Associate Manager, Public Relations - Wine & Spirits

Job Description:

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Associate Manager, Public Relations – Wine & Spirits will support Constellation Brands’ Wine and Spirits PR & Brand team and be responsible for developing and executing programs that elevate perception, increase awareness and drive strategic messaging for Constellation’s portfolio of brands. Responsibilities include brand public relations, media and critic relations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the PR managers, internal Brand Marketing team and agency partners to develop and implement compelling fine wine brand narratives to be executed across consumer channels.
• Collaborate with internal Brand Marketing teammates and external PR agency partners to develop and execute comprehensive Brand PR programs that increase consumer awareness, stimulate trial, drive tourism, and drive revenue growth for brands within the company’s portfolio, as well as new product innovations.
• Support the development of strategies that drive awareness, tourism and consumer acquisition for wineries and visitor centers.
• Collaborate with PR agencies that support in building / executing Brand PR programs, partnerships and events, while delivering results on time and on budget that help drive the company’s success.
• Engage in effective media relations by maintaining/building relationships with key trade, consumer and business media outlets / reporters; identify opportunities to garner positive media coverage and working with PR agencies to plan, pitch and target media outlets / reporters; prepare company spokespeople for media interviews; and develop press releases, talking points and media lists as needed.
• Collaborate with PR Managers to partner with winemaking team, brand partners and agency partners to develop and execute scores & accolades strategy.
• Collaborate with PR Managers to ensure message consistency and alignment with Constellation’s overall communications program and strategic direction.

• Cultivate strong working relationships with cross-functional (e.g. Sales, Marketing, Media & Influencer, Content, Operations, HR, Growth, Event Marketing, etc.) to provide communications support.
• Support the PR team through organizational and administrative support aligned with strategic priorities, including press coverage/score and accolade monitoring and reporting, budget tracking, agency/vendor management, sample requests, meeting coordination, material development, etc.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Understanding of the Luxury space and Luxury marketing and Public Relations

• Understanding of the fine wine and spirits consumer as well as demographic segments

• Experience in public relations, earned media relations, partnerships, events and other evolving platforms

• Professional maturity and executive presence

• Ability to interact effectively with leaders at all levels of the organization

• Self-starter who takes initiative to proactively own and drive efforts

• Results-oriented, with the ability to deliver results that impact business performance

• Superior organizational, planning, project and time management skills

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage change

• Ability to prioritize, juggle multiple priorities, and meet deadlines while delivering high quality work

• Ability to appropriately handle confidential / proprietary information

• Superior writing, editing, oral and interpersonal communication skills

• Business and financial acumen

• Operate with the highest level of ethics and integrity

• Thorough proficiency in Microsoft Excel; MS Word, MS PowerPoint required

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS/BA degree in communications, public relations, journalism or a related field

• 2-4 years experience in public relations, marketing or related function

• Experience in luxury consumer goods category, preferably brands with retail/hospitality footprint

• WSET 2 or equivalent certification required

• Event production / management experience a plus

• Proven experience managing / maximizing effectiveness of external agencies

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/OTHER:

• Ability to lift approximately 45lbs on occasion

• Work in a normal office environment. Sit at a workstation for up to 2 hour intervals.

• Must be flexible in work style and schedule: travel up to 15%

• Weekend and evening availability at times. Some travel required between wineries, to off-site meetings and events and out-of-area events.