Mars has been on a journey as a privately-held, family-owned company to build an excellent external reputation. Our reputation is evolving from a company known only by our best-loved brands, to a company that is differentiated through our Purpose.

As a member of the global Corporate Affairs and External Communications team, this Associate will work with the Director of External Communications to implement a strategy to build a positive corporate reputation for Mars through a range of channels and media engagements. Working with internal colleagues in the corporate center, segments, and markets, P&O, Public Affairs, Crisis Management and Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, the incumbent will implement a media relations and issues management strategy that enhances and protects the reputation of Mars.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s Degree required (Public Policy, Communications, Journalism or related field strongly preferred).

• At least 5 years experience in external communications and US media relations. Must have outstanding media relations and issues management experience. Experience working in an agency or within a global organization strongly preferred.

• Has established media relationships. Core understanding of US media and how it works - can effectively develop relationships with reporters to accomplish the company’s objectives and manage messages in stories.

• Strong written communication and copywriting skills with ability to concisely articulate complex issues.

• Budget and agency management experience a plus.

• Ability to manage diverse and broad range of subject matter, issues and situations.

• Excellent writing skills with experience of drafting press releases, memos, talking points, op-eds, and speeches; pitching and responding to reporter inquiries; planning, organizing, and staffing press events; and developing and maintaining relationships with national and international reporters, broadcasters and producers.

• Ability to identify opportunities, build reputationally positive relationships and implement broad-sweeping, global corporate reputation activities.

• Proven ability to listen effectively and interact with all levels of management.

• Ability to deal with ambiguity; display sound judgment, tact and composure

• Strong presence with good judgment to influence and establish credibility with senior leaders and external stakeholders.

• Excellent skills in influencing, shaping and driving dialogue to reach consensus.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to establish strong working relationship with colleagues.

• Transparent and open, fitting within the Mars culture.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Build Corporate Reputation – Execute a Mars Incorporated strategy that will enhance our corporate reputation, including but not limited to sustainability, Mars as a great place to work, showcasing Mars as a growing and diverse business, food safety and security, and Corporate Social Responsibility. Promote these reputation drivers among external audiences, building our narrative across key programs and issues. Help develop and implement thought leadership for our senior leaders and subject matter experts. This includes identifying, creating content for and promoting relevant speaking engagements, partnerships, trade activity, and media opportunities. Equip our markets to leverage reputation content and activate locally and ensure strong relationships with top markets. Facilitates development and delivery of regular reports to the Mars Board regarding Mars corporate reputation and external trends impacting the business.

• Media Relations – Work with Director of External Communications to activate a proactive, integrated media strategy and process to increase awareness of our organization. Build relationships with key reporters and editors, and create opportunities to shape our reputation in the media. Manage the global press office including reactive and proactive media engagement, and bring external perspective to life in our strategy and execution. Develop and manage a range of content and processes such as the global Daily News Summary content and distribution, key messaging/position statements, calendar of external reputation engagements and regular performance metrics. Support management of agencies that partner with us on reputation, media relations, executive visibility and measurement/monitoring.

• Issues & Crisis Management – Work with Corporate Affairs teams (External Communications, Internal Communications, Public Affairs, business segments and market leads) as needed to help manage Mars crises with media and key stakeholders. In partnership with the Sr. Manager of Crisis Management and Consumer Care, help develop position statements and a repository of communications materials/policies, including talking points, media statements, Q&A, etc. around Corporate issues.

• Equip & Enable Mars CA Network – Collaborate with our segments and markets to identify key opportunities, develop and leverage reputation-building content, and activate locally. Ensure strong relationships with top markets, and manage regular forums and platforms to share communications planning calendars, campaign strategies, messaging materials and other resources. Consult with central teams on strategic planning and execution of key programs and activities to create more Mars stories for global, local and industry audiences. Manage the storage of media templates and assets on an internal channels for accessibility to teams globally.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.

• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

#LI-KS1

#LI-Hybrid