Director, External Communications Jobs

The primary purpose of this position is to protect, enhance and promote the organization's reputation among key external stakeholders, including media and our target customer, while also providing strategic and effective communications and issues management counsel to company leaders. The incumbent is expected to drive modern, proactive external communications, including website content and on social media channels, in partnership with agencies and internal partners, as well as proactively build plans and processes relative to issues management and reactive media relations. This leader will interact with C-suite leaders and will lead and gain consensus on cross-functional initiatives.Frequent independent judgments are essential. The incumbent is also required to perform all tasks in observance of Rite Aid’s brand and strategy and adhere to our core values and service attributes.

• Partner with cross-functional teams, including Marketing and Digital, on influencer and social content strategy, and how to drive earned-centric approach with inter-agency teams
• Create a variety of well-written communications materials, including executive thought leadership/speeches, statements, press releases, and content for LinkedIn, website, and PR, with a keen eye for detail, accuracy and clarity
• Lead and implement crisis/issues management planning and process. Provide issues management counsel to corporate and field leadership
• 10-15 years of experience in broadcasting or communications preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) Communications, Journalism, Broadcasting or related field required.
• 5 years of experience in communications in a retail, retail health or CPG corporate/agency environment preferred.
• Build and drive the organizational external/PR communications strategy to support key business objectives. Supervise outside public relations agencies and provide counsel to support Rite Aid. Partner with the Chief Communications Officer on building a modern storytelling engine leveraging real-time social listening and quick-turn media and content processes
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Manage Elixir (PBM business) external communications strategy and execution
• Establish and cultivate strong collaborative working partnership relationships with key company stakeholders including senior management, as well as investor relations, legal, field operations, pharmacy, human resources, marketing and category management leaders
• Build positive working relationships with national, regional, local and trade media. Support leaders and other spokespeople with messaging and media training

“The typical starting pay range for this position is between [$136k-$195k], although wages can vary based on experience and geography.”