External Communication Specialist

**Starting Salary Range at $70,000/year + DOE and Bonus Opportunity**

Maverik is seeking a skilled communications professional to lead our external efforts, collaborating with PR and marketing agencies to drive engaging consumer initiatives for both Maverik and Kum & Go brands, developing captivating storytelling strategies, ensuring brand voice consistency, securing positive media coverage, and leveraging AI tools for high-quality written content. If you're passionate about crafting compelling narratives and making a meaningful impact, join us!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support and provide strategic direction to PR and Marketing external agencies leading consumer-focused initiatives supporting both Maverik and Kum & Go brands aimed at driving engagement, Maverik brand equity, and loyalty through promoting key business initiatives
• Responsible for the annual PR (earned and paid media) calendar and collaborate with Marketing teams to templatize campaigns and streamline delivery processes
• Collaborate closely with internal teams such as Marketing, Foodservice, and Real Estate to gather newsworthy insights and ensure alignment in External Communications efforts
• Develop strategies to engage external audiences through compelling storytelling and relevant content tailored to their interests and needs
• Collaborate with Marketing to ensure consistency in brand voice and messaging across all communication channels through updating approved marketing copy/style guide
• Assist in building and maintaining relationships with media to secure positive coverage promoting the brand and staff press events as necessary
• Evolve quarterly PR reporting and identification of KPIs to develop a value proposition for strategic placements that help grow the overall business
• Responsible for the press section of the website including updated company fact sheet, press releases, updated coverage, and photo/video assets
• Utilize AI tools and technologies to develop high-quality written content for various External Communications channels, including paid media, press releases, website copy, customer emails, or customer service talk tracks
• Stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging technologies in AI-driven content creation to ensure our brand remains innovative and competitive

Qualifications: Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field, preferred

Qualifications: Experience (Add number of years of experience and type of experiences required for role)

• 3+ year of public relations experience or relevant internship experience and coursework
• In-depth knowledge of media relations from trade publications to local, regional, and national outlets
• Excellent writing and oral communications skills
• Passion for storytelling and ability to craft compelling narratives and engaging content to effectively communicate our brand's message to external audiences
• Ability to spot trends and identify press opportunities while avoiding reputational risks
• Interest and understanding of utilizing and evolving AI tools for writing brand content
• Capacity to assess situations quickly and respond appropriately, while adjusting swiftly to changing priorities
• Ability to thrive surrounding fast-moving and complex topics
• Proficiency in Monday.com project management software a plus

Qualifications: Team Member Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including strong listening skills
• Practice operating independently without the need for continuous oversight or direction
• Proven ability to effectively prioritize and balance competing needs
• A history of taking the initiative to identify and solve work-related problems
• Experience in exercising initiative and sound judgment in decision-making