CSR Jobs | Manager of Corporate Public Relations & Media at Unilever
Summary:
The Manager of Corporate Public Relations & Media Relations pro-actively supports the North America business and is charged with significantly contributing to raising the profile of Unilever and the Unilever brand in North America by strategizing, developing and implementing pro-active PR and media relations campaigns, overseeing day-to-day opportunistic media relations activities and managing issues and potential crises for Unilever in North America, with a focus on the USA. The incumbent will be charged with developing and implementing key PR and media relations strategies and campaigns that will drive the US 2015: Our Roadmap to Win business strategy, in addition to our Compass aspiration (the Company’s vision and purpose), as well as the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, which is at the heart of the Company’s business model. They He/she will develop an aligned media relations strategy that balances initiating positive publicity about the Company with managing and minimizing negative media coverage. The position also includes overall management of the corporate web sites in North America (USA and Canada) and leveraging those platforms in an integrated way with other media relations activities. Incumbent will also support and liaise with the Manager of Communications in Canada to leverage PR and media relations activities across North America.
Responsibilities:
- Maintain strong relationships with journalists and represent Unilever favorably, particularly among key dailies and trade media, including on-line publications and influential bloggers, with a focus on those based in the USA. Based on media strategy, pitch potentially newsworthy story ideas, events, initiatives, trends, experts, etc., to variety of news and feature reporters. Help to position Unilever as a leading industry player and a useful resource for industry information for journalists.
- Handle media inquiries: manage process of gathering information, vetting responses, providing response or materials, and/or arranging interviews with internal experts. Notify appropriate Unilever colleagues of impending stories and ensure distribution following publication, airing or posting. Work closely with the Global Communications teams, including Global Media Relations and External Affairs to ensure consistency in responses to various issues – including both positive, opportunistic media and those that involve potential negative exposure for the Company.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with external audiences and stakeholders to seek out appropriate external venues – such as speaking platforms, media ranking opportunities and conferences – in order to augment Unilever’s share of voice in the fast-moving-consumer-goods (FMCG) industry. Work closely with the Director of Corporate PR and Media Relations, as well as Marketing Communications, Employee Engagement, Human Resources, Customer Development, Senior Leadership, and the Vice President of Sustainable Living and Corporate Communications, among others, to help to position Unilever as a leading industry player and help elevate the Unilever brand in North America.
- Keep abreast of industry trends, issues and news that might affect how Unilever is viewed and covered by U.S.-based reporters. The incumbent must be fluent and agile at speaking with the media about the FMCG industry. Analyze media coverage of Unilever and competitors and possess a full understanding of the FMCG industry. Participate in the working communications groups of key industry trade associations, such as the Grocery Manufacturers of America, the Personal Care Products Council and others as assigned.
- Manage corporate announcements, such as divestitures, acquisitions, management changes, restructurings, litigation outcomes, business ventures, factory investments and/or closures, etc. Work with Investor Relations and the Law Department to fulfill all SEC disclosure requirements related to material information.
- Draft and/or edit press materials used to deal effectively with the media: corporate press releases, standby statements, Q&As, talking points, scripts, bios and fact sheets. Liaise with Marketing Communications, Investor Relations and the Corporate Press Offices in London and Rotterdam to ensure consistency of message and voice. Review draft press releases prepared by the businesses or by outside parties (e.g., advertising agencies, vendors, third-party organizations/partners, etc.), prior to issuance to ensure proper positioning of news, optimal timing and accuracy about Unilever.
- Oversee content development of corporate web site properties to better serve journalists and other external stakeholders in understanding Unilever; create and leverage online opportunities for greater Unilever share of voice in media coverage.
- Manage day-to-day oversight and professional development of two Media Relations Associates.
- Assist Director with budget management.
Requirements:
- BS/BA degree, with strong liberal arts, communications and/or journalism background. Master’s Degree a plus.
- Previous, proven experience (7-10 years) in media relations campaigning (proactively pitching story platforms and programs) and dealing effectively with U.S. journalists at a variety of top-tier media outlets in fielding tough inquiries on complex topics and issues, and in formulating and pitching story ideas on proactive basis.
- Incumbent must have excellent, relevant experience as a publicist, representing either a large, complex company, or a mix of diverse clients in different industries. Must have orchestrated interviews, editorial briefings and demonstrated effective dealings with the media at all levels.
- Candidate must have a proven track record of frequent dealings with company executives/spokespeople in preparing them for media interviews, including briefings on individual reporter, news outlets and angles of interview; coaching on formation and delivery of message; critique of interview or presentation; follow-up communication.
- Corporate PR/media relations experience required. Previous work in journalism and corporate public relations preferred, along with working for a major multinational corporation. PR agency experience is a plus.
Preferred Skills:
High-energy and can-do positive spirit; self-starter and independent worker; Must love story telling and be eager to communicate Unilever’s growth and leadership position in the in North America, with a focus on the USA. Leading cross-functional teams to establish strategic and integrated communications plans that align with and support the Company’s overall business strategy. Handling all aspects of issues and crisis management and have a proven track record as a respected issues/crisis management counselor. Writing and editing public relations materials, including talking points, press releases, standby statements, Q&As, opinion pieces, Twitter feeds, letters to the editor, etc. Must have knowledge of media relations activities relating to M&A activities, including disclosure rules and a working knowledge of media relations activities relating to other U.S. regulatory authorities, including the U.S. FDA. Social and traditional media expertise; Understanding social media and the ability to develop media strategies and activations for such platforms as bloggers, Facebook, Twitter, etc. 24/7 availability, including evenings and weekends as necessary.
Unilever is an equal opportunity employer. It prohibits discrimination based on age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status and any other legally protected class in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
To Apply
Please visit the Unilever careers website at http://www.unileverusa.com/careers/
