*Preference to candidates within the Twin Cities area of MN.

Job Overview:

The Senior Manager, External Communications plays an important role in shaping public perceptions of UNFI’s retail business segment, with a focus on the Cub brand in Minnesota. As a trusted advisor and strategic partner, this individual collaborates closely with the retail leadership team and key stakeholders to develop both proactive and reactive communications strategies to promote and protect the Cub brand. This includes partnering with the Retail Marketing team on strategic PR initiatives to drive positive media coverage for the Cub brand and working closely with the Retail Operations team to develop appropriate response strategies to periodic store-level or labor-related issues. Reporting to UNFI’s Director of External Communications, this individual will also contribute to UNFI’s broader integrated communications strategy, uniting the company’s retail growth story with its broader external narrative and customer value proposition

Job Responsibilities:

• Cub External Communications Strategy: Develop and implement strategic 360 communication plans to support UNFI’s Retail business segment and help drive the growth of the Cub brand in Minnesota.
• Media Outreach & Management: Build and cultivate productive relationships with key media in the Twin Cities, as well as UNFI’s broader grocery industry trades, to foster improved quality of news coverage over time.
• Story-mining & Message Development: Create high-quality communication materials to tell the Cub brand’s evolution and growth story, including key messages, press releases, media statements, spokesperson talking points, FAQs, UNFI newsroom stories, and other resources as need. Recommend appropriate communications tactics based on audience to ensure delivery of timely and relevant information.
• Measurement and Feedback: Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess communication effectiveness with target media channels and other brand touchpoints. Track and analyze media sentiment and use data to inform senior management on key opportunities and threats.
• Rapid Response: Develop and manage a bank of pre-approved responses to potential Retail-related issues and crises; activate these messages as needed with media and stakeholders in response to real-time issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/ Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Organizational Development, Change Management, or related field (master’s degree preferred).

Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in public relations, media relations and/or corporate communications, preferably in a complex, matrixed organization.

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex information.
• High level of creativity, with a knack for driving impactful PR campaigns and cutting through the clutter with news media.
• Track record of building mutually beneficial media relationships; confidence speaking with media regularly.
• Ability to maintain calm under pressure and provide sound counsel to senior leaders in times of crisis.
• Proven ability to influence and build trust with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and experience with media monitoring and tracking platforms such as Meltwater
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strategic mindset and comfortable working with ambiguity.
• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment:

Remote Role:

• This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Travel (minor):

• This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.

Physical Environment/Demands: 

Office Roles:

• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.
• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.

About UNFI: We are North America’s premier grocery wholesaler, delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to community grocers and retail chains alike. A pioneer in natural and organic foods, we are growing and transforming to meet the needs of an evolving workplace. Our 29,000+ employees work across America in our 50 Distribution Centers and corporate offices. Learn more: Organic, Natural and Conventional Food | Wholesale Food Distributors | UNFI

Benefits: Competitive 401k, Flexible PTO, Remote, Health benefits – first of the month following 30 days of employment, mentorship program/developmental opportunities.