Senior PR Manager at Wakanow

The primary objective of the Senior PR Manager role is to contribute to bottom-line growth by enhancing brand visibility and driving positive brand reputation related results for Wakanow through strategic internal and external communications and promoting a positive perception of the brand among all stakeholders.

• Build Wakanow’s brand awareness and enhance visibility, positive image and reputation of Wakanow through PR and corporate communications
• Develop and execute effective internal and external communications strategies for Wakanow.
• Work with the leadership team and external agencies on the development of corporate press releases and position statements for both internal and external communications
• Review and approve all content forms created by agency partners
• Proactively work to find story telling opportunities that build Wakanow’s brand relevance and tell stories in a variety of formats about people, products, sustainability and values behind the brand
• Drive stakeholder-related PR activities for Wakanow’s growing network of partners (planning, messaging, announcements, media relations and events)
• Develop social media plans and manage social media channels
• Write and edit all communication materials including blog posts, company website content, social media content, pitches, PR plans and related materials
• Ensure continuous enhancement of content on the company website and ensure representation of up to date information on the internal web portals
• Develop and manage relationships with the media and other key stakeholders
• Develop and administer corporate social responsibility activities for the organization
• Define key messages and prepare talking points, briefings and provide coaching to company spokes people as needed
• Leverage analytics and reports to determine effectiveness and seek continual improvement of communication campaigns
• Work closely with senior management in drafting the corporate social responsibility / sustainability framework
• Conceptualize and implement fresh communication campaigns, partnerships and other news-driving initiatives to build and sustain buzz
• Develop escalation protocols for managing communication crises should they arise
• Assist in media outreach to leverage local community relations and social responsibility projects
• Collaborate with various stakeholders to develop and execute a plan for expansion news and community relations when opening new stores

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Corporate and consumer PR background, preferably with retail or sales experience. 
• A relevant bachelor’s degree
• Postgraduate degrees are not mandatory, but may also be beneficial
• Experience with financial metrics, analytics and using data to inform marketing or product strategy
• Project management certification is an added advantage

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes:

• Experience in developing marketing strategy in a consumer brand agency or strategic consulting firm
• Self-motivated, well-connected , high judgement and creative communications professional
• Previous experience working in a fast paced, dynamic organization with a track record of generating results
• Experience in writing clear and impactful press releases
• Experience in developing and executing brand campaigns
• Extensive project management experience
• Experience in analytical problem solving, quantitative analysis and communicating findings to senior management
• Experience managing projects that involve internal stakeholders and external partners
• Significant experience in corporate communications with strong media relations background covering business, sustainability and retail press and a track record of success in driving coverage across top tier media platforms ( broadcast, print, online, and non-traditional communications opportunities), managing large stakeholders and working with multiple stakeholders
• Outstanding attention to detail, understanding of technology and ability to communicate complex topics effectively
• Passionate about excellence in writing and verbal communications
• An understanding of Wakanow’s business and the retail industry