Media Relations Manager

Job Description

As a member of the global Corporate Affairs and External Communications team, this Associate will work with the Director of External Communications to implement a strategy to build a positive corporate reputation for Mars through a range of channels and media engagements. Working with internal colleagues in the corporate center, segments, and markets, P&O, Public Affairs, Crisis Management, and Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, the Associate will implement a media relations and issues management strategy that enhances and protects the reputation of Mars.

What Are We Looking For?

• Bachelor’s Degree required (Public Policy, Communications, Journalism, or related field strongly preferred).
• At least 5 years experience in external communications and US media relations.
• Must have outstanding media relations and issues management experience.
• Experience working in an agency or within a global organization strongly preferred.
• Established media relationships.
• Core understanding of US media and how it works—can effectively develop relationships with reporters to accomplish the company’s objectives and manage messages in stories.
• Strong written communication and copywriting skills with the ability to concisely articulate complex issues.
• Budget and agency management experience is a plus.

What Will Be Your Key Responsibilities?

Build Corporate Reputation

Promote the sustainability, economic, and social contribution of Mars, showcasing it as a growing and diverse business responsible in its approach to growth. Promote these reputation drivers among external audiences, building our narrative across key programs and issues.

• Help develop and implement thought leadership for our senior leaders and subject matter experts.
• Identify, create content for, and promote relevant speaking engagements, partnerships, trade activity, and media opportunities.
• Equip our markets to leverage reputation content, activate locally, and ensure strong relationships with top markets.
• Facilitate the development and delivery of regular reports to the business.

Media Relations

Work with the Director of External Communications to activate a proactive, integrated media strategy and process to increase awareness of our organization.

• Build relationships with key reporters and editors, creating opportunities to shape our reputation in the media.
• Manage the global press office, including reactive and proactive media engagement.
• Bring external perspectives to life in our strategy and execution.
• Support the management of agencies that partner with us on reputation, media relations, executive visibility, and measurement/monitoring.

Issues & Crisis Management

Collaborate with Corporate Affairs teams, Communications, Public Affairs, business segments, and market leads to help manage Mars crises with media and key stakeholders.

• Develop position statements and a repository of communications materials, including talking points, media statements, Q&A, etc., around corporate issues.

Equip & Enable Mars CA Network

Collaborate with our segments and markets to identify key opportunities for communication, develop, and leverage reputation-building content.

• Ensure strong relationships with top markets.
• Manage regular forums and platforms to share communications planning calendars, campaign strategies, messaging materials, and other resources.

What Can You Expect From Mars?

• Work with over 140,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose-driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.

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Mars is an equal-opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process due to a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.

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