Manager - Public Relations

Verizon Wireless is looking for a public relations manager to oversee all public relations and community relations for its Illinois/Wisconsin Region, supporting the company’s corporate image and brand, product launches and service promotions, and position on industry trends and issues.

Responsibilities:

• Develop region-focused media relations plan that promotes brand awareness and positions the company as an industry leader. Include corporate and area initiatives as directed by executive director
• Successfully oversee agency relationships including day-to-day direction and strategy, budget and project management.
• Develop and grow relationships with targeted media/reporters.
• Serve as initial news media contact and spokesperson for targeted media and on complex or controversial issues; help ensure Verizon Wireless receives strong but appropriate news coverage in the cities/towns in which we do business within the region of responsibility.
• Identify and create opportunities to obtain media coverage for Verizon Wireless’ products, services and community assistance to favorably position the brand and promote awareness of brand attributes, company offerings and corporate citizenship.
• Develop regional media plans and supporting media relations materials (fact sheets, response statements, news releases, event outline) for company’s products, services and activities for regional use; provide effective and innovative regional support for national and area product launches.
• Provide media support to store traffic-driving efforts such as grand openings, special events, B2B initiatives and related undertakings.
• Develop background documents and briefing materials on key issues, opportunities, special events, etc., for local market leaders.
• When not serving as spokesperson, prepare subject matter experts for media interviews.
• Provide instantaneous crisis/emergency communications and issues management support.
• Prepare articles including byline articles, contributed pieces, OpEd, etc., for corporate, area and regional “publications” about regional activities.
• Write speeches and/or develop presentations for use by executives in public appearances, business forums and related venues, as needed.
• Lead and support company supported community affairs initiatives, area and local, including domestic violence awareness and prevention; HopeLine, the phone donation program, Verizon Foundation grants, company sponsorships and related efforts.
• Provide employee communications support as directed by region president, including overseeing communications strategy for employee meetings, region president monthly emails/voicemails, specialty communications, crafting, editing and sending out bulletins, personnel announcements and related initiatives.

Experience:

• 7+ years of experience in media relations at relevant job level.
• Relevant experience/professional and technical skills: public relations, community relations, media relations (including spokesperson experience and crisis communications expertise), employee communications, staff management at relevant level, excellent verbal and written communications skills, organization skills, market-focused, MS Office proficiency.
• Bachelor degree required, advanced degree preferred.
• Relocation assistance available.

When you help us deliver on our promise to our clients, we return the favor by delivering best-in-class rewards and benefits to you through our Total Rewards package, including medical/dental/vision from day one, 401(k), paid vacation and holidays, work/life programs, continuous learning, and generous tuition assistance.