Director Communications Portland Division

Manage public relations strategies, internal communications, and government affairs

Safeway/Albertsons Portland Division has an opening for a Director of Communications and Public Affairs.

The Director, Communications and Public Affairs, will manage the division’s public relations strategies, internal and external communications, government relations, provide day-to-day public affairs support to division leadership and lead a team to enhance our brand’s presence and reputation. This position will report to the Senior Director of Human Resources and work closely with the corporate communications and government relations teams to achieve the Division’s overall communications objectives. 

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute publicity strategies that support the Division’s business objectives through a variety of internal and external communications vehicles such as Division communications, social media, and targeted news media.
• Lead the cross functional communications strategy team to develop proactive communications strategy that includes internal and external communications to customers, associates, and vendor partners.
• Act as the lead communications spokesperson, working with division leaders and corporate communications to establish a media outreach and engagement strategy.
• Manage a team of associates to execute and oversee the following responsibilities and set the strategy as well as manage their development and growth.
• Communicate company positions on regulatory affairs issues to government agencies, interest groups, and elected officials.
• Lead execution for external crisis response for division issues.
• Maintain active relationships with local media to ensure we capitalize on storytelling that supports key strategic imperatives.
• Serve as the division liaison on key issues to state government trade organizations, government organizations, and elected officials.
• Leading and executing the Annual Safeway Foundation Golf Tournament
• Leading and executing the various Grand Opening and Re-Grand Opening store events
• Lead and manage the Retail store community engagement strategy and partner with regional retail leadership and store retail leadership to effectively engage the community and highlight community partnerships.
• Lead the internal communications that tell the story of our associates driving engagement and morale using vehicles like our Social Media platform on Facebook, LinkedIn, Breakroom TV and other mediums.
• Build positive relationships with local nonprofits and collaborate with the Company Foundation on local charitable giving programs and lead the distribution of local charitable giving.
• Attend local political, government and community events and serve as a liaison for managing issues and coalitions as needed, keeping division staff appraised as needed.
• Develop targeted news media pitches to highlight community engagement, drive marketing efforts and increase talent attraction by boosting the Safeway brand.
• Develop proactive and reactive messaging and media materials including press releases, communications plans, talking points, FAQ, media statements, web content, and presentations.
• Oversee funding requests and giving participation in the Foundation’s We Care program and the Division’s committee to assist associates in times of crisis.
• Work cross-functionally with the Division’s Diversity Council/Associate Resource Groups for initiatives and lead the communication strategy to amplify associate recognition efforts.
• Represent the company and build relationships with non-profit partners and key community members at relevant company and community events.

Skills

• Strong presentation, writing, verbal and crisis communication skills. Able to speak for the Company before print and broadcast media.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to set strategy and lead a team of associates to accomplish goals directly and by leading through influence.
• Passion for developing people and investing in the growth of our talent
• Creativity and ability to generate innovative content, associate campaigns and community outreach ideas.
• Proficiency in managing social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn
• Experience pitching and placing earned media stories; deep understanding of media relations strategies and tactics. Proven issues management and crisis communications skills.
• Experience managing community relations programs and building positive relationships with local philanthropic organizations.
• Established relationships with local media.
• Prior experience with state government officials, elected leaders, and political contacts.
• Proven ability to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills to develop and maintain effective business relationships within the team, the company (including our Corporate Centers of Excellence in Communications, Government Affairs, and legal), government officials and our community.
• Strong sense of urgency and ability to meet time sensitive, and at times, urgent deadlines.
• Ability to effectively engage with team members of all levels and across departments.
• Great project management skills, including time management, multitasking, and prioritization.
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, layout, and design skills.
• Possesses advanced PC and digital literacy skills including knowledge of standard MS Office tools.

Qualifications/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, business, or related field.  
• Minimum of 8 years of related experience in public relations, media relations, communications and/or marketing.
• Experience in crisis communications and/or reputation management with a deep understanding of how to use external communications to enhance reputation.
• Ability to occasionally travel to stores and community events across Oregon.
• Previous experience in the food retail industry is preferred.
• Experience in communicating and interacting with retail store operations a plus.
• Understanding of today’s communications environment amongst earned, owned, social and paid media.

Why You Will Choose Us
Albertsons Companies Inc. has always been a people-oriented business, and thoughtful people practices remain a core element of our company’s philosophy. Our goal is to continue to bring people together around the joys of food and to inspire well-being and that starts with people like you bringing your unique self to our company and making it one person stronger and better!

We also provide a variety of benefits, including:

• Competitive wages paid weekly
• Associate discounts
• Health and financial well-being benefits for eligible associates (Medical, Dental, 401k and more!)
• Time off, including vacation, holidays, sick pay (for eligibility requirements, please visit myACI Benefits)
• Leaders invested in your training, career growth and development
• An inclusive work environment with talented colleagues who reflect the communities we serve

Our Values
We put people first.
We are customer driven.
We value different perspectives.
We raise the bar.
We act as owners.
We are one team.
We build belonging.
We are committed to a healthy future.

About Us
Albertsons-Safeway's Portland Division office is located in Clackamas, Or and supports the retail operations of 137 retail stores in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Albertsons Companies is committed to bringing people together around the joys of food and to inspire well-being by transforming the grocery and pharmacy-health experience for our customers. Each day, we work to earn customers for life.

Albertsons Companies is a leading food and drug retailer in the United States. The Company operates 2,270 retail stores with 1,728 pharmacies, 405 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers, and 19 manufacturing facilities. The Company operates stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia with 24 banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci's Food Lovers Market. The Company is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2022, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the Company contributed more than $200 million in food and financial support, including more than $40 million through our Nourishing Neighbors Program to ensure those living in our communities and those impacted by disasters have enough to eat.

Albertsons Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, prior or on any other basis prohibited by law.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by associates assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and skills required.

An Equal Opportunity Employer