Brand Communications Specialist

Job Description:

The Brand Communications Specialist role will work with the External Affairs team to help execute earned- and influence-led brand initiatives that drive reputation, increased awareness and growth of Mars Pet Nutrition’s portfolio of brands in North America. Work will include executing external programs, content creation, and thought leadership programs, by partnering with cross-functional Mars teams and agency partners, to elevate the profile of the Mars Pet Nutrition North America portfolio of brands, including PEDIGREE, CESAR, SHEBA, NUTRO, GREENIES, IAMS, and TEMPTATIONS.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism or associated profession is required, or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• 1-3 years relevant professional experience in PR or brand communications with proven success developing and managing communications programs.
• Must have strong oral and written communication, listening, and interpersonal skills
• Experience working with internal and external stakeholders in a large organization
• Digitally savvy
• Agency/project management experience a plus
• Ability to travel
  
  

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Support Brand initiatives that increase awareness of Mars, its portfolio of Pet Nutrition North America brands, and Purpose, including but not limited to: Brand Integrated Communications, Strategic Partnerships, Sports Collaborations, and Communications & Programming.
• Maintain a strong understanding of current and new media trends which can help influence and reach our target audience, with a growth and digital-first approach.
• Partner with Brand Communications team and agencies to execute communications strategies for select brands in the Mars Pet Nutrition North America (PNNA) portfolio.
• Own Brand Communications editorial calendar, ensuring content and planning timelines are aligned internally and externally.
• Develop, edit, and distribute Brand communications materials including press releases, key messaging/Q&A documents, social posts, presentations and speeches.
• Partner with Strategic Business Communications team to deliver internal amplification moments for our brands to drive Associate pride.
• Lead Brand PR award submissions, partnering with agencies and ensuring reviews and applications are submitted.
• Support Brand Communications Manager with sports sponsorship management and deliverables as needed.
• Regularly update and maintain search terms and sites to circulate weekly industry buzz sweep and news monitoring updates to CA team.
• Partner with Director of Brand & Growth Communications to support Brand PR budget tracking, inputs and monthly reporting processes.
• Helps with proactive and reactive media relations, and event opportunities.
• Complete special projects and programs, as assigned.
  
  

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
  
  

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.

Job Description:

The Brand Communications Specialist role will work with the External Affairs team to help execute earned- and influence-led brand initiatives that drive reputation, increased awareness and growth of Mars Pet Nutrition’s portfolio of brands in North America. Work will include executing external programs, content creation, and thought leadership programs, by partnering with cross-functional Mars teams and agency partners, to elevate the profile of the Mars Pet Nutrition North America portfolio of brands, including PEDIGREE, CESAR, SHEBA, NUTRO, GREENIES, IAMS, and TEMPTATIONS.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism or associated profession is required, or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• 1-3 years relevant professional experience in PR or brand communications with proven success developing and managing communications programs.
• Must have strong oral and written communication, listening, and interpersonal skills
• Experience working with internal and external stakeholders in a large organization
• Digitally savvy
• Agency/project management experience a plus
• Ability to travel
  
  

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Support Brand initiatives that increase awareness of Mars, its portfolio of Pet Nutrition North America brands, and Purpose, including but not limited to: Brand Integrated Communications, Strategic Partnerships, Sports Collaborations, and Communications & Programming.
• Maintain a strong understanding of current and new media trends which can help influence and reach our target audience, with a growth and digital-first approach.
• Partner with Brand Communications team and agencies to execute communications strategies for select brands in the Mars Pet Nutrition North America (PNNA) portfolio.
• Own Brand Communications editorial calendar, ensuring content and planning timelines are aligned internally and externally.
• Develop, edit, and distribute Brand communications materials including press releases, key messaging/Q&A documents, social posts, presentations and speeches.
• Partner with Strategic Business Communications team to deliver internal amplification moments for our brands to drive Associate pride.
• Lead Brand PR award submissions, partnering with agencies and ensuring reviews and applications are submitted.
• Support Brand Communications Manager with sports sponsorship management and deliverables as needed.
• Regularly update and maintain search terms and sites to circulate weekly industry buzz sweep and news monitoring updates to CA team.
• Partner with Director of Brand & Growth Communications to support Brand PR budget tracking, inputs and monthly reporting processes.
• Helps with proactive and reactive media relations, and event opportunities.
• Complete special projects and programs, as assigned.
  
  

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
  
  

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.