Community and External Affairs Manager

The Community and External Affairs (PR) Manager is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with external stakeholders, managing public relations initiatives, and driving community engagement programs that enhance the organization's reputation and social impact while connecting employees to meaningful opportunities to give back. This role serves as the primary liaison between the company and the community, media, and external partners, ensuring consistent messaging and alignment with core values.

Community Engagement & External Affairs
* Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, local organizations, and government agencies.
* Represent the organization at community meetings, forums, and public events.
* Plan and organize approved community projects, including drafting related communication and overseeing details.
* Serve as an internal ambassador for our "Community Focused" value and help to bring it to life and engage employees.
* Manage our charitable giving platform and work to increase utilization among employees.
* Build and maintain partnerships with select community organizations to strengthen relationships and facilitate employee volunteer opportunities.
* Respond to inquiries from community members and other interested parties.
* Help plan, coordinate, and execute periodic volunteer events.
* Employee Resource Group (ERG) Support: Manage the ERG web pages and assist in updating and maintaining related content on platforms, partnering with our Creative and Communications teams to share both internally and externally.
Public Relations & Media Management
* Develop and implement PR strategies to promote the organization's brand and initiatives.
* Manage media relations, including drafting press releases, responding to inquiries, and coordinating interviews.
* Monitor media coverage and prepare reports for leadership.
* Serve as spokesperson for the organization when appropriate.
* Support crisis communication planning and execution.
Strategic Planning & Reporting
* Create annual community engagement and PR plans aligned with business objectives.
* Track and report on the impact of community programs and media campaigns.
* Coordinate on budgets for PR and community initiatives.

Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or related field required.
Minimum eight years of experience in PR, corporate communications or community relations required.
Strong experience in Crisis communication and reputation management preferred.

Required Skills and Abilities:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present professional decks to all levels with ease.
Demonstrated passion for delivering eective communications, creating an inclusive and diverse organization and giving back to the local community.
Strong media relations experience and established network of contacts.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Experience with social media platforms and digital communication skills.
Working knowledge of CSR best practices and community development strategies.
Experience in a corporate or nonprofit setting with community engagement responsibilities.

Physical Requirements:
Ability to sit, stand, walk, etc., for office environment; ability to be on phones majority of business day. Ability to carry up to 25 pounds upon occasion.

Work Environment:
This is an in office role; not hybrid. Ability to travel to work sites and community events and transport items.