Communications Manager - Sustainability

Position Summary:

Costco’s Global Sustainability and Compliance team is responsible for ensuring that we are doing the right thing for our members, our employees, our suppliers, our shareholders, our communities and the environment while being mindful of our impact on our people and the world. The Global Sustainability Communications Manager is responsible for communicating to various stakeholders (including members, employees, shareholders, suppliers, investors) about Costco’s global sustainability and compliance efforts. More specifically, this position oversees all external-facing touchpoints regarding our sustainability initiatives (e.g., the Sustainability Commitment website, the Connection articles, social media posts, and Costco Today articles pertaining to sustainability) as well as internal messaging (e.g., intranet, management presentations, educational programs). This individual will be responsible for crafting and aligning our message globally, supporting the company and its employees in learning about our sustainability initiatives, and reporting our progress externally and internally.

Job Duties & Essential Functions:

• Project manages the annual Sustainability Commitment update, which involves tracking process, coordinating across relevant stakeholders, holding teams accountable to deadlines, and working with various departments including merchandising, operations, internal audit, HR, legal, and financial accounting.
• Oversees our Costco intranet page for sustainability to ensure our communication across our groups internally is clear and that resources and training tools are made readily available.
• Writes content and design layouts to best communicate the company’s story around sustainability for the Commitment & the Costco Connection.
• Manages the reporting process for updates on our progress with accuracy.
• Executes on messaging strategy and align messaging across our various international groups. Oversee our messaging to ensure we tell a consistent story across the company and externally.
• Monitors exposure (e.g., clicks, site traffic) and propose ideas to generate increased traffic to the Commitment website.
• Reviews Connection articles that mention sustainability to ensure claims are accurate and no greenwashing is occurring.
• Works with our front-end web developers to implement changes (both content and UI) to the Commitment website.
• Edits and proofread the Sustainability Commitment, the Connection, and any social media campaigns.
• Develops and execute on a strategy and plan for social media engagement around Costco’s efforts on sustainability.
• Develops long-term strategy for overall GSC Communications extending into Buyer Education, Member Engagement, etc.
• Becomes deeply immersed and aware of all aspects of our sustainability efforts.
• Regular and reliable workplace attendance at your assigned location.

Experience, Skills, Education & Licenses / Certifications

Required:

• Excellent computer skills - fluency in Google Suite, MS Office.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• 3-5 years of relevant work experience (at minimum).
• Ability to work in fast-paced environments and strong prioritization skills.
• Passion for topics in sustainability, environmental conservation, human rights, ethical sourcing.

Recommended:

• Degree in Sustainable Agriculture or similar.
• Experience in editorial & writing.
• Experience in sustainability, supply chain, or sourcing is a plus.
• Good knowledge of Costco merchandising philosophy, buying, and warehouse operations.
• Positive, mature, professional attitude with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to adapt to constantly changing priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to articulate complex topics in a clear way, as well as to present, explain, and discuss them within all levels of the organization.
• High School Diploma or GED preferred.