Job Description
Job Title: Communications Lead
Location: Corporate
Department: Communications
Job Summary: The Communication Lead develops messages and materials to align with communication strategies related to Wawa growth plans and public relations activities. The materials promote public relations activities and internal/external events including writing and editing materials for internal communication plans and materials, and for external distribution through press releases, websites, social media, and other external channels that accurately reflect Wawa’s culture and brand. The individual will support the development of external relationships and foster those relationships to secure media coverage through outreach, maintain key contacts, coordinate appearances with media opportunities with broadcast and radio outlets, and respond to inquiries, while also providing on-site support and coordination at any PR events or media opportunities as needed.
Principal Duties:
- Write, edit, proofread and produce communication materials necessary for events, including event scripts, press releases, invitations, social media and announcements and a variety of internal and external communication vehicles.
- Create and maintain templated materials for core PR events including tool kits, fact sheets, and invitations; monitor for and maintain list of awards and recognition and status by third party (Forbes Privately Held status, Customer Service, ESOP, etc.)
- Distribute press materials for core market grand openings, monitor inquiries, coordinate responses with department leads, monitor impressions and produce impact reports.
- Engage with local media and arrange radio and TV appearances by PR, Marketing and Store Operations teams to drive excitement and promote Wawa’s culture and brand as we expand into new and adjacent markets.
- Develop and distribute social media kits for Charity partners and external organizations to maximize coverage and amplify support for charity campaigns. Update templated materials for use by Government Relations and Real Estate teams in conjunction with Media Services.
- Provide onsite support at PR Events to coordinate media coverage and interviews, engage with local officials and perform emcee duties as needed.
- Assist with crisis response to update wawa.com or other external materials and duties as assigned by Supervisor and Department head.
- Analyze data tracked from PR and Community social media posts and engagement and summarize the impact of each campaign to allow the PR Specialist or Sr. Supervisor to make informed decisions on future strategies.
- Capture content onsite at events including photos and videos for social media, internal and external distribution. Manage and obtain releases as needed.
- Participate in determining the best local approach and strategy for each grand opening based on timing, location, milestone considerations and community factors. Collaborate with Events team, Media Services, Foundation team and other Wawa departments, vendors, and local officials and partners as needed.
- Support outreach and securing attendance of local officials and community partners for grand opening and milestone events.
- Serve as writer and editor of Internal communications plans to align with Wawa’s external PR and internal strategy and Playbook communication.
- Track and maintain inquiries to PR mailbox and work with department head on responses or to fulfill any approved requests for information or customer support. Monitoring PR Mailbox to oversee customer inquiries and resolve issues.
- Maintain and manage a database of media contacts aligned with upcoming new market events and initiatives. Organizes press clippings.
Essential Functions:
- Ability to work well individually as well as in a team environment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Analytical ability to manage reports with a high degree of accuracy
- Good customer service skill
- Ability to work with little or no supervision
- Detail oriented and good organizational skills
- Good analytical skills
- Ability to work under pressure and multi-task
- Strong attention to detail
- Outgoing, enthusiastic, able to lead event activities in front of large crowds
- Willingness and ability to travel
- Problem-solve and analyze information to effectively propose solutions.
- Ability to lead teams of associates, volunteers and external customers to provide direction and guidance at events.
- Ability to attend scheduled events at different times, nights and weekends.
- Ability to attend events in all regions of the company with overnight stays.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations or Communications preferred
- 5 years equivalent/relevant experience
- Knowledge of Excel, Share Point, Microsoft Office products, and social media sites
- Knowledge of Wawa culture, history and heritage
Wawa will provide reasonable accommodation to complete an application upon request, consistent with applicable law. If you require an accommodation, please contact our Associate Service Center at asc@wawa.com or 1-800-444-9292.
Wawa, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Wawa maintains a work environment in which Associates are treated fairly and with respect and in which discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. In accordance with federal, state and local laws, we recruit, hire, promote and evaluate all applicants and Associates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Unlawful discrimination will not be a factor in any employment decision.
