Communications Specialist

Position Description:

The Communications Specialist works with fellow communicators and business partners to help support communications for key corporate functions and international teams at the team and enterprise level to ensure team members understand the company strategy and are motivated to bring their best selves to work. The role supports the development, management and dissemination of timely and relevant communications to promote team member advocacy across the global organization. The Specialist recommends and supports the effective use of communications channels, including social media, intranet and mobile, to enhance team member engagement. This passionate individual is a key contributor to the Communications and Public Affairs function fulfilling its vision of being an essential business partner.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

• Works cross functionally and globally to mine and create content (written, visual, audio) in support of Grainger’s business objectives across all internal channels including, but not limited to, company intranet; email; live forums; mobile platforms; and digital signage.
• Executes the timely creation, writing, editing, translation, publication, distribution and marketing of team member internal stories across channels to reach wired and non-wired employees. 
• Calibrates with business partners on the relevancy of content and adjusts as needed.
• Makes technology recommendations to optimize the effectiveness of internal communications within key functions as well as company-wide; encourages team member use of collaboration communication tools.
• Technically proficient in creating, sharing and measuring (rating, sharing, viewership, etc.) content.
• Uses continuous improvement methodology to develop and maintain communication processes and create standardized work.

Preferred Education & Experience:

• BA/BS degree in Communications/Public Relations, Journalism, English or related field
• 1-3 years of in-house communications or agency experience
• Previous success in relationship building and influencing without direct authority
• Proven success in working in a matrix environment
• Exceptional communication skills (written, verbal, new media, etc.)
• Technical competencies with mainstream social media, videography, visual & audio platforms
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Results and deadline oriented
• Ability to grasp, synthesize and communicate complex business information in clear and concise manner
• Proficient in SharePoint and Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Must be able to travel within and outside the United State; up to 15%, depending on business need.