Sr Specialist - U.S. Communications

Why Wendy's

When our square shaped burgers made their first sizzle on the scene more than 50 years ago, people knew our approach wasn't like any other. Same goes for the way we support our employees. Our culture of openness, flexibility, and inclusiveness allows everybody to flourish in their own way. If you're looking for a career where you can be part of the action as we continue to grow our iconic brand - We got you!

Reporting to the Director of US Communications, the Senior Specialist of US Communications will manage the development and implementation of Wendy's internal/system communications strategy in support of the brand's strategic growth pillars. The Senior Specialist of US Communications will partner with the Director of US Communications to execute aspects of the U.S. Operations communications strategy, including executive, franchisee, GM/crew and Company employee communications. In addition, the Senior Specialist of US Communications will work closely with internal stakeholders such as Company officers and leadership team members on select initiatives, will serve as the communications business partner to the SVP of US Operations and the Development Leadership Team. This position will also partner with other communications and corporate affairs team members to develop and support system/internal communications as needed.
Responsibilities

• Operations Communications. Recommends communications strategies and programming that drives visibility to the U.S. Operations business priorities and key initiatives, with a focus on franchise and Company leaders, operators and restaurant teams. Executes in partnership with the Director, US Communications, and other key internal and external stakeholders. Ensures message consistency by preparing written and digital communications, presentations and executing meetings for the SVP of US Operations, DVPs and other field leaders. Administers U.S. Business recognition programs.
• Development Communications. Recommends programming that drives visibility to Development business priorities and key initiatives, with a focus on driving franchise recruitment, traditional and non-traditional growth opportunities and System and external storytelling. Executes in partnership with Director, US Communications, members of the DLT and agency partners.
• Cross Functional Communication. Collaborates with Communications and Marketing Communications team members to encourage message consistency and enhance department capabilities in the System Communications space. Reinforces cross-functional connections between the U.S. Operations, Development and Marketing work and other parts of the business. Identifies opportunities and appropriate System channels for storytelling and works to appropriately message, pace and sequence communications.
• Executive Communications and Convention Planning. Serve as a member of the Convention team, including playing a role in producing presentations for the SVP US Operations and US Chief Development Officer and other Operations and Development-focused video, breakout and awards content. Work closely with Director, US Communications and members of external meeting planning teams to execute other special events and programs.

What we expect from you

• A bachelor's degree, preferably in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
• Five to seven years of Communications experience with strong writing, editing and project management ability
• Understanding of internal and external digital communication and social collaboration channels, trends and applications.
• Excellent written and oral communications skill. Writing in multiple formats under time-sensitive deadlines required.
• Comfortable operating above their level providing guidance to executives on messaging and positioning.
• Ability to manage and coordinate complex projects independently, as part of a cross-functional team or as a team leader.
• Proven ability to anticipate and solve problems.
• Articulate, creative, highly organized and committed to excellence.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Experience planning and executing complex meetings and events.
• Passion for teamwork and ability to develop others.
• Ability to operate with the appropriate sense of urgency.
• Experience in other disciplines such as journalism, brand PR, external communications, internal communications, and/or political campaign communication experience.
• Maturity, composure, trustworthiness, inclusive mindset, respectfulness and self-confidence to communicate clearly and calmly with franchise owners, Wendy's leadership teams, cross-functional leaders and teams.

"Wendy's was built on the premise, "Quality is our Recipe®," which remains the guidepost of the Wendy's system. Today, Wendy's and its franchisees employ hundreds of thousands of people across more than 7,000 restaurants worldwide with a vision of becoming the world's most thriving and beloved restaurant brand.

The base pay range for this position is listed below. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and budget for the open position and also may vary depending on the candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other relevant factors. This range does not include an estimated value for any benefits, bonus, or other incentives that may be applicable based on position. * The target annual bonus for this role is 10% of annualized base salary, based on actual company and personal performance.

Our square burgers make us different and so do our benefits! Our restaurant support roles are eligible for a wide array of benefits, including things such as parental leave, free EAP sessions, company 401k match and other great offerings. For more details about our benefits, including an overview of eligibility and terms for certain benefits, please visit our benefits website, www.wendysbenefits.com .*

*NOTE: Wendy's benefits, bonus, and other incentives are governed by the applicable legal plans and policies and, where appropriate, may be subject to Board approval an individual award agreement terms. Those documents supersede all other information regarding Wendy's benefits, bonus, and other incentives. Wendy's retains the right to amend or terminate its plans and policies at its sole discretion, in accordance with applicable plans, policies and laws."

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Travel: 10%

Pay Range: $77,000 - $131,000 Annually