The Policy & Issues Communications team's purpose is to protect and defend the reputation of The Coca-Cola Company North America Operating Unit and North America Bottling System by articulating and amplifying the company's policy and sustainability agenda with key stakeholders. The Senior Manager of Issues Communications will play a critical role in protecting and defending the company's reputation in partnership with the Senior Director of Policy & Issues Communications. This role will provide guidance and support to the North America Bottling System and internal teams regarding reputation risk and issues, while identifying opportunities to proactively increase awareness and understanding of the company's policy agenda.
Focus, Scope, & Impact:
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Main Responsibilities:
- Leads crisis and issues management and communications for North America and provides support and guidance to teams including the North America (NA) Bottling System and NA Public Affairs and Policy, Communications and Sustainability (PACS) on issues and opportunities.
- Serves as core team member of NA operating unit Incident Management and Crisis Response (IMCR), consulting on day-to-day operational issues impacting our workforce, facilities, third-party facilities, bottling partners, product quality and safety, and supply chain.
- Supports The Coca-Cola Company reputational issues and crisis scenario planning in partnership with Senior Director of Issues and Policy Communications.
- Manage TCCC Press Inbox inquiries related to NA issues; help triage response strategy in alignment with Corporate PACS.
- Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, and industry influencers.
Collaboration:
- Manage relationship with Bottling System Communicators; coordinate and host bi-monthly communication meetings; support headwind issue communication resources.
- Work with PACS, Legal, and Corporate PACs on strategic issues response.
- Coordinate with PACS teams, including Corporate/Global, NAOU Policy and Government (Federal, State & Local), Community & Stakeholder Relations, Customer Communications and Sustainability teams to ensure strong collaboration.
- Manage relationships with external agencies.
Spokesperson Development:
- Develop company spokespeople and train executives for media interactions.
Content Strategy & Management:
- Manage and enhance NA OU (Operating Unit) PACS Messaging Repository.
- Manage and enhance NA OU PACS Issues Tracker.
- Engage audiences on digital platforms and create strategies to defend and protect company reputation.
- Measure reach and impact of external communications initiatives.
Talent Development & Team Collaboration:
- Operate within a high-performing, collaborative, and agile team.
- Act as a coach and mentor to junior communications professionals, fostering a strong talent pipeline.
Key Success Parameters
Experience
At least 8 years of relevant experience, in senior communication roles that were accountable for communications strategy development and execution (little to no reliance on agency support).
Work Focus
Ability to monitor, understand, and anticipate reputational impacts, with a focus on external stakeholders. Strong leadership skills, collaboration with other areas of the business, and ability to operate in a network are required.
Communication Focus
- Communications consultant with ability to influence leaders on best way to drive messages to employees and external stakeholders.
- Ability to develop and amplify a narrative.
- Ability to build consensus, ensure alignment and buy-in from key internal stakeholders.
Key Knowledge Requirements
MASTERY OF (REQUIRED):
- CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
- MEDIA RELATIONS
- STORYTELLING
- ISSUES MANAGEMENT & CRISIS RESOLUTION
- STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT
BROAD EXPERTISE IN (GOOD TO HAVE):
- INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
- SOCIAL MEDIA
- CONSUMER PUBLIC RELATIONS
- WRITING & PRESENTATION SKILLS
- SYSTEM (BOTTLER) UNDERSTANDING
What We Can Do For You
- Iconic & Innovative Brands: Our portfolio represents over 250 products with some of the most popular brands in the world, including Coca-Cola, Simply, Fairlife & Topo Chico.
- Expansive & Diverse Customers: We work with a diversified group of customers which range from retail & grocery outlets, theme parks, movie theatres, restaurants, and many more each day.
Skills:
Social Media; Press Releases; Media Relations; Campaign Development; Crisis Management; Public Relations (PR); Agency Relationships; Data Analytics; People Management; Risk Communications; Communications Strategy; Digital Communications; Copywriting; Business Communications; Personal Initiative; Issue Management; External Communication; Strategic Communication Planning; Collaboration