Director, Communications And PR, International And Retail Channels

• Communications Strategy (30%):

• ● Strategize and implement internal and external communications plans for the President of GoTo Foods International and Retail Channels.

• ● Lead long-term brand planning and deployment of complex orchestration plans to drive business results and brand growth.

• ● Collaborate with various communications and PR stakeholders.

• ● Partner with International and domestic Marketing and Operations leaders to identify communication needs and opportunities.

• ● Manage Communications and Brand PR Strategy for new brands, store openings, milestone announcements, etc.

• ● Liaise with Corporate Communications and Development Communications leads to identify story opportunities, including executive and franchisee visibility and growth storylines.

• ● Provide media training for executives.

• ● Oversee potential consumer PR agencies for regions with varying support and tactics.

• ● Manage PR budgets and allocated resources monthly.

• Corporate & B2B Communications & PR - International and Retail Channels (40%):

• ● Identify proactive B2B communications opportunities for GoTo Foods and its affiliate brands in the international space, including media relations, content, franchisee communications, etc.

• ● Align with external channels partners to create earned media relations and social media strategies for new products and product lines.

• ● Collaborates with domestic Brand PR and Brands social media teams, when necessary

• ● Draft press releases and media announcements for key corporate and brand international initiatives, such as new senior personnel appointments, strategic franchisee-facing business news and significant growth and development news. Also includes new retail partner opportunities.

• ● Oversee international industry survey and award ranking submissions.

• ● Direct and collaborate external consultancy or in-market agency support on an as needed basis.

• Business Development - International (15%):

• ● Collaborate closely with the Business Development team by attending weekly meetings to understand the progress of franchise location signings and actively participate in deal discussions. Identify key communication needs and opportunities within each deal to align communication strategies effectively.

• ● Develop comprehensive communication plans tailored to international markets. Ensure that communication strategies align with the company's overall business development goals and objectives.

• ● Regularly review the franchise location pipeline and work closely with the International team to identify upcoming opportunities where communications support is required. Proactively plan and prepare communication materials in advance to streamline the process.

• ● Be prepared to address any potential communication challenges or crises that may arise during the business development process. Develop crisis communication strategies and materials to mitigate any reputational risks.

• ● Engage with key stakeholders, including potential franchisees and partners, to establish and maintain positive relationships. Ensure that communication efforts align with the company's values and branding to build trust and confidence.

• ● Collaborate with the FBI leadership team to craft clear and compelling messages that highlight the benefits of partnering with the company as a franchisee. Tailor messaging to resonate with different target audiences and international markets.

• ● Stay informed about international market trends, cultural nuances, and communication preferences in different regions to adapt strategies for maximum effectiveness in signing new franchise locations worldwide.

• Executive Visibility & Thought Leadership (10%):

• ● Collaborate with industry conference and event coordinators to secure speaking engagements for GoTo Foods International and Retail Channels executives.

• ● Provide end-to-end support for executive speaking engagements, including booking, prep calls, and briefing material preparation.

• ● Identify proactive and reactive opportunities for executive profiling with trade and business media on the international and retail channels business, in international and domestic US media.

• Vendor, Internal, and External Relationships (5%):

• ● Develop and maintain positive business relationships with associates, retail channels partners vendors, agencies, media, stakeholders, franchise partners, and industry professionals.

• ● Interact with internal stakeholders to provide consultation on communications, PR, and related topics.

• ● Interface with industry, media, and professional organizations to increase brand/organization awareness and expand networking opportunities.

• ● Research industry communication and PR trends and best practices.

• ● Manage and grow relationships with media, key influencers, and industry professionals.

The Director, Communications, International and Retail Channels, supports two vital GoTo Foods business functions - the International business and Global Retail Channels. In this integral position, the Director will oversee all corporate and B2B communications for these two divisions: (1) Our International division, which includes crucial responsibilities like executive visibility initiatives for our senior leadership team (inclusive of thought leadership writing, conference and panel speaking engagements), strategic communication planning for corporate announcements both internally and externally, as well as support of the international team in their business development endeavors. And (2), Retail Channels, by creating and executing a strategic communications and Brand PR strategy that benefits the corporation and brands while strengthening reputation and narratives.

