Senior Global Communications Specialist

About the position

The Senior Global Communications Specialist will support a new global communications and public relations effort across Graco's commercial businesses. The role will facilitate public relations and communications efforts across the U.S. and globally in support of the business divisions' broader PR strategy to enhance brand and reputation. The Global Communications Specialist will work closely with cross-functional teams, divisional marketing leaders, and external stakeholders to build and execute communications and public relations tactics that promote our brand and products. The Global Communications Specialist will craft compelling content and narratives to drive positive media coverage for our business divisions and foster strong relationships with media outlets worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Advance the global media relations strategy to increase brand visibility, thought leadership, and positive media coverage.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key journalists, media outlets, and influencers across U.S. and global markets.
• Proactively pitch stories to media outlets and respond to media inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Coordinate and support the creation of press materials, including press releases, media advisories, and backgrounders.
• Collaborate with the enterprise public relations team to align on overall messaging.
• Monitor media coverage and compile clips and media reports to track key metrics.
• Support crisis communication efforts and provide rapid response in the event of negative media coverage or issues impacting the company's reputation.
• Write high-quality, engaging press releases, blog posts, and other communication materials that support company product launches and commercial initiatives.
• Contribute to content creation for the company's blog, ensuring alignment with brand voice and strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and executives to create compelling narratives and thought leadership content that positions the company as a leader in its field.
• Develop content and communications for global trade shows to enhance thought leadership and support demand generation activities.
• Draft internal updates for the company's intranet on divisional efforts and initiatives in regions around the world.
• Ensure that communication materials are aligned and consistent across global and regional teams, considering cultural considerations, translations and local market nuances.
• Track, measure, and report on the effectiveness of communication campaigns and media coverage, providing regular updates and recommendations for improvement.
• Use analytics tools to monitor media coverage and other key performance indicators.
• Analyze trends in media coverage to identify opportunities for future outreach and engagement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in public relations, communications, or media relations, with a focus on traditional PR tactics (media relations, press release writing, pitching).
• Proven experience in designing and implementing B2B and B2C public relations content, preferably within a global business context.
• Outstanding communication skills and the ability to communicate with diverse groups globally, as well as the ability to craft clear, persuasive, and concise messaging.
• Experience working in a global or regional communications role, with an understanding of how to manage media outreach across different cultures and regions.
• Project management experience with a proven track record of delivering timely communications programs, initiatives and results, including media coverage.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to support executive leaders and working collaboratively with multifunctional teams on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical skills and experience using media monitoring skills to measure PR effectiveness.
• Previous experience in corporate communications or PR agency environment is preferred.
• An extremely high level of energy, sense of urgency and decisiveness, along with sound problem-solving and negotiating skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with publicly traded organizations.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Stock purchase plan
• 401(k)
• Tuition reimbursement