Director, Public Relations and Partnerships

Director, Public Relations and Partnerships We’re not in the wing business. We’re in the flavor business. It’s been our mission to Serve the World Flavor since we first opened in 1994, and we’re just getting started. 1997 saw the opening of our first brand partner operated Wingstop location, and by 2002 we had served the world one billion wings. It’s flavor that defines us and has made Wingstop one of the fastest growing brands in the restaurant industry. Above all else – our success is largely due to our people and our core values, or what we call The Wingstop Way of being entrepreneurial, service-minded, fun, and authentic. We believe having a strong people foundation centered on these collective values creates a crave‑worthy culture and talented team, as well as ensures our brand is poised for accelerated growth. We all win together. WHAT WE'LL NEED The Director of Public Relations and Partnerships leads PR and experiential strategy to drive brand awareness, brand love, and cultural relevance in support of Wingstop’s mission to Serve the World Flavor. This individual will develop and deliver messages to diverse consumer and media audiences across USA while supporting our global markets. The ideal candidate is a strategic storyteller and cultural connector who thrives in fast‑paced environments, can build scalable processes, and leads with confidence and collaboration. You will be a self‑starter, while inspiring and managing a team of 2 as well as an agency. This role will also be responsible for our experiential strategy, activities and team to bring the Wingstop experience to consumers across the nation. This individual is a bright, energetic self‑starter able to work independently and partner with external agencies and franchisees, possess strong communication and written skills, and has experience in public relations with a publicly traded company. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Team Management: Lead, coach, and develop a team of two PR professionals to deliver breakthrough communications strategies that build brand love, awareness, and affinity. Strategic Brand Partnerships: Build and execute partnerships with culturally relevant brands, creators, and organizations to enhance brand equity, maintain Wingstop's cool factor, and drive awareness and affinity. Communications Strategy: Lead the development of consumer and corporate public relations strategies and media outreach that reinforce Wingstop’s positioning as a culturally iconic, flavor‑driven brand. Crisis Management: Develop and lead Wingstop’s crisis management program, providing strategic counsel to the C‑suite, franchisees, and local marketing teams. Executive & Corporate Comms: Partner with the VP and C‑suite executives to shape strategic communications plans around earnings, corporate initiatives, and investor relations. Global & Local Marketing Support: Collaborate with U.S. local marketing and international teams to support market expansion. Support the International teams B2B communications, and storytelling in new markets. Experiential Strategy: Lead the experiential team and agency partners to design and execute strategic brand activations and moments that deliver culturally resonant, earned storytelling opportunities. Agency Management: Oversee external PR and experiential agencies to ensure alignment with strategic goals, manage budgets, and drive accountability. Process & Execution: Build scalable communication and experiential processes that enable fast, effective, and high‑quality execution in a rapidly growing global environment. Community & Cause Marketing: Provide leadership and support for Wingstop Foundation initiatives and other charitable or community‑driven efforts. WHAT YOU'LL NEED Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field required; Master’s preferred but not a deal breaker. 10+ years of progressive PR experience, including at least 5 years in a publicly traded organization with an international footprint Proven experience leading teams and managing agencies. Demonstrated success in building brand partnerships, leading crisis response, and executing experiential activations. Strong understanding of media relations, corporate communications, and cultural marketing. Experience in using AI to work efficiently, productively and to creatively brief teams (internally & externally) WHO YOU ARE You are a go‑getter and self‑starter who thrives in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment. You balance strategy with action, able to both build and execute while maintaining structure and focus. You have a global mindset and the ability to adapt communications across diverse markets. You’re culturally curious, plugged into trends, and passionate about connecting Wingstop to music, art, sport, and lifestyle moments that drive relevance. You lead with empathy, collaboration, and respect — inspiring your team while serving as a trusted right hand to the Snr Director. You’re confident managing up to the C‑suite, influencing across teams, and making bold, creative decisions rooted in insight and impact. You roll up your sleeves when needed, knowing that no job is too small, and you always keep an eye on the big picture: building a crave‑worthy, global brand that people love. BENEFITS Unlimited paid time off for exempt employees One paid volunteer day of your choice Competitive bonus structure for eligible roles Team member stock purchase plan Health savings or flexible spending account options 401k – (dollar for dollar on the first 3% and then 50 cents on the dollar for the next 2% for team member contributions up to 5% of eligible compensation) Fun Is The Best Flavor Lunch provided every Tuesday and Thursday in office Work from home Fridays Discount on Wingstop gift cards Onsite game room Wingstop provides equal opportunities for everyone that works for us and everyone that applies to join our team, without regard to sex or gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, any service, past, present, or future, in the uniformed services of the United States (military or veteran status), or any other consideration protected by federal, state, or local law. Seniority level Director Employment type Full-time Job function Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing Industries Restaurants #J-18808-Ljbffr