Baltimore, MD:Public Relations Senior Manager/Sylvan Learning Centers

Requisition Number : 1746373
Location : Baltimore, MD
Sylvan Learning Centers

Job Description: Public Relations Senior Manager

Summary

The Public Relations Senior Manager will define and implement an overall communications strategy that integrates the Corporate and Franchisee perspectives. This individual will communicate with the press on company/industry news and Franchise news/issues, develop an integrated strategy to launch new products and services to consumers and develop relationships with influential groups like the Education community. The PR Senior Manager must be a results driving professional with the ability to work with the Product Development and Marketing teams to create stories worthy of media attention (consumer and education/business media) to promote the growth of the company.



The PR Senior Manager is also responsible for enabling centers to execute public relations in their territory through management of the Grassroots Media Portal and customizable local press releases for franchisees to use. They will facilitate communications with Sylvan Prospects by managing consumer facing communications including monthly email newsletters, and the yearly magazine. Additionally, the PR Senior Manager has the responsibility of Corporate to Franchisee communications including bi-monthly newsletters management, monthly CEO communications, and web-based communications.


The position will report to the Senior Director, Brand and Customer Acquisition and also work directly with the Senior Director, Relationship Marketing.



Job Responsibilities:

· Develop and lead effective PR campaigns that garner increased media attention for Sylvan, including national coverage.

· Must be able to clearly articulate PR requirements needed for success and communicate / work with internal clients to ensure delivery of these tools to support communication efforts.

· Integrate public relations activities into overall integrated marketing campaigns to support business objectives and collaborate with other cross-functional departments.

· Manage media inquiries as well as provide proactive media relations programming (launches, creative campaigns, medial calendar, rapid response, etc.).

· Manage local PR tools for franchisee use, including franchisee ePortal, local, consumer facing press releases on relevant education topics, and media training support.

· Manage Social Media properties from a PR response perspective, working with a Content Communications Manager on overall Social Media strategy.

· Provide direction and guidance to PR agency/free lancers to implement day to day PR activities.

· Handle diverse communication responsibilities including media, franchisee, and internal audiences.

· Handle crisis communications for the brand, including any issues with local franchisees and local press.

· Conduct regular audits of / reports of competitors’ PR efforts and other PR related research projects.

· Manage PR related budget.

* Develop programs for and build relationships with Federal, State and local governments and national educational institutions to build Sylvan’s image with these key influential groups




Job Description: Public Relations Senior Manager (page 2)



We Require:

* Bachelors Degree in public relations, marketing, communications or related field.
* 10+ Public Relations experience, agency experience strongly preferred.
* Demonstrated experience developing and implementing PR strategies used to help solve business problems and/or create business opportunities.
* Must have B2B and B2C industry experience.
* Ability to be a player and a coach; not just a senior strategist.

· Experience utilizing social media networks in PR strategy

* Excellent oral and written communication skills; must possess superb presentation skills
* Must be an analytical with strong problem solving skills
* Self-motivated, comfortable and effective working in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment; he/she must be flexible and adapt quickly to shifting priorities.
* Strong business acumen and proactive attitude
* Prior experience managing a PR team preferred
* Experience working with bureaucracy (government or foundations) to build programs that are mutually beneficial