What are the responsibilities and job description for the VP, Communications and PR position at Build-A-Bear?
At Build-A-Bear we believe in the power of imagination, creativity, and memorable experiences. Our mission is to add a little more heart to life by creating unique experiences, lasting connections, and beloved memories that create lasting emotional connections. We are a multi-channel, site-based experience and entertainment company, with diversified categories and consumer segments. We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic VP, Communications and PR to join our dynamic team.
Build-A-Bear's VP of Communication and PR plays a pivotal role in shaping the brand's reputation, influencing perception, and driving customer engagement. Through strategic communication plans, they ensure consistent messaging that strengthens brand loyalty, aligns internal and external teams, and positions the company as a market leader.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop and execute a comprehensive communication and public relations strategy that aligns with the organization's business strategy helps drive revenue growth
Lead and manage the team in executing the strategy
Stay informed about evolving trends and adapt to emerging opportunities, ensuring the brand stays relevant
Provide guidance on corporate messaging, announcements, and leadership visibility
Build positive relationships with media outlets, influencers, and industry stakeholders
Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless alignment of PR efforts
Act as the primary spokesperson for Build-A-Bear
Manage media and agency relationships
Develop and implement a crisis management strategy to deal with sudden ad significant negative events, while maintaining business continuity
Properly plan and manage the marketing budget
Provide strategic leadership by anticipating, planning, and driving meaningful change
Lead, mentor, and inspire the Communications / Public Relations team
Manage stakeholder communications
Leverage data-driven insights to develop campaigns that increase brand awareness and drive growth
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in communications or a related field such as Public Relations, Business Administration, or Journalism
Minimum 10 years' management experience in public relations, corporate communications, or media relations
Expert in technical writing, formatting, and proof-reading
Proficiency with Microsoft Office
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
MBA or Master's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, or Marketing
10 years management experience in a public relations agency or similar
BEHAVIORAL TRAITS FOR SUCCESS:
Leads with a confident extraverted style that can enliven, engage, and positively impact individuals and groups
Driven to achieve outstanding results
Enjoys meeting and interacting with new people
Displays strong initiative and self-direction
Comfortable making rapid decisions in ambiguous situations
Motivated to build high-performing people and teams
Maintains a positive outlook when encountering challenging circumstances
Thrives in creating a fun and interactive experiences
Able to remain calm under pressure
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Typical office environment with climate control and sufficient lighting, ergonomic desk/chairs
Hybrid work schedule
Corporate Office located St. Louis, MO
Limited Domestic Travel
YOUR PERFORMANCE WILL BE MEASURED ON:
Your performance will be measured by your ability to achieve annual department objectives and corporate goals which include but are not limited to the following.
Decision-making and judgment
Creation, support, and development of a high-performing team
Deadlines, Accuracy, and Quality
Representing Build-A-Bear in a way that aligns to our mission, vision, and values
Ability to communicate with a clear vision and align teams
Use of resources
Collaboration
Narrative development
Consumer engagement
Ability to spot and mitigate risk
Crisis management
Market influence
Stakeholder Feedback
Build-A-Bear's VP of Communication and PR plays a pivotal role in shaping the brand's reputation, influencing perception, and driving customer engagement. Through strategic communication plans, they ensure consistent messaging that strengthens brand loyalty, aligns internal and external teams, and positions the company as a market leader.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop and execute a comprehensive communication and public relations strategy that aligns with the organization's business strategy helps drive revenue growth
Lead and manage the team in executing the strategy
Stay informed about evolving trends and adapt to emerging opportunities, ensuring the brand stays relevant
Provide guidance on corporate messaging, announcements, and leadership visibility
Build positive relationships with media outlets, influencers, and industry stakeholders
Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless alignment of PR efforts
Act as the primary spokesperson for Build-A-Bear
Manage media and agency relationships
Develop and implement a crisis management strategy to deal with sudden ad significant negative events, while maintaining business continuity
Properly plan and manage the marketing budget
Provide strategic leadership by anticipating, planning, and driving meaningful change
Lead, mentor, and inspire the Communications / Public Relations team
Manage stakeholder communications
Leverage data-driven insights to develop campaigns that increase brand awareness and drive growth
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in communications or a related field such as Public Relations, Business Administration, or Journalism
Minimum 10 years' management experience in public relations, corporate communications, or media relations
Expert in technical writing, formatting, and proof-reading
Proficiency with Microsoft Office
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
MBA or Master's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, or Marketing
10 years management experience in a public relations agency or similar
BEHAVIORAL TRAITS FOR SUCCESS:
Leads with a confident extraverted style that can enliven, engage, and positively impact individuals and groups
Driven to achieve outstanding results
Enjoys meeting and interacting with new people
Displays strong initiative and self-direction
Comfortable making rapid decisions in ambiguous situations
Motivated to build high-performing people and teams
Maintains a positive outlook when encountering challenging circumstances
Thrives in creating a fun and interactive experiences
Able to remain calm under pressure
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Typical office environment with climate control and sufficient lighting, ergonomic desk/chairs
Hybrid work schedule
Corporate Office located St. Louis, MO
Limited Domestic Travel
YOUR PERFORMANCE WILL BE MEASURED ON:
Your performance will be measured by your ability to achieve annual department objectives and corporate goals which include but are not limited to the following.
Decision-making and judgment
Creation, support, and development of a high-performing team
Deadlines, Accuracy, and Quality
Representing Build-A-Bear in a way that aligns to our mission, vision, and values
Ability to communicate with a clear vision and align teams
Use of resources
Collaboration
Narrative development
Consumer engagement
Ability to spot and mitigate risk
Crisis management
Market influence
Stakeholder Feedback
