Public Affairs Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summary

The Public Affairs and Communications Lead is responsible for leading the Portland division's integrated communications and public affairs strategy to strengthen brand reputation, support business objectives, and enhance stakeholder engagement. This role oversees internal and external communications, media relations, community engagement, and government affairs, and serves as the division's primary communications advisor to leadership.

The lead partners closely with Corporate Communications, Government Relations, Legal, and operational leaders to ensure consistent, compliant, and effective messaging aligned with enterprise priorities

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications & Public Affairs

  • Develop and execute comprehensive internal and external communications strategies aligned with division and enterprise objectives.

  • Serve as the division's primary communications advisor and spokesperson, coordinating messaging with Corporate Communications.

  • Lead proactive and reactive communications, including media relations, issue management, and reputation strategy.

  • Develop and approve messaging materials, including communications plans, press releases, talking points, FAQs, and presentations.

• Media Relations & Brand Management

  • Build and maintain strategic relationships with local and regional media to support positive brand visibility.

  • Lead media outreach and storytelling initiatives to highlight key business priorities, community impact, and talent brand.

  • Oversee social and digital communications channels to ensure consistent, on-brand messaging.

• Government & Community Relations

  • Represent the division with government agencies, trade organizations, elected officials, and community stakeholders.

  • Communicate company positions on public policy and regulatory matters in alignment with Corporate Government Relations and Legal.

  • Develop and execute community engagement strategies that strengthen local partnerships and support corporate social responsibility priorities.

  • Partner with the Company Foundation to oversee local charitable giving, including funding allocations and program execution.

• Crisis & Issue Management

  • Lead communications strategy and execution for crisis response and sensitive issues impacting the division.

  • Coordinate cross-functional response efforts to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant communications.

• Events & Community Engagement

  • Oversee planning and execution of key events, including store grand openings, community activations, and signature fundraising events (e.g., Foundation initiatives).

  • Ensure events align with brand standards and deliver measurable community and business impact.

• Internal Communications & Engagement

  • Lead internal communications strategy to drive associate engagement, awareness, and alignment with company priorities.

  • Oversee content and channels (e.g., internal platforms, social media, broadcast communications) to enhance associate experience and recognition.

  • Partner with Retail, HR, and Diversity & Inclusion teams to support engagement initiatives and programs.

• Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership

  • Lead, develop, and manage a communications team, including performance management, coaching, and succession planning.

  • Partner cross-functionally with Retail Operations, HR, Legal, Communications, and Government Relations to ensure aligned execution.

  • Establish priorities, allocate resources, and drive accountability to deliver business results.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Business, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in communications, public affairs, media relations, and/or marketing.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis communications, reputation management, and media engagement.
• Experience working with government agencies, elected officials, and regulatory matters preferred.
• Retail, grocery, or multi-site operational experience preferred.
• Proven ability to translate complex business and regulatory topics into clear, effective communications.
• Ability to travel approximately 15-20% within Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Travel Requirements

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization.
• Proven leadership capability with experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Expertise in media relations, content development, and multi-channel communications (earned, owned, social, paid).
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive or high-risk situations.
• Strong project management, prioritization, and execution skills in fast-paced environments.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital communications platforms

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based with regular use of standard office equipment.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and attend events, including outdoor environments.
• Occasional physical activity may include standing, walking, bending, or lifting event materials.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified.

An Equal Opportunity Employer