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CarMax · 4 weeks ago

Sr. Manager, PR & Executive Communications

Richmond, VA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

7+ years exp

CarMax is a leading automotive retailer, and they are seeking a Senior Manager for Public Relations and Executive Communications. This role involves developing and executing proactive public relations strategies to enhance the visibility of senior leaders and support strategic business initiatives, while also serving as a trusted advisor for communications related to company announcements and media opportunities.

AutomotiveMarketplaceOnline Portals

No H1B

Responsibilities

Develop and advance the executive communications and corporate PR strategy to meet CarMax’s strategic priorities, align with emerging media trends, and evolve with stakeholder expectations

Courageously influence across the company to elevate CarMax’s corporate reputation and executive visibility. Recommend strategic communications approaches that align with business priorities and stakeholder expectations

Oversee internal resources and PR agency teams to identify, propose, secure and support senior leaders with top-tier media interviews and speaking engagements on CarMax business strategy and key differentiators

Initiate and oversee a regular cadence of media outreach to high-value national media outlets and targeted regional outlets to drive top tier earned media placements

Support in the development of executive presentations that effectively communicate CarMax’s strategy, performance, and leadership vision to external audiences, with close attention to both visuals & delivery

Independently provide spokesperson training and communications coaching for CarMax leaders to hone their messages, improve their communications and media skills, and ensure they effectively represent CarMax

Serve as the primary liaison between the PR and Investor Relations teams and lead financial media relations with high attention to ensuring differentiated, accurate and fair news media reporting

Assist in the development of strategic IR communications, including quarterly earnings conference call scripts, annual report, annual shareholder letter, analyst day presentations, and other communications materials as prioritized

Lead PR strategies and execution to support other business areas to achieve key goals, including positioning our B2B offerings with automotive dealers, and elevating our strategic investments and partnerships with other companies in the auto ecosystem

Partner closely with the senior manager responsible for internal executive communications to leverage leaders to inform key audiences and promote the brand, with aligned, impactful and cohesive narratives

Oversee and develop a strong spokesperson bench that supports the company’s diversified business

Leverage earned, owned, and social media strategies to amplify company announcements and news coverage

Provide leaders with guidance to help them cultivate a strong social media presence and elevate their executive visibility

Influence cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders to align messaging and cadence, help ensure consistent execution across external channels, including media interviews, investor communications, and other thought leadership platforms

Oversee the company’s corporate communications PR agency in support of these initiatives to be an extension of the internal team, ensuring quality and effectiveness of work product

Lead and empower teams by setting clear expectations, removing barriers, and ensuring resources are aligned to deliver high-impact corporate communications

Build relationships with key national media and serve as a company spokesperson

Qualification

Public Relations StrategyCrisis ManagementMedia RelationsExecutive CommunicationsPresentation DevelopmentCommunications CoachingBusiness AcumenPR Budget ManagementStakeholder EngagementEmerging TechnologiesTeam Management

Required

Proven record of supporting leaders with external communications, including media interviews, speaking engagements, and written materials

Proven strategic thinker with exceptional crisis management skills and the ability to navigate complex, high-pressure situations with diplomacy and decisiveness

Ability to establish and maintain trust and rapport with leaders

Proven record of developing and managing successful PR programs, demonstrated success building relationships with national reporters and driving proactive media placements

Experience overseeing the work of communications professionals and agency partners to meet shared goals

Exceptional business acumen & experience developing and communicating company messaging in a clear, concise and compelling way for external audiences

Media relations experience with financial/business media outlets, such as the WSJ, The New York Times, CNBC, Fast Company, Business Insider, and Forbes, among others

Experience managing & maximizing a PR budget to drive business performance

Ability to work completely independently and handle ambiguity

Ability to work with multiple internal and external stakeholders at once

Proven ability to coach leaders to improve their communications skills and effectively prepare them for interviews and other opportunities that have a potential for volatility or risk

Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams & channel stakeholders

Strong presentation development skills, including preparing PowerPoint presentations that tell visual & impactful stories

Ability to manage multiple channel programs simultaneously and to meet deadlines

Demonstrated interest and aptitude for leveraging emerging technologies and tools, including Artificial Intelligence, to advance their work and drive efficiencies

This position is a critical role to CarMax and is expected to be highly responsive to internal and external customers. As a first responder to media and customer inquiries, across the United States and in different time zones, this position will participate in assigned nightly and weekend media and social monitoring to ensure reporters and business partners receive timely, appropriate responses

Ability to communicate complex messages in a manner that is clear, effective, and engaging, to a variety of internal and external audiences, including senior leaders

Exceptional writing and editing skills for a variety of written materials

Ability to convey a professional and positive image to external customers, media contacts, etc

Four-year college degree (Marketing, Advertising, Mass Communications, Public Relations or related field) required

7+ years of marketing and management experience

Investor relations communications experience and subject matter expertise