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Director External Communications & Community Relations
Delhaize America
Scarborough, ME, United States
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Description
*The successful applicant must have solid Maine media relationships.
Primary Function
Frames strategies and directs programs that drive public relations and influencer outreach, media relations, executive and financial communications (in collaboration with the Global Support Office), community relations, customer relations and public affairs (in collaboration with RBS Government Relations). Works within the Hannaford Marketing Department to build brand loyalty and drive sales.
Position Responsibilities
Develop consistent strategies that complement and integrate with Hannaford Marketing efforts to drive strategic messages, grow brand loyalty and accelerate sales. Serve as Hannaford brand spokesperson on media inquiries; supervises team delivering consumer, influencer or media messages, and support leaders in planning and delivering priority strategic messages.
Develop productive relationships with influencers and key media in our brand hometown and the five states with major markets where Hannaford operates.
Serve as external communication and community relations point for Retail Operations leaders (Retail VPs, DOs and store managers) on local issues and media contacts with potential to affect image, reputation, loyalty and sales.
Lead and manage crisis communications, including development of strategies, plans, and counsel to leaders at all levels that presents Hannaford in alignment with its go-to-market strategy and values.
Lead Hannaford communication related to brand and global corporate social responsibility strategy; collaborate closely with global and Retail Business Services (RBS) sustainability teams in tracking emerging CR developments and communicating emerging plans and strategies to influencers, stakeholders, and customers.
Develop Community Relations programs that support all elements of the Hannaford strategy, with strong emphasis on Local and Healthy.
Lead development of Community Relations and External Communication practices that make it easy for internal partners to collaborate with us.
Lead the Community Relations team in developing and executing programs that make a direct contribution to the sustainability strategy and reporting/tracking of sustainability results.
Collaborate with the RBS and GSO Communication team in utilizing monitoring tools to track emerging issues that affect the brand in social and traditional media.
Lead practice in integrating communication resources contracted from outside into the External Communication and Community Relations team to deliver industry-leading practices.
Drive collaboration between External Communication, Marketing strategy team, and Customer Contact Center on customer contacts through social media or direct communication that creates risk for the brand or business.
Develop sustainable department policies and procedures to support the communication needs of internal business partners, the team, and the company; leverage technology when applicable to drive best practice.
Manage and track budget to support Hannaford goals and objectives.
Acts as liaison to Global Support Office (GSO) communication team and RBS communication team on issues that have potential to affect our industry position.
Reporting to the VP of Marketing, serve as a member of the department management team that determines strategies and goals for a staff of 40 and a $44 million budget.
Integrate and align all communications strategies and programs with strategy and creative teams within Marketing to ensure consistent messaging.
Support Real Estate function, directing issue management needs that may arise with store siting, construction and new business opportunities.
Initiate and foster strategic alliances with industry associations, non-profit sector, large and small businesses, agencies, media, individual influencers and community leaders, to drive corporate programs and objectives.
Develop strategies and direct execution of programs that position Hannaford as a socially responsible, community committed corporate citizen.
Serve as a marketing leadership representative on special projects, task forces and committees.
Gives speeches externally and represent Hannaford at industry conferences and other select public forums.
Support associate understanding of our strategy and values.
Develop associates through leadership, role-modeling, and mentoring; provide opportunities that develop their critical thinking skills and offer opportunities to stretch and grow
Requirements
Qualifications
College degree; master's degree preferred but not required.
Minimum 15 years of external communication or community relations management experience.
Strong leadership skills.
Expert written and oral skills.
Advanced analytical skills.
Strategic planning skills and experience.
Creative problem-solving ability.
Proven ability to motivate, develop and mentor people.
Ability to work collaboratively as integral member of a team.
Key Challenges
Develop strategies that maximize resources, enhance workflow, and improve overall departmental effectiveness.
Position Hannaford as an industry leader in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Integrate and align various communications disciplines.
Able to manage multiple priorities and navigate effectively within the organization.