Sr Specialist - U.S. Brand Communications - The Wendy's Company

Overview:

When our square shaped burgers made their first sizzle on the scene more than 50 years ago, people knew our approach wasn’t like any other. Same goes for the way we support our employees. Our culture of openness, flexibility, and inclusiveness allows everybody to flourish in their own way. If you’re looking for a career where you can be part of the action as we continue to grow our iconic brand – We got you!

 

Reporting to the Director of US Communications, the Senior Specialist of US Brand Communications will manage the development and implementation of Wendy’s external brand communications and public relations strategy in support of the brand’s strategic growth pillars. This role is responsible for managing national public relations, executing various events, creative brand storytelling, overseeing internal marketing System communications and working cross functionally and with agency partners to elevate marketing communications. This position will also partner with other communications and corporate affairs team members to develop and support system/internal communications related to the marketing function, marketing programs and WNAP.

Responsibilities:

• Brand Communications & Public Relations. Develop and implement the Wendy’s brand communications and public relations strategy to key consumer audiences as a core member of Wendy’s integrated marketing team. Manage programs, communications and national public relations agency partnership to support marketing initiatives to grow customer counts and drive same-restaurant sales growth as outlined in Wendy’s AOP and long-range plan. Evolve the brand’s strategic communications strategy to build positive reputational storylines, communicate the brand’s core values, and engage customers in a deeper conversation about the brand.
• Internal/System Marketing Communications. Support the US CMO and the Marketing Leadership Team with written, verbal and digital presentations and communications (e.g. system memos and webcasts, annual Convention). Support and develop System/internal communications for the marketing department, marketing programs and WNAP and ensure relevant cross functional team leaders receive advance awareness of work impacting their functions.
• Media and Influencer Relations. Support media inquiries regarding products and brand marketing initiatives through research and message/response development. Partner with the corporate communications manager on corporate media relations topics, reputational communications, and issues and crisis situations that have the potential to impact the brand and/or company. Position Wendy’s Marketing executives (including but not limited to US Chief Marketing Officer and VP - Global Culinary Innovation) as thought leaders within the restaurant industry. Assist in the creation of talking points and in facilitation of media training for key Wendy’s business leaders. Lead strategy and implementation of earned influencer outreach to drive awareness for the brand and brand initiatives and to engage Wendy’s fans in a deeper conversation about the brand.
• Budget Management: Supports multi-million-dollar WNAP budget management for brand communications and public relations. Ensures related invoices are processed and meets with finance partners quarterly to discuss budget goals and tracking.

Minimum Wage:USD $77,000.00/Yr.Maximum Wage:USD $131,000.00/Yr.Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree, preferably in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
• Five to seven years of Communications experience with strong writing, editing and project management ability
• Understanding of internal and external digital communication and social collaboration channels, trends and applications.
• Excellent written and oral communications skill. Writing in multiple formats under time-sensitive deadlines required.
• Comfortable operating above their level providing guidance to executives on messaging and positioning.
• Ability to manage and coordinate complex projects independently, as part of a cross-functional team or as a team leader.
• Proven ability to anticipate and solve problems.
• Articulate, creative, highly organized and committed to excellence.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Experience planning and executing complex meetings and events.
• Passion for teamwork and ability to develop others.
• Ability to operate with the appropriate sense of urgency.
• Experience in other disciplines such as journalism, brand PR, external communications, internal communications, and/or political campaign communication experience.
• Maturity, composure, trustworthiness, inclusive mindset, respectfulness and self-confidence to communicate clearly and calmly with franchise owners, Wendy’s leadership teams, cross-functional leaders and teams.

 

“Wendy’s was built on the premise, "Quality is our Recipe®," which remains the guidepost of the Wendy's system. Today, Wendy's and its franchisees employ hundreds of thousands of people across more than 7,000 restaurants worldwide with a vision of becoming the world's most thriving and beloved restaurant brand.

 

The base pay range for this position is listed below. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and budget for the open position and also may vary depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other relevant factors.  This range does not include an estimated value for any benefits, bonus, or other incentives that may be applicable based on position. *  The target annual bonus for this role is 7.5% of annualized base salary, based on actual company and personal performance. 

Our square burgers make us different and so do our benefits!  Our restaurant support roles are eligible for a wide array of benefits, including things such as parental leave, free EAP sessions, company 401k match and other great offerings.  For more details about our benefits, including an overview of eligibility and terms for certain benefits, please visit our benefits website, www.wendysbenefits.com.*

*NOTE: Wendy’s benefits, bonus, and other incentives are governed by the applicable legal plans and policies and, where appropriate, may be subject to Board approval an individual award agreement terms.  Those documents supersede all other information regarding Wendy’s benefits, bonus, and other incentives.  Wendy’s retains the right to amend or terminate its plans and policies at its sole discretion, in accordance with applicable plans, policies and laws.”