking points, press releases, case studies, online copy, etc. Ensure company messages are articulated in a compelling and consistent manner.
In collaboration with local business leaders, monitor current events and trends in local markets. Identify potential issues and risks for Grainger and develop communications recommendations for effective crisis and issues management.
Identify and help train key company spokespersons to serve as the voice of Grainger to the media and to the community.
Actively collaborate across the Corporate Communications and Investor Relations team to integrate messaging, communications strategies and measurements.
Support community relations programs and partnerships that enhance Graingers reputation as a good corporate citizen and active member of the communities in which it does business.

Position to be based in Santa Ana, California # open to other locations in California

Position Requirements
Five to seven years of experience in a corporate communications function or a graduate level degree in journalism, communication or business and equivalent experience.
Must have prior experience working with media and an understanding of how to cultivate positive working relationships with media contacts.
Issues management, public affairs or government relations experience helpful.
Effective collaborator able to develop solid working relationships with business partners across the organization.
Strong leadership skills that foster teamwork, mutual support, personal responsibility and accountability.
Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written. Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
Demonstrated project management, planning and organizational skills and ability to balance multiple projects in varying degrees of implementation. Able to operate in a complex, rapidly changing environment.
Ability to counsel and make effective recommendations to clients at all levels of the organization.
Strong business acumen and ability to translate complex business issues into readily understandable, creative and strategic communications for a variety of audiences.
Ability to travel as required by projects.

Grainger is an Equal Opportunity Employer

To apply go to www.grainger.com or by sending their resume directly to ginney.hitchon@grainger.com
 

SOURCE: PUBLIC AFFAIRS COUNCIL 11/14/11