Marketing & Public Relations Specialist

We are seeking a Community Marketing and Event Specialist to support localized marketing, public relations, communications, community partnerships, events, and local product and vendor initiatives. This individual contributor role will work closely with store teams and internal stakeholders to support store-specific marketing needs, local activations, events, and community partnerships. The ideal candidate will bring a combination of marketing, public relations, communications, social media, event coordination, and community partnership experience. This is a hands‑on opportunity for someone who can manage multiple priorities, build relationships with a variety of stakeholders, and provide immediate support in a fast‑paced retail environment. Key Responsibilities Develop in-store activation guides to help store experience managers execute local activations. Provide marketing, planning, and public relations support for grand openings and other in-store events throughout the Midwest. Coordinate local sports, philanthropic, and community partnership activations designed to increase store traffic and engagement. Provide marketing guidance and support to stores facing localized business challenges, including construction, new competition, or other market‑specific issues. Support internal events and communications initiatives as needed. Create and manage social media content. Support localized and store‑specific marketing needs while serving as a resource for store teams. Assist with communications, planning, and coordination related to local events and activations. Respond to questions from local vendors regarding the process for getting their products into stores. Direct vendors to the appropriate application process and connect them with relevant contacts, including store leadership when appropriate. Support the Scout Program, which helps smaller local vendors understand how to bring their products into stores. Travel to stores and events throughout the region as needed. Qualifications Bachelor's degree required. 3-5 years of marketing or public relations experience, preferably within a retail environment. Experience supporting local events, marketing activations, community partnerships, or public relations initiatives. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational and project planning abilities. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross‑functional teams. Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills with both internal stakeholders and external vendors. Experience creating and managing social media content. Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment. Valid driver's license and reliable personal transportation. Willingness and ability to travel to stores and events as needed. Preferred Qualifications Experience with Sprout Social. Experience managing Facebook and other social media platforms. Video editing experience. Additional retail marketing experience. Experience with community partnerships, sports partnerships, philanthropy, or local event activations. Experience working with local vendors or small businesses. #J-18808-Ljbffr OtterBase