Head of Public Relations

At Harris Teeter, our purpose is to Enrich Lives, and as the Corporate Affairs Manager, you are responsible for protecting and elevating the company’s reputation through strategic communications, media relations, community engagement and public affairs initiatives. You will lead internal and external communications that strengthen associate engagement, build trust with key stakeholders, support business objectives and reinforce Harris Teeter’s position as a respected community partner and employer of choice.

Serving as a strategic storyteller and primary media spokesperson, you will provide executive communications support, manage crisis communications and deliver timely, informed counsel that safeguards and enhances the company’s reputation. Through every interaction, you will uphold Harris Teeter’s commitment to quality, service, speed and innovation while consistently demonstrating Service Excellence principles.

External Communications & Media Relations:

Lead Public Relations and External Communications strategy

Develop and execute integrated media and PR strategies and plans

Serve as company spokesperson; coordinate and produce broadcast segments (TV features, sponsored content, etc.)

manage interview and statement requests

Establish and maintain relationships with local media, influencers, bloggers and external stakeholders

Support development of multimedia content (video, photography) highlighting Corporate Affairs initiatives

Monitor corporate image and ensure alignment with company brand and positioning

Measure and report outcomes of PR and communication programs

Manage development of executive level reporting, including quarterly recaps and cross team inputs

Internal Communications & Executive Messaging:

Support execution of internal communication strategies and plans

Support executive communications, including leadership messaging alignment

Provide design and review support for internal and external communication materials

Serve as a communication resource across departments to accelerate clarity and effectiveness

Support the consideration, development and execution of company-wide and associate recognition awards, i.e. content editing, submission management, support in planning and amplification strategies to maximize visibility and impact

Public Affairs & Government Relations:

Coordinate follow up actions to support company priorities

Support external stakeholder engagement that influences reputation and policy outcomes

Crisis Management & Reputation Protection:

Execute crisis communication plans and messaging

Collaborate with internal and external leaders to manage potential crises and reputational issues

Provide counsel and rapid-response messaging support across departments

Community Engagement & Responsible Business:

Provide managerial oversight of charitable initiatives and community engagement programs

Support community partnerships in key markets; Support planning and execution of recognitions and community focused awards

Amplify community efforts to maximize visibility, credibility, and impact

Events, Programs & Brand Activation:

Lead planning and execution of corporate events (groundbreaking ceremonies, on site activations)

Coordinate content, logistics, messaging and stakeholder engagement for events

Training, Capability Building & Enablement:

Develop, coordinate & deliver media training for company leaders

Deliver training for newly appointed Operational and Merchandising leaders

Agency & Budget Management:

Develop and manage PR budgets

Manage PR agency relationship and performance

Supporting Leadership Through the 5 Es

Turn strategy into action with prevision and agility, ensure accountability, and continuously improve outcomes through clear priorities, strong follow-through, and data-driven decisions.

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, PR, Consumer Affairs, Business Administration, or related field

7+ years of Communications, Public Affairs or similar role

Demonstrated success meeting deadlines and effectively prioritizing, managing/executing multiple complex projects simultaneously

Flexibility to work in multiple environments as projects dictate (office, field, retail, manufacturing and logistics)

Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office – specifically, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Ability to effectively interact with all levels within the organization and build/maintain cooperative business partnerships

Ability to be on call on weekends and after hours. Ability to travel overnight.

Communications or Public Affairs leader in retail or corporate environment

Previous work within or managing PR agencies

Experience with Public Relations/Media analytics platform

Reasonable accommodations will be provided, in accordance with applicable laws, to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.