Public Relations Communications Specialist

Job Summary:

The Public Relations & Communications Specialist is responsible for managing the brand’s public image and ensuring consistent, compelling communication across all channels. This role develops and executes PR strategies, manages media relations, supports internal and external communications, and protects the brand’s reputation in a fast-paced, high-visibility QSR environment. The ideal candidate is a strong storyteller, highly responsive, and skilled at navigating both proactive and reactive communications.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Public Relations & Media Management

• Develop and execute PR strategies that increase brand awareness and support business objectives
• Build and maintain relationships with media, influencers, and community partners
• Draft and distribute press releases, media pitches, and brand announcements
• Coordinate media opportunities, interviews, and press events

Brand Communications

• Ensure consistent brand voice and messaging across all platforms
• Create and edit content for websites, email campaigns, social media, and in-store messaging
• Partner with marketing and operations to support product launches, promotions, and campaigns
• Maintain communication calendars and content plans

Reputation & Crisis Management

• Monitor brand sentiment across media, social platforms, and review sites
• Respond to public-facing issues in partnership with leadership
• Support crisis communication planning and execution
• Develop response frameworks and messaging guidelines

Internal Communications

• Develop communications to support employees, franchisees, and leadership
• Create internal announcements, newsletters, and operational updates
• Ensure alignment between corporate messaging and in-store execution

Community & Brand Engagement

• Support local store marketing and community outreach initiatives
• Coordinate partnerships, sponsorships, and events that enhance brand visibility
• Represent the brand at community or industry events as needed

Analytics & Reporting

• Track PR performance, media coverage, and campaign effectiveness
• Monitor key metrics such as brand sentiment, engagement, and reach
• Provide insights and recommendations to improve communication strategies

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Media savvy and relationship-building skills
• Crisis management and sound judgment
• Brand storytelling and message strategy
• Attention to detail and adaptability
• Collaboration and cross-functional partnership

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or related field is required
• Two to five years of experience in PR, communications, or brand marketing (QSR, retail, or hospitality preferred)
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills
• Experience with media relations and press outreach
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of standing or sitting may be required
• Flexibility to respond to urgent communications needs during and outside of standard business hours
• Occasional travel for events, media opportunities, or store visits

Additional Information

• Our client offers competitive salaries, bonuses, medical/dental/vision insurance, prescription drug coverage, 401(k) plan (after 12 months of employment), sick pay, PTO and holiday pay, profit sharing plan (after 90 days of employment), annual food & beverage allowance (prorated for hire date), and company discounts of 30%.

A job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

All candidate information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.