Communications and Public Relations Analyst III

Job Description
In this role, you will first and foremost be a creative storyteller that develops and executes external communications and public relations strategies through a variety of channels to accelerate company growth by promoting our business, mission, and values. This position centers on proactive engagement carried out with high emotional intelligence, building and nurturing relationships with national and industry media outlets, leading event management and speaking opportunities, and working in collaboration with ArcBest senior leadership and teams across the organization to deliver optimized messages that are critical for business growth. This role ultimately informs and educates key stakeholder groups about company news and initiatives, driving consistent messaging for the advancement of ArcBest's business goals and increased positive brand awareness.

Responsibilities

• Utilize high emotional intelligence, professionalism and executive presence, including the ability to maintain discretion to protect confidential information, across external communications functions.
• Develop and execute robust, multi-channel communications and PR initiatives across the organization's key stakeholder groups to advance ArcBest's owned, earned and shared strategies. Stakeholders include customers, employees, local, national and global media, investors, industry partners and organizations, local communities and the general public. Channels include press releases, emails, public speaking engagements, tradeshows and events, media outlets including broadcast, website and social media.
• Responsible for fielding, assessing and responding to media relations inquiries, crafting statements and nurturing relationships with key media and PR contacts including global outlets such as CNBC, Bloomberg and others.
• Responsible for essential research and/or interviews with executive leaders to prepare draft communications for high-level media and PR initiatives.
• Manage multiple elements of external communications to ensure alignment with and adherence to brand guidelines, including writing, proofreading and fact-checking.
• Serving as a subject matter expert for the organization's public relations platforms, manage communications for publishing to the news wire, including drafting, managing executive leadership review and scheduling press releases.
• Develop and execute an 'always on' media program, helping navigate the needs of the media and conducting outreach on behalf of the organization that aligns with and contributes to the master external communications editorial calendar.
• Vet, plan and manage proactive PR/media relations campaigns as part of the master external communications calendar including events and sponsorships, speaking engagements and brand partnerships. Manage event contracts and negotiate benefits/collateral for large sponsorship investments.
• Stay well informed of industry news, market trends and events, competitor activities and the company's overall public perception.
• Identify and analyze relevant topics as well as the appropriate channels and messaging to communicate with target audiences.
• Collaborate with departments across the organization as a communications coach to determine external communication needs, align with strategic goals, plan and execute appropriate written materials or related collateral.
• Analyze PR campaign performance, track media coverage and develop insights for senior leadership, including public engagement, demographics and timing.
• Create and maintain a complex repository of current and historical ArcBest external communications documentation, lists and libraries for compliance, reporting, monitoring and optimizing promotion.
• Other duties and projects, as assigned.

Requirements
Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in public relations, media relations, communications, marketing, or other related degree, preferred

Experience:

• 5 years Professional experience in communications, public relations, social media management or related field; or prior experience with logistics and/or transportation industry.

Computer Skills:

• Proficient with Microsoft Office, PR/shared media, and content management platforms (required).

Additional Requirements:

• High emotional intelligence and ability to maintain discretion and professionalism to protect highly confidential information.
• Strong familiarity of Communications and PR business applications, event management, sponsorship management and social media.

Competencies:

• Effective Communications
• Industry Knowledge
• Judgment and Decision Making
• Knowledge of Organization
• Managing Multiple Priorities
• Public Relations

Other Details
Work Hours:

• Generally, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday with occasional irregular hours depending on workload.

Travel Requirements:

• Occasional (25%-50%)

Compensation:

• This is a salary position paid biweekly.

About Us

ArcBest is a multibillion-dollar integrated logistics company that’s helped businesses build better supply chains for over a century. With 14,000 employees across 250 campuses and service centers, we connect owned assets, a broad brokerage network and innovative technology to deliver end-to-end supply chain solutions for customers around the world.

Our people make the difference. From customer service and operations to technology, sales and logistics professionals, every employee plays a role in supporting customers and solving complex logistics challenges. It’s the kind of people-first culture that’s earned recognition as a Best Company to Work For by U.S. News & World Report and one of America’s Best Employers for Company Culture by Forbes.

At ArcBest, you’re part of a team grounded in our core values: Creativity, Integrity, Collaboration, Growth, Excellence and Wellness. Whether you’re starting your career or bringing years of experience, you'll find opportunities to learn, grow and make an impact.