The Senior Manager, Brand Communications and PR is responsible for the development of Make-A-Wish America’s (MAWA) public relations and communications strategy and contributes to MAWA’s organizational strategic operations. Specifically, the Senior Manager, Brand Communications and PR oversees media and public relations, crisis communications, and serves as an advisor on issues of brand reputation management. This role is responsible for providing counsel, guidance and support to National Office departments and 62 chapters in the United States; and directly manages a team of communications professionals who promote, enhance and protect the organization’s brand and reputation. The Senior Manager, Brand Communications and PR is responsible for producing, integrating and implementing a broad range of communications and public relations activities relative to the brand strategy and positioning of the organization. This position is an ambassador for the organization and builds relationships with external influencers and media. In addition, the Senior Manager, Brand Communications and PR leads crisis communications efforts for the Make-A-Wish enterprise. This position works closely with a senior leadership team within the organization as the communications partner on a variety of strategic initiatives.
Vision, Strategy, and Leadership
- Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance MAWA’s brand identity; broaden awareness of its programs and priorities; and increase the visibility of its programs across key stakeholder audiences.
- Create public relations strategy that will allow MAWA leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, including the media and key stakeholders and ensures continuous cadence of on-message storytelling opportunities through traditional and new media.
- Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the organization, working with leadership team and staff to recognize external communications opportunities and solutions, and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.
Operations
- Assign team members and manage and prioritize media opportunities, develop and approve talking points, speeches, presentations and other supporting material as needed.
- Serve as a spokesperson and lead point person on significant media interactions that help promote and/or impact the organization.
- Actively engage, cultivate, and manage press relationships to ensure coverage surrounding MAW programs, special events, public announcements, and other projects.
- Support chapter communications practices and processes to ensure they operate within the relevant policies and guidelines of the organization and oversee programs that enhance their capacity to effectively and efficiently leverage public relations opportunities within their respective territories.
- Ensure public-facing and internal materials are consistent with messaging priorities for both internal and external stakeholders and maintain correct voice and quality standards.
Team Development/Management
- Oversee the day-to-day activities of the Brand Communications team including budgeting, planning and staff development.
- Recruit and manage appropriate communications team or PR agencies to support the development and execution of the communications strategy.
- Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.
- Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct annual performance appraisals, and administer salary adjustments.
- A minimum of eight years of experience in planning, writing, editing, and production of press releases, and other print publications and material in a PR or Communications role, and developing and implementing media strategies, either in-house or with an agency
- Five years of experience in crisis management and/or crisis communications, with demonstrated ability to make sound decisions in a fast-changing environment.
- Three years of experience in supervising, mentoring, and coaching a team of marketing and communications specialists.
- Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with top-tier partners, and in successfully positioning subject matter with the media to achieve national recognition.
- Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing comprehensive strategic communications, media relations and marketing programs to advance the organization’s mission and goals.
- Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, Board of Directors, staff and external audiences.
- Superior management skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers.
- Ability to operate as an effective tactical as well as strategic thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output.
- Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including ability to anticipate and strong negotiation and conflict resolution.
- Strong organizational skills with ability to handle multiple projects and deadline pressures.
Working Conditions:
- Work in an office environment.
- Role is based in Phoenix, Arizona
- Role requires regular travel as well as availability beyond traditional business office days/hours.
- Competitive compensation with annual incentive potential
- Comprehensive benefit package: Medical, Vision, Dental, Wellness
- *100% employer paid for employee*
- Health and Flexible Spending Account Options
- Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability and Life Insurance
- *100% employer paid for employee*
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
- 15 PTO days, 10 Paid Holidays, 2 Personal Days
- Maternity Leave
- Educational Tuition Assistance
- Employee Awards and Recognition Programs
- Individual and Leadership Development
- Discounts and special offers for theme parks, events, hotels, concerts, and movie tickets