VP, Communications and PR

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.; St. Louis (MO); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic VP of Communications and PR to shape its brand reputation and drive customer engagement. This pivotal role involves developing strategic communication plans, managing media relationships, and leading a talented team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in public relations, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for storytelling. With a hybrid work environment and a focus on creativity, this position offers an exciting opportunity to influence the brand's perception and contribute to its growth. Join a company that values imagination and connection, and make a lasting impact in the world of entertainment and experiences.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in public relations or corporate communications management.
• Expert in technical writing and crisis management strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies.
• Lead and mentor the Communications/PR team.
• Act as the primary spokesperson for the organization.

Skills

Strategic Communication

Public Relations

Crisis Management

Technical Writing

Team Leadership

Media Relations

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications

MBA or Master's Degree in Communications

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

At Build-A-Bear we believe in the power of imagination, creativity, and memorable experiences. Our mission is to add a little more heart to life by creating unique experiences, lasting connections, and beloved memories that create lasting emotional connections. We are a multi-channel, site-based experience and entertainment company, with diversified categories and consumer segments. We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic VP, Communications and PR to join our dynamic team.

Build-A-Bear's VP of Communication and PR plays a pivotal role in shaping the brand's reputation, influencing perception, and driving customer engagement. Through strategic communication plans, they ensure consistent messaging that strengthens brand loyalty, aligns internal and external teams, and positions the company as a market leader.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develop and execute a comprehensive communication and public relations strategy that aligns with the organization's business strategy and helps drive revenue growth.
2. Lead and manage the team in executing the strategy.
3. Stay informed about evolving trends and adapt to emerging opportunities, ensuring the brand stays relevant.
4. Provide guidance on corporate messaging, announcements, and leadership visibility.
5. Build positive relationships with media outlets, influencers, and industry stakeholders.
6. Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless alignment of PR efforts.
7. Act as the primary spokesperson for Build-A-Bear.
8. Manage media and agency relationships.
9. Develop and implement a crisis management strategy to deal with sudden and significant negative events, while maintaining business continuity.
10. Properly plan and manage the marketing budget.
11. Provide strategic leadership by anticipating, planning, and driving meaningful change.
12. Lead, mentor, and inspire the Communications / Public Relations team.
13. Manage stakeholder communications.
14. Leverage data-driven insights to develop campaigns that increase brand awareness and drive growth.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor's degree in communications or a related field such as Public Relations, Business Administration, or Journalism.
2. Minimum 10 years' management experience in public relations, corporate communications, or media relations.
3. Expert in technical writing, formatting, and proofreading.
4. Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. MBA or Master's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, or Marketing.
2. 10+ years management experience in a public relations agency or similar.

BEHAVIORAL TRAITS FOR SUCCESS:

1. Leads with a confident extraverted style that can enliven, engage, and positively impact individuals and groups.
2. Driven to achieve outstanding results.
3. Enjoys meeting and interacting with new people.
4. Displays strong initiative and self-direction.
5. Comfortable making rapid decisions in ambiguous situations.
6. Motivated to build high-performing people and teams.
7. Maintains a positive outlook when encountering challenging circumstances.
8. Thrives in creating fun and interactive experiences.
9. Able to remain calm under pressure.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

1. Typical office environment with climate control and sufficient lighting, ergonomic desk/chairs.
2. Hybrid work schedule.
3. Corporate Office located in St. Louis, MO.
4. Limited Domestic Travel.

YOUR PERFORMANCE WILL BE MEASURED ON:

Your performance will be measured by your ability to achieve annual department objectives and corporate goals which include but are not limited to the following:

1. Decision-making and judgment.
2. Creation, support, and development of a high-performing team.
3. Deadlines, Accuracy, and Quality.
4. Representing Build-A-Bear in a way that aligns with our mission, vision, and values.
5. Ability to communicate with a clear vision and align teams.
6. Use of resources.
7. Collaboration.
8. Narrative development.
9. Consumer engagement.
10. Ability to spot and mitigate risk.
11. Crisis management.
12. Market influence.
13. Stakeholder Feedback.