Job Description
Position Overview:
We are looking for an outstanding Public Relations & Public Affairs Manager for the Northeast region of Whole Foods Market. The Northeast regional office oversees and supports our 18 stores in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
Whole Foods Market is the world's largest retailer of natural and organic foods and the nation's only certified organic retailer. Our company has been honored for the past 12 years as one of Fortune Magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For."
The Public Relations & Public Affairs Manager will manage daily public relations efforts and drive positive visibility to and awareness of Whole Foods Market stores in the region, our products, our partnerships, our community relations efforts and our brand as a whole. This person will report to the Executive Marketing Coordinator of the Northeast Region and will also work closely with:
other members of the Northeast regional Marketing team including in-store marketers
category managers, which includes buyers and other subject matter experts
outside agencies at times for specific programs and initiatives
the global public relations team
Responsibilities & Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will:
Drive positive visibility and awareness of Whole Foods Market, our products and our partners through relationships with media, delivering consistent media coverage.
Have demonstrable, existing relationships with significant members of major media outlets in the area.
Participate in crisis communications and issues management with regional and/or national marketing team members.
Coordinate government relations on the local and state level to help create strategic partnerships as well as influence select policy discussions.
Work directly with company experts to create press opportunities and pitch programs primarily NY/NJ/CT media, for Whole Foods Market and its partners.
Project targeted results for initiatives and deliver on targets.
Plan and direct public relations efforts for new store openings.
Coach Whole Foods Market Team Members in media relations as well as recommend policies and procedures for media interactions.
Draft and edit press releases and press kits for store Marketing Team Leaders.
Address media and respond to inquiries, complaints and requests for information in a professional manner for a wide range of audiences, which at times could include national media outlets based in NYC.
Build and maintain relationships with key internal stakeholders (President, Marketing Team, Department Senior Coordinators and Coordinators).
Support local Whole Foods Market stores in creating positive media coverage, promoting community relations and implementing grass roots initiatives.
Must have/be:
At least four years of direct media relations experience
Ability to perform effectively in a team environment, while enhancing the overall performance of the team and its members
Proven success in pitching and placing stories in key industry media
Background in retail PR and issue/crisis management; food industry experience, and familiarity with key issues in the food industry strongly preferred
Strong understanding of politics and policy making on the local and state levels.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to respond rapidly to all press inquiries
Strong media pitching skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and respond well under pressure
Ability to adapt to a variety of business environments and integrate communications programs appropriately
Ability to evaluate PR project proposals from outside agencies and negotiate, when appropriate
Ability to work independently and take ownership of special projects
Passion for the food industry preferred
Please respond with resume and cover letter.
About Us:
At Whole Foods Market, we empower our Team Members and Team Leaders to make their own decisions, thus creating an environment where people are treated with respect and are highly motivated to excel. We mentor Team Members through education and on-the-job experience. As a result, we are able to fill a majority of leadership roles from our existing team member base. We also recognize that there are individuals with talent outside of Whole Foods Market, and have training programs to bring those new leaders into the company.
Our Team Members represent over 50 different nations. We are people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, yet all work together to meet the needs of our customers.
We offer great benefits beginning with a full complement of medical and other traditional group health plan coverage, 401k plan, and a 20% discount at our stores. To learn more, apply your passion today.
SOURCE: ONLINE JOB WEBSITE 06/16/09
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