Public Relations Specialist (Corporate Communications)
About Us
We're a rapidly expanding national retailer, dedicated to providing millions of customers with a fast and affordable shopping experience. Our growth trajectory is exciting, and we're looking for talented individuals to join our Marketing, Advertising, and PR teams to help us connect with new customers and keep our current ones coming back for more.
The Role
As our Public Relations Specialist focusing on Corporate Communications, you'll play a crucial role in developing and executing our corporate news and executive communications strategy. This position manages all external communications (both proactive and reactive) related to corporate topics, working closely with various internal departments and our agency partners to uncover compelling storytelling opportunities.
The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and problem solver with strong communication skills (both written and verbal) and the ability to work independently with sometimes ambiguous direction. Success in this role requires excellent writing skills and experience in media relations, corporate communications, and executive communications.
This position offers regular exposure to leadership and executives, making it a critical role within our organization. Your objective will be to maintain a positive company reputation and drive awareness of business-related initiatives.
Location and Work Arrangement:
Full-time position based in Aurora, IL
Eligible for our Hybrid Work Program (up to 3 days remote work per week)
Key Responsibilities
Manage the review and approval process for all communication materials
Assist in developing our corporate news and executive communications strategy
Lead brainstorming sessions and support the execution of detailed news plans
Maintain relationships with internal departments to identify storytelling opportunities
Recommend process improvements within your area of responsibility
Create and maintain key messages and holding statement repository
Serve as the day-to-day corporate PR liaison between our agency and internal team
Handle media information requests and escalations
Monitor daily news coverage and analyze industry trends
Write and proofread corporate communications materials
Support planning and execution of media events and executive interviews
Research media contacts and proactively seek out media opportunities
Lead and execute business-to-business (B2B) and trade news strategies
Collaborate with team members and communicate relevant information to leadership
Maintain security and confidentiality of documents and data
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field
Minimum 3 years of progressive experience in Public Relations and/or Communications
Agency experience (2+ years) preferred
Strong storytelling skills (both long and short form)
Excellent project management abilities
Strategic thinking with a high degree of creativity and autonomy
Exceptional judgment and ability to synthesize PR/news opportunities quickly
Familiarity with current political, civil, business, and economic trends
Understanding of various communication channels (digital, social, print, broadcast, PR)
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Physical Requirements
Office environment with computer and telephone use
Ability to sit, stand, and move between areas
Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs
Travel
Minimal travel may be required for job-related duties such as training and project work.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
Competitive salary
401(k) plan with company matching
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Generous vacation time and paid holidays
Parental and caregiver leave
Short and long-term disability insurance
Life and AD&D insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
National discount program
We're an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all.
Join our team and be part of an exciting, fast-paced retail environment where your skills in public relations and corporate communications can truly shine!
Employment Type: Full-Time
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
Industries
Human Resources Services
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