In this role, the Director will collaborate closely with International teams to support corporate and brand global growth outside of the United States and Canada, along with supporting business development strategies. The Director's responsibilities will extend to overseeing integrated communications initiatives and activities that elevate GoTo Foods and our brands while fostering international growth and awareness. This work includes developing, managing, and executing communication strategies and PR plans that differentiate and strengthen our leadership position within the industry, ultimately driving brand growth among existing and potential franchisees.

Moreover, the Director will oversee the development and execution of a multi-year communications strategy supporting the long-terms goals of the company's Retail Channels division, which includes brand licensing and multi-channel product solutions. GoTo Foods' Retail Channels division focuses on driving multi-channel growth for our brands across consumer-relevant occasion, whether customers are on the go, in grocery stores, schools, at home, or in the office. The team works with outside companies to innovative new products that customers crave. The Director of Communciations will work with Retail Channels leaders to develop a communications strategy that leads to strengthening and growing existing partnerships, securing new and innovative partnerships in traditional and new distribution channels, and increasing overall awareness of these partnerships with multiple internal and external audiences. GoTo Foods has been rated the #4 Food & Beverage Global Brand Licensor with over 100 products and more to achieve more than $1B in annual retail sales.

Serving as a strategic communications advisor, you will craft communication strategies to share our brand's long-term vision and annual plans to drive business growth. The Director will collaborate on brand and operational communications, ensuring that franchisee and operator communication strategies, channels, and messaging effectively capture the voice and tone of our company and brands to enhance franchisee engagement. Collaborating with various departments, such as International Operations and Marketing, you will facilitate the dissemination of vital information to our stores concerning operational procedures, supply chain management, training, marketing, and digital initiatives. This role also involves close collaboration with the Director of Corporate Communications to ensure the seamless cascading of Focus Brands messages to our brand franchisees.

The ideal candidate will be a strong writer and communicator, having experience with both external proactive and reactive media relations as well as managing overall strategy and content development for franchisee-facing communications. They excel in writing and communication skills, have experience engaging with industry trade and international media in both proactive and reactive contexts, and exhibit a commanding executive presence.

If you are a seasoned PR and communications professional with the skills, experience, and executive presence required to thrive in a dynamic and global environment, we invite you to join us at Focus Brands International as our Corporate PR Manager and contribute to our continued success and expansion on the international stage.

Fixed Hybrid-Atlanta

• A Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, business, marketing, advertising, or a closely related field of study is required for this position.

• A preference will be given to candidates with an advanced degree and/or accreditation in public relations.

• The ideal candidate should possess 8-10years of experience in communications, public relations, and media.

• Experience in the international, franchising, retail, restaurant, food, or beverage industries is also preferred.

• 6+ years of experience leading a team

• Masters' degree in Communications and Public Relations is preferred.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

• Ability to think on one's feet and pitch compelling stories

• Effective communication of complex concepts in clear and concise language

• Active listening skills while engaging with others

• Establishment, implementation, and clear communication of strategies aligned with business needs and objectives to gain stakeholder buy-in

• Development and maintenance of positive business relationships with senior management, stakeholders, and other departments, fostering an environment of mutual respect, understanding, trust, and support

• Anticipation and timely response to the needs of stakeholders, both internal and external

• Adaptation and adjustment of planned work based on analysis of work demands, competing priorities, and tight deadlines

• Understanding of the most effective and efficient means to accomplish tasks within the parameters of the organizational structure, processes, systems, and policies

• Assessment of situations and provision of counsel to identify solutions that resolve challenges and issues while considering the best interests of all parties

• Development and implementation of short and long-term solutions

• Application of effective problem-solving and decision-making to address business needs and issues

• May be required to travel up to 25% of the time