Media Relations Lead

Job Description

Job Title:  Media Relations Lead

Location: Corporate

Department: Public Relations

Job Summary:  

The Media Relations Lead supports a broad range of corporate communication initiatives for Wawa and The Wawa Foundation including  responding to media inquiries, drafting communication plans and materials for internal and external programs, events and incident response scenarios while ensuring messaging is accurate, timely and aligned with strategy and Wawa’s values. Manages execution of communication and public relations programs, events and initiatives ensuring they meet established deadlines and standards and provides any support needed to ensure successful completion of goals.  Implements incident response plans, actively monitors and documents messaging across internal and external channels keeping department leadership up to date on results.

Principal Duties:

• Draft communication plans and materials for a wide range of public relations initiatives ensuring accuracy and alignment with strategic plans and goals and reflecting Wawa culture and values.  Manage timelines and execute plans including media outreach, maintaining contact lists, drafting content for press kits, press releases, social media posts and video scripts.  Receive and respond to media inquiries and continuously monitor and evaluate coverage. Research, write responses as needed and gain necessary approvals from department leadership and internal and external teams.

• Manage and implement incident response actions.  Draft and share updates, FAQs and other communication materials as directed to keep teams informed and support response efforts.  Participate in the development of proactive communication plans for a wide range of scenarios.  Ensure plans are maintained and updated regularly. 

• Assist with strategy development and draft communication plans for internal initiatives and events.  Coordinate with various departments to gather information for messaging.  Execute the roll-out of communication initiatives providing support and assistance as needed.  Track results and share with teams to drive future improvements.

• Collaborate with Wawa’s social media team on reviewing community posts and flagged content and recommend direction on approach and response as needed and with the review and approval of department manager.

• Assist with developing internal and external content through drafting scripts and talking points, or by gathering video clips and interviews onsite, as needed.

• Act as primary reviewer of inquiries to the Public Relations media mailbox. Coordinate with various stakeholders to research, gather information and develop response and messaging.  Once approved by department leadership, issue response and monitor results. Develop standard responses for frequent inquiries or scenarios and serve as a resource onsite for approved requests for filming or collaboration requiring an onsite presence in accordance with policy.

• Provide communications support during weather response events (Copy writing for Wawa.com, social media posts, digital signage, emails, in-store fundraising for emergency funds, etc.) Coordinate media requests. Support Media Services team to manage web communications and updates during weather incidents or other scenarios requiring web page updates.

• Provide Communications Support to The Wawa Foundation, Wawa’s separate 501c3 charitable arm, for annual initiatives like in-store fundraising, key issue grants, The Wawa Foundation Hero Award, Fly Beyond.  Review and approve grant recipient external communications (press releases, social posts, and other external communication elements.)  

• Monitor and develop responses for posts on internal communications tools.

• Execute press events, serving as spokesperson if needed, or providing approved scripts or talking points to senior management.

Essential Functions:

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to work under pressure and handle sensitive, confidential information
• Analyze information and effectively propose solutions
• Strong consultative, facilitation, project management and presentation skills
• High degree of professionalism and confidentiality
• Work independently
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
• Establish and maintain a working environment conducive to positive morale, individual style, quality, creativity, and teamwork
• Ability to attend scheduled events at different times, nights and weekends
• Ability to attend events in all regions of the company with overnight stays
• On call 24/7 for crisis situations

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree in a related field preferred
• 7+ years of experience Corporate Communications, PR or crisis management
• Strong crisis preparedness and simulation skills
• Proven ability to manage complex events, multiple assignments and meet deadlines
• Proven experience with media relations and crisis management

Wawa will provide reasonable accommodation to complete an application upon request, consistent with applicable law. If you require an accommodation, please contact our Associate Service Center at [email protected].

Wawa, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Wawa maintains a work environment in which Associates are treated fairly and with respect and in which discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. In accordance with federal, state and local laws, we recruit, hire, promote and evaluate all applicants and Associates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Unlawful discrimination will not be a factor in any employment decision.