Corporate Communications & Public Relations Sr. Director

Overview:

As a consumer-driven innovation company that is redefining what people should expect from their bed, our mission is simple: to improve lives by individualizing sleep experiences. The Senior Director of Public Relations and Corporate Communications will play a critical role in elevating and enhancing Sleep Number’s profile and reputation as a sleep innovation leader, advancing company strategy and supporting business objectives in partnership with leaders across the organization. He/she provides strategic direction and oversight for all consumer, corporate public relations and internal communications activities and special events. The role requires an understanding of the retail space and expertise in social media, as well as experience acting as a strategic communications advisor to senior leaders within the organization, including the CEO. This role reports to the chief strategy and customer relationship officer.

Responsibilities:

Corporate Public Relations and Internal Communications

• Responsible for assessing the communications landscape and Sleep Number’s opportunity to develop an integrated strategy that positions the company as the sleep innovation leader 
• Drives the execution of corporate communications for the company 
• Builds and protects the company’s overall reputation Leverages digital communications best practices to enhance brand reach 
• Supports financial communications, including quarterly results reporting, with primary responsibility for CEO financial communications 
• Supports executive communications, including messaging and public speaking platforms, providing strategic counsel and speechwriting
• Oversees internal communications strategy and execution
• Serves as primary company spokesperson
• Works in partnership with other teams across the organization to ensure consistency of messaging and high impact
• Leverages established working relationships with media, increasing coverage with relevant business, technology and digital media outlets
• Oversees development and execution of corporate social responsibility initiatives
• Identifies and measures effectiveness of communications, and how services are meeting the needs of internal clients

Consumer Public Relations

• Drives the execution of the brand publicity and public relations strategy – from local to national outlets, with particular emphasis on digital to augment brand reach 
• Works collaboratively with marketing organization to ensure brand and messaging consistency to accelerate impact 
• Effectively manages public relations staff and agency partners 
• Works in partnership to provide creative direction for public relations events, including media and editorial events

Qualifications:

• 10+ years practical experience in progressive organizations leading communication, public relations and media relations 
• BS/BA in Communications, Journalism, Business, Economics, Public Relations or equivalent; MS/MBA preferred 
• Dynamic leadership skills Strong and versatile oral and written communication skills
• Interpersonal skills 
• Financial communications experience 
• Digital and social communications expertise 
• Excellent organizational, project management and problem-solving skills 
• Media relations and agency management skills 
• Able to work well in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, and able to remain calm under pressure