Overview

At F.H. Furr, we care deeply about our relationship with the community, both internal and external. We’re seeking a Community Relations Specialist to help us maintain and nurture these relationships in our company and beyond. This role will support our Maryland and Delaware regions. 

Our ideal team member will have excellent organizational, communication, and writing skills, but also the ability to foster positive relationships with both individuals and organizations. You’ll be the principal ambassador for the organization, often speaking internally and publicly – delivering the company’s vision within the local community. 

Objectives of this Role 

• Develop a strategy to build and maintain programs and activities that will have a positive impact on the community 
• Build and maintain relationships with members of the community, key individuals, and other organizations 
• Serve as a key point of contact for neighboring businesses, institutions, and communities. 
• Be the principal ambassador for the organization, responsible for delivering the company’s vision within the local community 
• Primary point of contact for our locations in Maryland and Delaware. This involves communicating initiatives with general managers and office staff, ensuring that our locations have the materials needed to support on-site activations and more 

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities 

• Organize community outreach programs and coordinate special events that promote products, services, or ideas of the company 
• Draft and distribute various communications that promote the company, as well as individuals or groups within the company 
• Attend relevant events and activities to represent the company and build strong relationships with key community members 
• Respond to inquiries from community members and other interested parties – when needed, recruit a knowledgeable spokesperson or information source to assist. 
• Build cross-functional relationships within the company and promote. 
• Work with the Marketing Campaign Manager to support social media content plans and virtual groups to enhance the online profile of the company 
• Attend community events throughout the Maryland and Delaware region. On occasion travel to Virginia to support initiatives in those regions as well as attend all-hands meetings 
• Act as the “public face” of the company in and around the communities 
• Manage all corporate sponsorships in the assigned area* including, but not limited to; sports teams, HOAs, youth organizations, schools, and nonprofits 
• Support Community Relations Manager to create & coordinate employee involvement events for the assigned area 
• Build & maintain employee volunteer programs in the assigned area 

• Support Community Relations Manager to order and maintain SWAG inventory for internal & external use 
• Act as an in-house marketing rep for the DE and MD branches 
• Help increase engagement and participation for internal and external community events from employees and general managers. 
• Update the website and monthly community newsletter with upcoming events/updates/employee highlights/etc.

Skills and Qualifications 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well as part of a team 
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage sensitive or controversial subjects with tact, kindness, and professionalism 
• Experienced and comfortable with capturing live event footage via a cell phone at community events and post to the Furr social channels on occasion 
• Problem solving and creative thinking when unforeseen issues arise with events such as inclement weather, lack of volunteers, event overlap, etc. 
• Strong judgement and analytical skills on assessing the ROI of a sponsorship or marketing cost. 
• Time management & organization skills needed to coordinate multiple events at once in advance 

Preferred Qualifications 

• At least two years of work experience in public relations and/or experience managing community engagement initiatives 
• B.A. in Marketing or Communications preferred. Will accept experience in lieu of. completed coursework in advertising, business administration, public affairs, public speaking, fundraising, and creative and technical writing will be considered as well 
• Proficient in Canva, Dropbox, Microsoft Office, or related writing and presentation software 
• Comfortable communicating with the teams through Microsoft Teams, as well as project manage through Monday.com (or similar tools) 

Benefits 

• A competitive compensation package 
• Company-sponsored Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans
• A comprehensive 401(K) Plan
• Company-provided Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance policies
• Access to short-term disability and optional life insurance coverage
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and a Holiday Plan
• A wealth of opportunities for professional development and career advancement