Manager, Public Affairs & Community Relations

Ferrara Candy Company - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Chicago, IL

5,001-10,000 employees

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

The Manager, Public Affairs and Community Relations at Ferrara Candy Company is responsible for building and scaling the company's engagement with communities, local government officials, and other stakeholders. This role involves crafting strategies to protect and enhance Ferrara's reputation as a growth business and key community partner, managing government relations, stakeholder relations, and community connections, and addressing issues that may impact the company's business practices and future growth.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and enable delivery of key messages to important stakeholder audiences to clearly define and communicate the company's strategic business priorities.
• Manage the identification of government-related business opportunities and facilitate discussions with government to support those efforts.
• Work hand-in-hand with company lobbyists to shape priorities and messaging for legislative and regulatory policy conversations.
• Plan, draft, and launch communications campaigns and messaging supporting government relations and community relations goals and develop and manage the budget.
• Counsel the company Senior Leadership Team on issues management and conduct message training.
• Track and inform the company of all matters of interest and provide analysis of legislative or proposed regulations, updating with reports on subsequent action.
• Execute community outreach strategy, ensuring partnerships that align with business needs and objectives.
• Represent Ferrara and the Institutional Affairs & Corporate Communications Team at external meetings, events, and ceremonies.

Requirements

• 5-7 years of Government Relations and Public Affairs experience, including community relations.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Strong interpersonal communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build strategies aligned with business goals and company culture.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong sense of initiative and ability to work under pressure on multiple projects with tight deadlines.
• Microsoft Office proficiency.

Benefits

• Opportunities for advancement