Manager of Public Relations
Reports To: Director of Public Relations
Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, Firehouse Subs® is one of the nation’s leading fast casual restaurant chains with a commitment to and passion for hearty and flavorful food, heartfelt service and public safety. Join an exciting, fast-paced and high energy environment, and the hub of the public relations network for more than 1,180 restaurants across 46 states, Puerto Rico and Canada.
The Manager of Public Relations manages local public relations efforts for the assigned region of the Firehouse Subs system, and day-to-day serves as the official public relations manager to franchisees in those territories. The Manager of Public Relations has a mission to execute the brand's annual and local public relations strategies, integrated campaigns and produce local public relations results that drive sales and franchisee satisfaction.
Essential Functions:
This position serves as an integral part of the Firehouse Subs field team, working day-to-day with the Franchise Business Consultant and Field Marketing Manager to achieve the brand’s key performance indicators
Serves as the primary public relations contact for franchisees in assigned territories
Implements the brand’s annual public relations strategy in assigned regions to drive traffic and awareness to meet sales goals and franchisee satisfaction
Provide public relations coaching, mentoring, and continued training for each franchisee in assigned territories
Collaborates with the Director of Public Relations to develop annual local public relations plans that center around traditional earned media as a lead component, and is ultimately responsible for the execution of those plans
Comprehensive New Restaurant Opening public relations to include creation, implementation and execution of new restaurant opening press materials within assigned territory with support from Media Relations Specialist
Identify local public relations initiatives to increase brand awareness through traditional earned media channels
Serve as the media spokesperson for assigned territories
Provide designated Franchise Business Consultants and franchisees with local restaurant public relations consultation
Act as liaison between Director of Public Relations and the field team/franchisees to ensure ideas, suggestions and feedback are received, considered and responded to appropriately
Provide local public relations support for Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation events in assigned territory, as needed
Travel to territory to build relationships local teams, as needed
Provides crisis communications support to the Director of Public Relations in assigned territory, as needed
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations or a related field
Minimum of three years public relations, corporate communications or journalism work experience
Public relations agency background in account service
Able to effectively multi-task and manage competing priorities
Able to communicate in both written and verbal form with conviction and credibility, adapting message to suit level of audience
Flexibility, a positive attitude, enthusiasm and excellent problem solving skills required
Attention to detail
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Able to work independently and with teams
Able to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Outgoing personality
Creative
Proficient in AP style
Strong public speaking skills; must be able to present to large groups
Preferred education and experience:
Restaurant industry experience is a plus
Franchising experience is a plus
Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)