nastily henrik: Richfield Senior Director, Corporate Public Relations Job

Senior Director, Corporate Public Relations

Job Number: 12000003H5

Description

The Senior Director, Corporate Public Relations will lead a high-performing, award-winning lean external relations team dedicated to protecting and strengthening the reputation of Best Buy as the world's leading multi-channel retailer of consumer technology. This person - essentially the press secretary for the company -- will report to the SVP, Communications & Public Affairs. This is an exciting role for a dynamic, competitive public relations professional who wants to play a key role in shaping Best Buy's future story.

In line with the overall Best Buy business strategy, the Senior Director, Corporate Public Relations will develop and execute the news media strategy and tactics to activate the company's communications strategy. The position will manage crisis communications efforts and related issues reactively and in a rapid response mode. Working closely with the SVP, Communications & Public Affairs, this position will provide media relations counsel and support to the company's CEO and Senior Executive team. Additionally, the position will serve as the company's primary spokesperson with print, radio, television, online media outlets as well as influential bloggers.

This individual must:

Enjoy the fast-paced environment and media attention that comes with working for one of the world's best known retail brands in a turnaround. Understand how traditional and social media work, and excel at developing productive relationships with the press. Be skilled in learning and synthesizing a wide range of subject matters, from consumer technology products/services and regulatory issues, to business financials and the political environment. Apply strategic thinking and communication solutions for business problems. Have outstanding interpersonal skills with emphasis on leadership, relationship development and influence skills. Show sound judgment on complex communication problems. Incumbent must exhibit strong written and oral communication skills. Act with integrity and respect for others. Work well under stressful conditions and deadlines.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop comprehensive external communications strategies to support Best Buy's corporate and business objectives to enhance the company's global reputation. Serve as key media spokesperson with traditional and online media outlets to tell the Best Buy story and drive the company's key messages.

Ensure that issues are monitored and addressed as it relates to these areas.

Lead external communications efforts in key pillar areas, including finance and legal.

Manage crisis communications and related issues reactivity in a rapid response mode, and integrate media strategies into communications plans to leverage company initiatives.

Work closely with the company's CEO and his senior team to determine business communications needs; provide counsel and support on all matters related to media relations.

Support the mobilization of third-party constituents to speak out publicly for Best Buy on targeted issues.

Represent corporate communications' views and opinions, and influence decisions on potential reputation issues.

Develop and implement media and online measurement techniques that regularly monitor, quantify and report the effectiveness of media relations efforts.

Assess and develop a matrixed team of media relations professionals.

Serve as key media spokesperson with print, radio, television, online media outlets as well as influential bloggers.

Be proactive in establishing relationships with key tier one beat reporters that cover Best Buy including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, etc.

Develop strategic communications plans in support of key pillar initiatives outlined in the company's strategic blueprint.

Drive organizational development of public relations capabilities to integrate efficiently with larger Communications & Public Affairs unit.

Partner with other corporate functions including operations, legal, marketing and relevant business units to ensure the appropriate use of a wide range of communications vehicles to deliver consistent messages across audiences.

Monitor and analyze key media channels and blog sites and distribute coverage on a daily basis.

Manage development and implementation of online monitoring system to measure effectiveness of public relations programs.

Manage agency partners to develop and assist in the execution of media strategies and tactics.

Provide strategic advice and counsel to senior management.

Manage budgets and resources as designated.

REQUIREMENTS

- A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Business, Journalism or related area is required; a related advanced degree is preferred. MBA or
business acumen is a plus.
- A minimum of 15 years experience in a Communication role is required.
- Experience as a press secretary in the public sector or as a working journalist with a national media outlet preferred.
- Significant experience in a media relations role.
- Ability to navigate a highly decentralized, collaborative work environment is strongly desired.
- Experience in the retail or technology industry is preferred, but not required.
- Proven track record of delivering superior results and excellent counsel at a senior level is a strong asset.
- Strategic thinking.
- Commitment and track record of developing others -- in and outside of the function is strongly preferred. Excellent interdependent partnering skills are
required.
- Courage to take risks, make tough calls with a sense of urgency.
- Drive to take personal ownership and accountability for results.
- High degree of comfort with ambiguity, in addition to the ability to see big picture and address details is strongly preferred.
- Desire/ability to motivate and empower others toward goals is required.
- Championship of diversity in all aspects, including thinking and willingness to keep an open mind and learn from others is an asset.
- Record of putting interest of the enterprise above own is strongly desired.
- Demonstrated record of using public relations to drive business results is strongly preferred. Ability to influence across all levels is required.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS

- Strong "media presence" as well as the ability to present his/her views in a compelling manner.
- Creativity in developing options and solutions is required. Deep understanding of media perspective and operations is preferred.
- Superior ability to deal with ambiguous situations is strongly preferred.
- Interest and understanding of new media/communications approaches are preferred.
- Experience working in social media and using social media tools to benefit brand/corporate image is an asset.
- Experience in working on global public relations initiatives is preferred.
- Expertise in obtaining, analyzing and synthesizing information.
- Superior writing, editing and oral presentation skills for a broad range of audiences are strongly desired.
- Excellent listening and critical reasoning skills is an asset.
- News writing or journalism experience.
- Experience managing high-profile media issues and crisis situations is strongly preferred. Experience in developing executive positioning programs,
including speech writing and presentations, as well as preparing executives for speaking engagements and other external opportunities is preferred.
- Experience in managing external vendors such as public relations agencies, consultants and media trainers is preferred.
- Works to maintain an understanding of other external forces that may influence business opportunities, such as politics, business trends, and investor
relations is strongly preferred.
- Ability to handle multiple priority assignments is required.
- Ability to deliver against established deadlines and to work under tight time constraints is required.
- Ability to lead strategically and act with a sense of urgency; demonstrate principled leadership and sound business ethics.