Communications Specialist

About the Role

The Communications Specialist will work with the External Affairs team to execute a reputation strategy, communications programs, brand PR initiatives, and sponsorships and partnerships. This role aims to increase awareness, relevance, and growth of Mars Pet Nutrition and its brands in North America, supporting the company’s purpose: A Better World for Pets. The position is based in Franklin, TN, and is onsite/in-office. Mars does not sponsor visas for this role, and it is not eligible for relocation benefits.

Responsibilities

• Support Corporate and Brand initiatives to increase awareness and relevance of Mars’ Pet Nutrition North America brands and Purpose, including Corporate Communications, Brand PR, Mars Volunteer Program (MVP), Community Engagement, Strategic Partnerships, Sports Collaborations, and Communications and Programming.
• Maintain a strong understanding of current and new media trends to influence reach and target audiences with a growth and digital-first approach.
• Support planning and execution of Brand PR, corporate communications, and BETTER CITIES FOR PETS initiatives in collaboration with External Affairs and Marketing teams.
• Partner with the Director of Brand Communications and agencies to execute communications strategies and activations for select brands in the Mars PNNA portfolio.
• Develop, write, edit, and distribute communications materials, including press releases, internal story alerts, corporate statements, presentations, and speeches.
• Execute charitable contribution requests, manage ticket and sponsorship deliverables, and allocate samples in collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Support team budget management, including opening Purchase Orders and maintaining a budget tracker.
• Monitor company and competitor news to identify emerging issues and storylines, delivering regular updates to the Corporate Affairs team.
• Support proactive and reactive media relations and event opportunities.
• Lead workstream to develop cross-team processes, improving efficiency and partnership across Pet Nutrition North America.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 1-3 years of relevant professional experience in brand, corporate, or internal communications, or project management, with proven success in developing and managing communications programs.
• Strong oral and written communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with internal and external stakeholders in a large organization.
• Digitally savvy.
• Agency experience is a plus.
• Ability to travel.

About Mars

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose-driven company striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Access best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including Mars University.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.