Media Relations Lead

About the Role

At Wawa, you’ll be part of a caring team dedicated to helping all of us fly high—together. As the Media Relations Lead, you’ll support 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. Your work will ensure messaging is accurate, timely, and aligned with Wawa’s strategy and values. You’ll manage the execution of communication and public relations programs, events, and initiatives while meeting deadlines and maintaining high standards.

Responsibilities

• Draft communication plans and materials for public relations initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and Wawa’s culture and values.
• Manage timelines and execute plans, including media outreach, maintaining contact lists, and drafting content for press kits, press releases, social media posts, and video scripts.
• Receive, research, and respond to media inquiries, monitor and evaluate coverage, and secure necessary approvals from leadership and internal/external teams.
• Manage and implement incident response actions, including drafting updates, FAQs, and other communication materials to support response efforts.
• Participate in developing proactive communication plans for various scenarios and ensure plans are regularly updated.
• Assist with strategy development and draft communication plans for internal initiatives and events, coordinating with departments to gather information for messaging.
• Execute the roll-out of communication initiatives, track results, and share insights to drive future improvements.
• Collaborate with Wawa’s social media team to review community posts, flagged content, and recommend response approaches with manager approval.
• Develop internal and external content by drafting scripts, talking points, gathering video clips, and conducting onsite interviews as needed.
• Act as the primary reviewer of inquiries to the Public Relations media mailbox, coordinating with stakeholders to research, develop, and issue approved responses.
• Develop standard responses for frequent inquiries or scenarios and serve as an onsite resource for approved filming or collaboration requests.
• Provide communications support during weather response events, including copywriting for Wawa.com, social media posts, digital signage, emails, and in-store fundraising for emergency funds.
• Coordinate media requests and support the Media Services team in managing web communications during weather incidents or other scenarios requiring updates.
• Provide communications support to The Wawa Foundation for annual initiatives like in-store fundraising, key issue grants, The Wawa Foundation Hero Award, and Fly Beyond.
• Review and approve grant recipient external communications, including press releases and social posts, and monitor/develop responses for internal communications tools.
• Execute press events, serving as spokesperson if needed, or providing approved scripts/talking points to senior management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in 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.

Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle sensitive, confidential information.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to propose effective solutions.
• Consultative, facilitation, project management, and presentation skills.
• High degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to foster a positive working environment conducive to teamwork, creativity, and morale.
• Flexibility to attend scheduled events at various times, including nights and weekends.
• Willingness to travel to events in all regions of the company, including overnight stays.
• Availability on call 24/7 for crisis situations.