Senior Communications Specialist

Since 1952, Lawson Products has worked hard to make our customers' jobs easier by improving their operational efficiency, productivity and overall performance. As a leader in the MRO industry, we partner with customers to make sure they have the right maintenance and repair parts on hand when needed. We’re looking for a Senior Communications Specialist who will support all internal communications initiatives for corporate functions, including sales and operations. This role will manage all recurring and ad hoc communications, as well as assisting with long-term campaigns, strategic initiatives, quarterly town halls and executive communications. This position will be a combination of internal journalism and creative storytelling, helping our employees feel proud, motivated, and connected to our company mission, vision and values. Our corporate headquarters is located in Chicago, IL. This role operates on a hybrid work model; employees spend three days working in the office and two days working remotely. We offer 401k plus vision, dental and medical benefits, as well as a paid holiday and PTO package. Responsibilities Manages weekly newsletters, including writing, editing, coordinating visuals, and sending; ensuring that stories are engaging, relevant and diverse in content, in accordance with an established editorial schedule and policy. Maintains home page of company intranet, curating and/or writing new content each day, using compelling visuals and user-friendly design. Develops pipeline of newsworthy stories, partnering with peers and leaders throughout the organization, applying Communications principals to share those stories via the appropriate channels, supporting key initiatives, business operations, employee recognition and company culture. Maintains calendar for weekly posts to LinkedIn, in collaboration with the Marketing team, to help foster Lawson’s reputation as an employer of choice. Facilitates comprehensive editorial calendars and plans, in collaboration with the department director, to help ensure that Communications is supporting the most vital strategic initiatives and meeting objectives effectively. Supports efforts on refresh of Communications channels, to include email, newsletters, intranet home page and department pages, to ensure brand compliance, modern design, valuable content and an enhanced user experience. Tracks communications metrics and makes recommendations for changes in approach accordingly. Qualifications & Requirements Bachelor's degree required in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a similar field of study, with at least 5 years of experience in communication, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Strong communication skills, both oral and written Software skills, including Word, Excel, Power Point, SharePoint; experience using Adobe Acrobat and Photoshop, InDesign, Electronic Survey Tools, Text Messaging Programs, Video, Podcasts, StaffBase and/or other email platforms is helpful Cross-functional teamwork skills Ability to prioritize and meet multiple, coinciding deadlines Ability to communicate and work effectively with all levels Project planning, time management, problem solving and critical thinking skills Sound judgment when developing and applying communications principles and sharing with others throughout the organization Our salary range for this role is $80,000-90,000 plus bonus and benefits available on day 1. Lawson Products is an Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr