Sr. Director of Brand Communications

Sr. Director of Brand Communications

Salary Plus 35% Bonus and Matching 401K

No Relocation But Will Travel

The Sr. Director of Brand Communications directs the activities of the following related functions: Brand Consumer & Business Public Relations, Crisis Communications and Internal Communications. This role requires work with Leadership Committee (CEO, CBO/CMO and Head of DEI in particular), cross functional leaders, franchisees, agency partners, the work of two direct reports as well as others outside this position's span of control to accomplish the goals and objectives of the role. The position's main goals are to aggressively tell the company's story through promotion of brand initiatives, protecting and enhancing the brand reputation and effectively communicating internal activities. This position demands an individual who sets an aggressive vision and works effectively and efficiently in stressful situations that may require immediate action, along with aggressive work demands and deadlines.

CONSUMER & BUSINESS PUBLIC RELATIONS Lead the development of Consumer and Corporate public relations strategies and media outreach while partnering with brand team to drive awareness and interest in national programs, inclusive or corporate communications, DEI (Diversity, Equality and Inclusion) communications, social responsibility communications and marketing/brand promotional related communications. With a lens of breakthrough and innovative storytelling, direct the development of national and local press outreach through the management of external PR agency execution. Manage assignments, hours and act as the agency's point-of-contact.

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS Lead role in reputation management; act as a strategic communications advisor to management by keeping track of public attitudes, flagging possible consequences of decisions, developing key messages and managing issues and crisis communications. In conjunction with the Crisis Communications agency, lead, activate and manage the internal Crisis Rapid Response Team as situations dictate. Works and leads cross functional team across all situations. Direct the daily activities of responding to potential crises across the brand through the direction of internal and external resources.

INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS Leads all brand level internal communications to above-store leadership, support center and franchisees, while consulting and works closely with Operational partners on in-store communication. Ensure all communication is consistent, to the point, and befitting of the brand identity. This role will include (but not be limited to): Brand wide messaging (video and email), employee communications/newsletters, internal communication planning for significant initiatives, and other forms of effective and breakthrough communication.

CREATIVE Is proactive and creative in identifying, developing and maximizing brand presence on various mediums and publications through integrated PR opportunities. STRATEGIC Creates and drives strategy for PR, Corporate Communications, DEI, Social Impact/CSR initiatives, internal communications and other activities PROACTIVE Aggressively seek out positive and news-worthy brand stories to build the brand and public reputation

RELATIONSHIP BUILDER Manage relationships internally be seeking out "story worthy" brand initiatives across all disciplines and working across key functional leaders to understand business challenges and opportunities. With marketing peers and public relations agencies, assist with marketing briefs and keep agencies and corporate partners informed of relevant news and updates to maximize opportunities for exposure. Additionally, as appropriate, engage in media relations by actively managing professional relationships with national and regional media. COLLABORATIVE Actively work with Leadership team, head of D&I and cross-functional departments to ensure proper awareness and alignment on all related PR and internal communication campaigns and processes CONSISTENT Ensure external & internal messaging and creative is aligned across all PR activities and internal & external communications. Education Bachelor's degree required, preferably in business, communications, public relations, or a related field. Master's degree preferred, in business, communications, public relations, or a related field. Must have 15+ years of experience in communications, public relations or related field. Experience working across multicultural partners and/or agencies strongly preferred. Retail or restaurants experience strongly preferred. Franchise experience preferred. A constant sense of urgency tempered with a calm driving purpose required.