The VP Communications is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive and strategic communications plan that enhances Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. ("the Company") and adjacency businesses - brand, reputation, and stakeholder engagement. This role will oversee all internal and external communications functions, including media relations, investor relations, crisis management, teammate communications, social media, and sustainability messaging.

The VP Communications will develop strategy and consistent messaging across all external communications outlets, such as websites, sponsorships, promotions, social media platforms, community engagement, and media statements. They will develop assets such as TV ads, collateral, audio, and video to promote the Company, our portfolio, and our community engagement. Develop strategy and messaging for all teammate communications, including strategically positioning key messages to teammates, increasing reach of communications to all teammates, support teammate engagement through effective communications, and creating and delivering Purpose and Values messaging to enhance Company culture. The role will also be designing messaging and graphics for HR to increase teammate recruitment, retention, and career development.

The VP Communications will act as spokesperson for the Company for media and other public audiences and must have the ability to develop strategic and diplomatic messaging on sensitive issues, deliver persuasive communications to reporters and other public audiences, and manage strategic communications functions for the Company. This includes communications strategy for messaging to 17,000 teammates across a broad territory, collaborating with The Coca-Cola Company and other Bottlers, and managing executive communications.

• Lead the development and implementation of a proactive and integrated communications strategy that aligns with the Company's Purpose, Values, and business objectives.
• Develop communications plans to raise awareness of Coke Consolidated' s key objectives with targeted external audiences and critical stakeholders.
• Act as spokesperson for the Company with media in person, at events, and in press releases.
• Develop and execute comprehensive media plans for community events, programs, and business initiatives.
• Lead organizations media response to crisis situations.
• Proactively pitch media to promote Company activities and support business goals.
• Coordinate as appropriate with NAOU, Bottler Media Relations teams, ABA, State Associations, and other industry partners.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key media outlets, journalists, analysts, key stakeholders, and industry associations; produce and distribute press releases and related media materials.
• Keep all public communications assets accurate and up to date (ex: corporate website, social media channels, and other public listings).
• Act as the company's spokesperson and chief storyteller, ensuring consistent and compelling messaging across all channels and audiences.
  • Manage paid advertising across broadcast and streaming television, as well as social and digital media.
  • Develop templates, style guides and repositories of Company approved graphics, documents and presentations
• Oversee the preparation and delivery of quarterly earnings releases, annual reports, investor presentations, and other financial communications.
• Monitor and manage the company's reputation and crisis communications, anticipating and mitigating potential risks and issues.
• Drive the development and execution of innovative and engaging teammate communications programs that foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and recognition.
• Share communications data strategy and results.
• Facilitate the strategic management and execution of the Company's internal communications technology.
• Collaborate with business leaders to identify key objectives and communications plans to achieve them
• Manage and mentor a team of communications professionals across various disciplines and locations.
• Ability to strategically assess media environment and execute ways the Company can stay current, effective, and innovative.
• Manage any media or public relations vendors necessary to achieve communications goals.

• Proactive individual with excellent writing, verbal and relational skills

• Excels in writing various complex messaging materials, on deadline and with complete accuracy

• Strong public speaking skills to engage with media and other public audiences

• Must have ability to develop strategic and politically savvy messaging on sensitive issues, deliver persuasive communications to reporters and other public audiences, and manage strategic communications functions for the Company. Ability to make decisions in a timely fashion with a clear understanding of possible company exposure

• Demonstrates a positive/professional demeanor and collaborates well with other leaders and executives

• Possesses excellent planning and organizational skills

• Possesses ability to communicate with all levels of the organization

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in communications, preferably in a publicly traded company or a communications agency.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful communications strategies and campaigns that deliver measurable results.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft and deliver clear, concise, and compelling messages for various audiences and channels.
• Strong media relations skills, with established contacts and credibility with national and trade media outlets.
• Strategic and creative thinker, with the ability to anticipate and solve problems, and adapt to changing situations and priorities.
• Collaborative and influential leader, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a high-performing team.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior executives, board members, investors, teammates, and external partners.
• Highly ethical and professional, with the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Embraces the company's mission, vision, and values.
• Agility to provide communication guidance for change management and culture change initiatives.

• Master's degree preferred.

• Office environment

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