Manager, Earned Influence & Brand PR

Responsibilities

• Brand Communications & Earned Media – Support integrated brand communications, strategic partnerships, programming and sustainability initiatives that increase awareness of Mars and its portfolio of Tasty & Wholesome brands. Serve as the earned media & influence expert across brand IATs and internal cross-functional forums, supporting proactive and reactive media relations, strategic partnerships, content creator engagement, event opportunities and earned-first storytelling.
• Media, Culture & Reputation Management – Maintain a strong understanding of current and emerging media trends with a growth and digital-first approach. Monitor industry trends, consumer feedback and insights, emerging topics and reputational risks, while supporting communications planning, social listening and media reporting during issues and crisis situations.
• Content, Editorial & Internal Engagement – Own the Brand Communications editorial calendar, ensuring content and planning timelines are aligned internally and externally. Develop, edit and distribute communications materials including press releases, key messaging and Q &A documents, media statements, social posts, presentations and speeches, while identifying opportunities to amplify key brand moments internally and drive Associate pride.
• Executive Visibility & Thought Leadership – Support executive visibility opportunities for Tasty & Wholesome leaders by identifying opportunities to position leaders as credible voices on important topics and developing messaging, media interview materials, speaking briefings and leadership communications assets.
• Agency Partnership & Awards – Manage and inspire agency partners to deliver earned-first storytelling, cultural intelligence and reputation impact. Lead the awards process, including maintaining the target awards calendar, partnering with agencies, tailoring submissions to individual award opportunities and ensuring reviews and applications are completed on time.
• Measurement, Insights & Performance – Serve as the system owner and strategic lead for the measurement and monitoring platform, championing standardized KPI frameworks for the direct team and partnering with regional markets to drive tool adoption, share best practices and maximize North America utilization. Manage Brand PR budget tracking, inputs and monthly reporting processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Strong experience in external communications, brand public relations, journalism or related disciplines.
• Agency and/or brand PR background, with consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry experience strongly valued.
• Strong experience in agency management, cross-functional leadership and operational delivery, including working with internal and external stakeholders in a large, highly matrixed organization.
• Proven ability to develop and execute culturally relevant brand campaigns with measurable impact, along with exceptional writing, editing and storytelling capabilities.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while demonstrating sound editorial judgment, discretion and attention to detail.
• Experience supporting executive communications and reputation management, with the ability to travel as needed.