Communications Specialist

Position Summary

The purpose of this role to identify and develop creative, innovative ways to bring the communications strategy to life by telling the story of Food Lion’s brand, strategy and culture to internal associates and external stakeholders. This role contributes significantly to the work of the communications department by being a client-connected communicator and strategic storyteller who proactively sources news from assigned business areas and translates business wins into easy-to-understand content that educates, engages and inspires Food Lion’s 82k associates to deliver business results and helps protect the brand’s reputation through proactive and reactive media relations. This role will: support timely dissemination of information to multiple audiences via creation and execution of internal communications plans; develop articles, Q&As, talking points, memos, video scripts, press releases, media statements and related collateral for multiple channels (intranet, email, e-boards, newsletters, huddles, social media, etc.); collaborate with multiple stakeholders/business partners across assigned functional areas.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as client-connected communicator to assigned clients, providing insight and counsel as thought partner; proactively source stories to be featured on various internal communications channels (intranet, newsletters, e-boards, etc.); act as strategic storyteller and determine the best way to share business wins with broader internal audience to connect them to company strategy
• Develop, manage and execute multiple strategic communications plans that are aligned to internal communication strategy and outline objectives, key messages, audience, tactics and measurement; evaluate results and determine what worked well and why, as well as what can be improved in the future for increased results
• Help protect the brand reputation proactively and reactively through media relations by responding to media and customer inquiries. Collaborate with internal teams to respond effectively to incidents or issues, ensuring responses are timely and accurate. Support preparation and training of company spokespeople, including executive leadership, for media engagements, interviews and public speaking opportunities.
• Participate in weekly editorial meetings, pitching stories and recommending best channel for story delivery to connect associates to company brand, strategy and culture
• Serve as primary point-of-contact for assigned newsletter, sourcing stories, managing and editing content, employing editorial judgement, managing execution, and ensuring delivery according to schedule to strengthen associate engagement
• Collaborate with stakeholders as needed to support the planning and execution of special projects and special events to support associate engagement.
• Assist in executing the day-to-day tactics of the internal communications strategy and other duties as assigned to support the Internal Communications function

Basic Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Marketing or related field
• 5 years minimum experience

Preferred Qualification

• Experience in Fortune 100 companies working on corporate communications or internal communications team
• Experience in corporate retail or corporate grocery retail
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint
• Mastery of AP Style
• Prior journalism or storytelling experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Marketing or related field

Experience

• Minimum 5 years in corporate communications or internal communications role supporting multiple clients, developing and executing strategic communications plans and tracking results

Skills and Abilities

• Strong oral and written communication skills, with demonstrated mastery of AP Style; ability to understand target audiences and translate complex concepts into clear and concise messages
• Ability to devise innovative ways to communicate, while aligning with goals and objectives
• Ability to determine and track metrics to measure effectiveness of communications plan against intended outcomes and business objectives
• Flexible, collaborative, deadline driven
• Strong sense of urgency with the ability to multitask effectively to bring projects to a successful closure in a fast-paced environment
• Experience working with senior leaders, influencing cross-functional teams across multiple departments
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

Competencies

• Detail oriented with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Service oriented with a focus on finding win-win solutions with ability to build relationships to influence business results
• Takes initiative, self starter
• Innovative
• Team player
• Ability to work well under pressure and able to meet deadlines
• Ability to problem solve and make decisions

Travel

• Occasional travel