Senior Internal Communications Specialist

About the Team

The Legal & Corporate Affairs team is responsible for safeguarding the company’s reputation, ensuring we are operating with integrity and in line with our strategic initiatives. The Legal team provides high-quality legal services, ensures legal compliance and mitigates risks.  The Corporate Communications team works to execute strategic and effective communication efforts that drive brand awareness, preference and reputation with internal and external stakeholders. In addition, the Corporate Social Responsibility & Belonging teams support the company’s environmental and social commitments with a strong focus on pets, people and the planet.  The collective team supports the overall success and positive reputation of the company.  

About the Location

Collaborative Work Environment:
At PetSmart, teamwork and connection are core to how we thrive. This role is based at our Phoenix Home Office, with an expectation of working a minimum of four days in the office each week. In a standard work week, associates may work up to one remote “flex day” (with leader approval). Our hybrid approach is designed to foster strong collaboration while also supporting flexibility and individual success.

About the Job

The Senior Internal Communications Specialist develops and delivers clear, timely communications that help associates understand business priorities and stay connected to the company. In partnership with the Sr. Manager, Internal Communications, business partners and communications team members, this role supports executive, enterprise and functional communications and helps maintain consistent messaging across all internal channels. The Senior Specialist manages multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment, adapts plans as business needs change and supports additional communications priorities as they arise.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Partner Communications

• Build strong working relationships with business partners and executive leaders in Merchandising, Marketing, Digital, MP&A and Human Resources.
• Develop strategic communications plans that connect business priorities, initiatives and changes to what associates need to know and do.
• Draft executive communications, including talking points, scripts, presentations, leader cascades, intranet content and other materials.
• Develop and coordinate content for Town Halls, Business Update Meetings, department meetings and other associate forums. Partner with meeting owners and presenters to shape key messages, agendas, scripts, presentations and follow-up communications.
• Coordinate input and reviews across multiple contributors, keeping content accurate and deliverables on schedule.
• Help leaders communicate complex or sensitive topics with clarity and consistency, and connect communications to PetSmart’s long-range plan, business priorities and associate needs.
• Develop and maintain editorial plans, content standards and publishing processes in partnership with contributors across the business.
• Advise business partners on how to organize and present information on Central Bark, and support content for assigned business areas.

Central Bark and Vendor Relationship

• Lead the content strategy and day-to-day management of PetSmart’s intranet, Central Bark, helping ensure it is current, useful and easy for associates to navigate.
• Manage the Central Bark vendor relationship, coordinating requests, issue resolution, enhancements and ongoing platform needs.
• Monitor content performance and associate feedback to identify opportunities to improve the intranet experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, English or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience developing internal communications and executive messaging.
• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills, with the ability to adapt content for different audiences and channels.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage several priorities and deadlines.
• Experience working with senior leaders and cross-functional business partners.
• Ability to translate complex business information into clear, engaging communications.
• Experience managing digital content, an intranet or a content management system.
• Strong judgment, attention to detail and follow-through.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience managing vendor relationships is an advantage.

Additional Job Considerations

• This role requires collaboration, teamwork, and face-to-face interaction with colleagues, leaders, and/or clients.
• Being in the office ensures access to leaders, cross-functional partners, and resources necessary to make timely decisions and drive results.
• On-site presence in accordance with our FlexSmart policy supports our culture of innovation, mentorship, and engagement, which is integral to our success in developing the best team.

* This is not intended to be an all-inclusive, exhaustive list of all essential job functions for this position. PetSmart retains the right to change or assign other required job duties to this position.

About the Culture

Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart. Together, we’re building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection, and teamwork. Our goal is to create a culture where associates learn and grow together, thrive as effective teams and challenge each other to be the best they can be. 

Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:

• Pet-friendly environment, bring your pets to work and enjoy the on-site dog park!
• On-Site Events & Adoptions, enjoy community-building opportunities, including pet adoption days, seasonal celebrations, family events, art events, & holiday festivals
• “Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists, personal trainers, and wellness spaces
• “Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options, snacks, & more
• “Lil Paws” NAEYC-accredited onsite childcare facility providing high-quality early education
• Paid Volunteer Opportunities to spend time doing good for causes close to heart
• Print Center and Business Services, Dry Cleaning, Mother's Rooms, Sustainable Infrastructure & more

PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.