Since 1848, Morton Salt has been improving lives and enhancing every day moments. We not only offer your favorite salts for the kitchen but have also created water-softening salts for your home, ice melt salts for your walkways, and chemical-free salts for your pool. Morton Salt also produces quality salts for a vast array of industries, from food manufacturing to pharmaceuticals.
We are widely recognized for our famous Morton Salt Girl, one of America's most beloved icons. She has been the face of our brand for over a century and remains a symbol of trust for consumers and customers.
At Morton, we strive to be an elite organization. If you thrive in a workplace environment that values collaboration and delivers results, then check us out. We are located in downtown Chicago, within walking distance to major train stations, various dining possibilities and many popular Chicago attractions. So come be a part of our iconic brand and join us in the Windy City!
We are looking for a communications professional with a passion for brand-building and storytelling to join our talented team. The Communications Manager will have dual responsibility for strategy and execution of internal and external communications at Morton Salt, and will play an integral role in shaping our image and reputation with key stakeholder groups. This role requires critical thinking, superior communication skills and collaborative leadership. The successful candidate will demonstrate an insightful, decisive, and results-driven nature and an ability to act with sound business judgment and credibility, particularly in interactions with senior executives, news media, and parent company leaders. This position will report directly to the Director of Communications & Corporate Brand Strategy.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
A list of the principal functions of the job to include an action-oriented description of each activity along with the desired outcome against which some measurement of performance can be applied.
External Communications -
- Partner with Morton Salt leaders to design compelling corporate and business/category-level communication platforms that advance business priorities and align with our brand, vision, values and objectives.
- Develop and execute integrated PR/marketing communication strategies and programs to promote our company, brand and products, and drive positive media coverage and marketplace engagement.
- Serve as a company spokesperson and first point of contact for media inquiries across print, broadcast, digital and social channels.
- Create and activate thought leadership programs to positively position Morton Salt with key stakeholders, including media, consumers, customers and other influencers.
- Write and edit various communications, including press releases, key messages, speeches, blogs, video scripts, executive talking points, byline articles, presentations, website content and related materials.
- Coordinate and manage press briefings and media interviews with our leaders and subject matter experts; provide media training and general communications support.
- Serve as a member of the company's crisis communications team; provide strategic communications counsel and support to manage issues and crises.
- Oversee budget and outside agency partners supporting the business.
- Measure effectiveness of communications programs and create plans to improve results.
Internal Communications -
- Develop and implement internal communication strategies and plans that inform and inspire our employees to help drive a more united workplace culture.
- Create clear, consistent internal communications content across a variety of channels including video, print and e-newsletters, company intranet/portal, and town hall meetings.
- Write and edit materials, including organizational announcements, intranet articles, executive speeches and talking points, company presentations, and other corporate communications.
- Plan and execute quarterly town hall meetings including managing agendas, event flow, content development, and in-person and webcast event logistics.
- Create and publish e-newsletter to employee population on a weekly basis.
- Provide ongoing counsel and internal communication support to senior executives.
- Lead, develop, and/or support change management, employee engagement programs and cultural initiatives across the enterprise.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Specifies the general background required of a jobholder to be successful in the position by summarizing the qualifications and educational background necessary for satisfactory performance of the job. The items listed here should include specific references to the number of years of work experience in the applicable field, level of education desired, professional certifications and/or association affiliations required, technical skills, etc.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in corporate communications, marketing communications, public relations or related field. Experience in a corporate environment preferred. CPG and B2B industry experience a plus.
- Experience as a company spokesperson dealing with national, local, trade and social media as well as trade/third-party advocacy organizations preferred.
- Exceptional, articulate communicator with superior journalistic and business writing skills as well as strong verbal and presentation skills.
- Keen understanding of organizational communications, media, and trends to communicate relevant news to key stakeholders in creative ways.
- Adept at communicating in innovative ways and across a wide range of channels and mediums, including print, video, web, and social media.
- Proven track record planning and flawlessly executing enterprise-wide communication programs with measurable results.
- Strong collaboration skills and ability to influence stakeholders across all levels and functions, from front-line teammates to senior management.
- Demonstrated business acumen and ability to translate business strategy into clear and compelling communications.
- Strong track record handling confidential/sensitive company information and adhering to the highest ethical standards.
- Experience managing outside agency teams and budgets.
- Superior planning, project management and analytical skills, with a strong bias toward results, measurement and reporting.
- Fosters effective and collaborative relationships across all levels of the organization.
- Adept at driving alignment with cross-functional teams and senior executives.
- Self-starter who is able to manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively and consistently execute with excellence.
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment and operates with a sense of purpose and urgency.
- Effectively handle pressures and demands from multiple customers and competing priorities.
- Curiosity to learn and adopt the latest communications trends, strategies, tools, and techniques to improve communications effectiveness.
- Advanced knowledge of media monitoring and measurement tools.
- Proficiency in French a plus.