Director, Public Affairs & Communications: Coca-Cola Enterprises

Manage the core public affairs and communications accountabilities for the business/market unit(s), including government relations/issues management, stakeholder/community engagement, media relations/external communications and employee/internal communications, reporting to the vice president, public affairs & communications. Further, the manager is responsible specifically for integrating Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability into our business by ensuring the business meets and/or exceeds specified targets and goals. Develop and implement key public affairs and communications initiatives; act as spokesperson to media, facilitate and manage crisis communication/business continuity planning, response and relief efforts, and assist with company political action committee.

1. Government Relations/Issues Management (60%), Stakeholder/Community Engagement, Media Relations/External Communications, and Employee/Internal Communications (40%) Specifically:
2. Effectively manage our reputation and relationships by proactively addressing our key public policy, legal, regulatory and other stakeholer issues at the local, state and federal levels for the purpose of both protecting Company profitability and promoting its volume growth, hiring outside consultants to assist, as necessary. Work with The Coca-Cola Company and lead industry associations with a specific focus on health and well-being, environment and tax issues.
3. Lead Operation Grass Roots Enterprise initiatives by implementing employee grassroots advocacy efforts in each marketplace within the business unit; manage strategic stakeholder mapping and coalition-building to successfully mitigate legislation harmful to agenda, financial interests and public image of the Company and products.
4. Integrate CRS into our business strategy to capture operational efficiencies, drive effectiveness and meet our targets and goals. Enhance our credibility through stakeholder, customer, and community engagement. Active promotion of the interests of Company regional businesses in industry associations, trade organizations, NGOs, and community groups, advising facility managers of when and where it would be worthwhile for them to become involved themselves.
5. Stakeholder/community engagement programs linked to local businesses' marketing and sales relationships; focus on CRS strategic focus areas for sustainable communities, optimize community relations contributions to reflect CRS focus areas, utilize CRS as a customer management tool/most valued supplier, and strengthen relationships with local public officials, community leaders, with the education / youth market channel and the retail trade.
6. Conduct facility / plant tours for local, state, and federal public officials and community leaders to explain the Company's contribution to the local economy, CRS platform, and to build strong relationships within the communities where regional businesses operate.
7. Assist local management teams in the execution of public relations programs. Particular focus on partnership with on-premise managers on relationship building efforts and communications with local educators, principals, superintendents on issues in the education area. Assist on-premise channel and sales and marketing functions with engagement wth key community organizations.
8. Leverage high impact, local CRS stories and opportunities including, development of in-plant environmental / recycling programs and encourage participation in local community-based recycling//litter programs.
9. Write, edit and / or deliver speeches, correspondence and presentation to community leaders, schools, other employees and elected officials. Implement the speakers' bureau program within respective Company groups and divisions.
10. Support human resources, marketing / sales and legal in the development of communication strategies and messages to maintain a positive working relationship with any internal or external group or audiences (i.e. unions, media, customers, suppliers, employees, etc.). Develop and execute communications plans to support human resources and legal in employee/labor relations issues management initiatives and crisis communications/IAT.
11. Build relationships with regional purchasing councils and enhance the supplier diversity development program through grassroots efforts.
12. Serve as primary spokesperson for Company in responding to retail trade press and local media regarding facility activities. Assist VP of Sales Operations and Business Unit management team in determining who would be appropriate media spokesperson regarding marketing promotions, product issues, and customer or consumer issues. Conduct regular media/CRS/message development training for facility managers.
13. Media Relations - Write, edit, and distribute press releases and organize press conferences to publicize local promotion and activities. Develop localized press releases and press kits for regional and national Company Scholars Foundation winners. Distribute press materials to sales centers and local media; Build relationships with select media and reporters in Company's territories. The media focus will primarily be toward the retail trade press, business, education, CRS and any local media. Act as company spokesperson; respond to media inquiries.
14. Strengthen our communications and collaboration platform to enable CCE to operate as one company. Build employee alignment with the Operating Framework and drive executive and change management communications, and employee engagement through CRS. Responsible for cascading executive communications - ie. BU E-newsletters, change management messaging.
15. Assist in the development and dissemination of the Immediate Action Team policies and procedures to key management. Lead crisis communications efforts to support IAT process.

Qualifications