Manager, Public Relations - PetSmart

The Legal & Corporate Affairs team is responsible for safeguarding the company’s reputation, ensuring we are operating with integrity and in line with our strategic initiatives. The Legal team provides high-quality legal services, ensures legal compliance and mitigates risks.  The Corporate Communications team works to execute strategic and effective communication efforts that drive brand awareness, preference and reputation with internal and external stakeholders. In addition, the Corporate Social Responsibility & Belonging teams support the company’s environmental and social commitments with a strong focus on pets, people and the planet.  The collective team supports the overall success and positive reputation of the company.  

Hybrid Position:

This position may be considered Hybrid based on PetSmart’s FlexSmart policy and business needs. A Hybrid work arrangement is considered to be a blend of onsite and remote work activity. Associates with a Hybrid work arrangement have a work space at Phoenix Home Office and can be required to come onsite between 1-5 days a week as determined by leadership and based on business needs.

SUMMARY

The Public Relations Manager plays a central role in developing and implementing PetSmart’s public relations strategy. This individual will be responsible for managing internal business partner relationships and an agency team to develop and execute strategic media relations initiatives to enhance the company’s storytelling across consumer and business media. The PR Manager will be a creative thinker with strong writing skills, an understanding of the current consumer and business media landscape, and comfortability working with senior leadership.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to:

• Play a central role in developing and executing PetSmart’s overarching PR strategy including product, consumer, business and thought leadership efforts to drive positive media coverage for the business.
• Ideate and develop creative campaigns and pitch angles that will break through the crowded media environment.
• Lead day-to-day management of the strategy, manage PR agency partner and work closely with internal teams and senior leadership.
• Write and edit a range of materials including PR plans, press releases, media pitches, key messages, etc.
• Manage integrated PR campaigns including overseeing creative development, website development, consumer surveys and extensions with internal teams, including social media.
• Identify emerging trends and opportunities to proactively secure positive media stories that bring to life our brand as well as our key business differentiators.
• Support thought leadership opportunities sharing PetSmart’s retail expertise though our key executives PetSmart leaders as retail experts
• Provide media guidance to internal teams.
• Analyze PR campaign performance and support in development of quarterly reporting and campaign recaps for leadership.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or a related field.
• 4-7 years of experience in public relations, with a strong focus on consumer and business media relations.
• Proven success in securing media coverage across top-tier consumer publications.
• Strong writing, editing and storytelling skills with the ability to create compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Exceptional media relations skills and an understanding of the evolving media landscape, new PR approaches for breaking through in the current media environment and an understanding of what resonates with different audiences.

 SKILLS REQUIRED

• Ability to work across multiple teams and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail.
• Superior written and verbal communications skills.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to adapt in a changing environment.
• Proven ability to effectively prioritize workload and perform in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to adapt to a changing and fast paced work environment.
• Energetic, assertive, results-oriented, self-starter with the desire and ability to go above and beyond.
• Resourceful and proactive; able to work well under pressure with a flexible attitude.
• Excellent time management and organization skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, in a fast-paced environment.

At PetSmart, we work hard to create a culture where every associate feels like they truly belong and we celebrate the unique stories, backgrounds, and experiences our associates share.  These experiences not only bring new perspectives in shaping our Belonging culture but they’re core to PetSmart’s success.

Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We’d still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You just may be the ideal candidate for this role, and if not this one, perhaps another position.

Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:

• Pet friendly environment, bring your pets to work!
• On-site Dog Park
• “Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists and personal trainers
• “Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options
• On-site coffee bar
• “Lil’ Paws” learning center and onsite daycare facility (associate paid)
• Volunteer events with PetSmart Charities
• Learn more about #LifeAtPetSmart here: https://www.lifeatpetsmart.com/life-at-petsmart/
• Check out Associate stories and share in some celebrations at PetSmart: https://www.blog.lifeatpetsmart.com/
• Explore PetSmart Benefits here: https://benefits.petsmart.com/
• If you don't already live in the Phoenix area here's a guide to the area:  Welcome to Phoenix Guide

PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.