Regional Public Relations Associate - Marketing Team

We are looking for an outstanding Public Relations Associate for the South region of Whole Foods Market. Whole Foods Market is the world’s leading retailer of natural and organic foods and the nation’s only certified organic retailer. Whole Foods Market has been honored for the past seven years as one of Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For.” The South regional office oversees and supports 14 stores in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, with 2 stores to open in 2007 in Birmingham, AL and Nashville, TN. The Public Relations Associate will report to the Marketing Coordinator and work closely with the South marketing team, product coordinators, regional leadership, public relations agencies and reporters and writers throughout the South to manage daily public relations efforts and drive positive visibility and awareness of Whole Foods Markets, our products and our partners. The ideal candidate will: Drive positive visibility and awareness of Whole Foods Market, our products, our mission and our partners through relationships with media, delivering consistent media coverage. We expect that in order to accomplish this, you will have demonstrable, existing relationships with significant members of media outlets Be an enthusiastic and creative promoter of local and regional product and grower/producer initiatives Participate in and lead all crisis communications and issues management with regional and/or national marketing team members Work directly with company experts to create press opportunities and pitch programs primarily to the media either independently or in concert with an outside public relations agency, for Whole Foods Market and its partners Project targeted results for initiatives and deliver on targets Manage public relations agencies/consultants and direct them in developing public relations strategies and programs appropriate for company needs Plan and direct public relations efforts for new store openings Coach Whole Foods Market Team Members in media relations as well as recommend policies and procedures for media interactions Train and coach Marketing Team Leaders in proactive pitching and media relationship-building Provide press releases and press kits to media and respond to inquiries, complaints and requests for information in a professional manner for a wide range of audiences Build and maintain relationships with key internal customers (President, Marketing team, Department Coordinators) Support local Whole Foods Market stores in creating positive media coverage, promoting community relations and implementing grass roots initiatives
REQUIREMENTS
Must have/be: At least five years of direct media relations experience Ability to recognize opportunities, create opportunities and seize the moment Ability to perform effectively in a team environment, while enhancing the overall performance of the team and its members Proven success in pitching and placing stories in key industry media Knowledge of local foods and foodways Background in retail PR and issue/crisis management; food industry experience, and familiarity with key issues in the food industry strongly preferred Extensive knowledge of Whole Foods Market’s products and missions Strong organizational skills and great sense of urgency to respond rapidly to all press inquiries Flexible hours when needed; ability to refocus quickly for opportunity or crisis Good judgment and solid problem-solving skills Strong media pitching skills Impeccable written and verbal communication skills Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and respond well under pressure Ability to adapt to a variety of business environments and integrate communications programs appropriately Ability to evaluate PR project proposals from outside agencies and negotiate, when appropriate Ability to work independently and take ownership of special projects Passion for the food industry preferred